In this article, I will share with you my top 10 résumé tips based on my professional experience. Enjoy!
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TIP 1: Email Contact Information
Ensure your email contact information is professional. I recommend first name, last name, and email. Avoid nicknames or anything unprofessional . Additionally, please include your contact details! I’ve conducted many interviews in my professional career, and it baffles me when email addresses or phone numbers are left off a resume.
TIP 2: Give Your Resume a Facelift
Clean up your résumé so it isn’t too long, and include information relevant to the position. For example, having a skills section is great, but only include skills that show value to the potential employer.
TIP 3: Create Copies for Interviews!
Print copies of your résumé for the interview, and for an additional professional touch, use resume paper. Résumé paper can be found at your local office supply store.
TIP 4: Make Sure Your Resume is Easy to Read
Use bold font and bullets to allow certain facts to stand out. Most résumés are initially scanned very quickly. Therefore, take the time to think about the job you’re going after, and make your relevant skill sets standout in your résumé, but also ensure they’re easy to read.
TIP 5: Don’t Forget LinkedIn!
If you have a LinkedIn Account, add your profile URL to your resume. Many hiring managers use social media today to look for potential candidates. This is a quick and easy way for hiring managers to see your history, skills, network, and recommendations. TIP: You can even customize your public URL by following the instructions located here on the LinkedIn Help section: Click Here
TIP 6: First Things First
Focus most of your design effort on the top 1/3 of your resume — you have to capture the attention of the person reviewing your résumé quickly.
TIP 7: Highlight Your Wins!
Focus on your career or school ACCOMPLISHMENTS over responsibilities. Speak to results and how you delivered value to the organization. Don’t just call yourself a “results driven professional”, that doesn’t cut it anymore! Use metrics to quantify your results through examples, and make sure these are concise.
TIP 8: Use Power Words!
Begin each bullet with a power verb, such as: “Led”, “Created,”, “Managed,” etc. Then use three or so bullets to display quantifiable examples of your work.
TIP 9: Drop Your Home Address
For many years, I would submit my résumé and cover letter with my home address at the top. However, with the evolution of modern technology, there is no longer a need to put a home address on your résumé anymore. This was done in the past historically when résumés were mailed to potential employers. Additionally, if you add your home address, employers may judge you on commute times if you’re far away, or economically profile you based on your neighborhood. Only provide your home mailing address when asked.
TIP 10: Stop Using Older Font Faces
This last tip may seem minor, but it can really affect your résumé when piled up against others. Please stop using Times New Roman font. Give your résumé a facelift by using a more modern and sleek font face. Using antiquated font types will make you appear outdated.
I hope you enjoyed these tips! If you’re job hunting, continue to network, work on your brand, and show your potential employer why you’re different! If you need additional résumé help, feel free to email: info@elicitfolio.com
Great tips! It’s important to have a resume that stands out from the rest!
I made a resume before but didn’t really focus on all of this. Well, I already sent it to some companies but I still will fix it. Thank you for sharing!