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Resume Presentation
Layout
The layout of your
resume is key. The right credentials are only an asset if they are presented
well! It is essential that your resume appear clean, concise, and professional.
Experiment with bolding, italics, underlining, tabs, margin settings,
bullet points and other symbols, etc. to find the most neat and consistent
arrangement of your information. Make sure that you skip lines between
each section of your resume. This will provide open space on the page
that contributes to an overall neat and appealing presentation. A messy,
crammed, disorganized page immediately communicates a message (whether
true or not!) about the kind of worker you are. Remember, keep your
audience in mind. Tailor your resume to each position that you are applying
for. Ask yourself: How has my past qualified me for this particular
position? How can I emphasize these qualifications? See our Sample
Layouts for more help.
Writing Style
Your resume should
be concise and to the point. Employers don't have time to read lengthy
and overdone descriptions. Give them a fresh, honest look at who you
are. Your resume will be strengthened by carefully chosen words that
accurately and specifically capture you and your experience. Say a lot
with a few words. Be sure to include as much specific information regarding
your past performance as possible - number served, percent accomplished,
etc. Employers appreciate seeing these tangible proofs of previous successes.
Font
Your font should
be clear and easy to read. An intricate font will only discourage an
employer from reading about you. When an employer picks up your resume,
it should appear clean and professional.
Paper and Printer
Choice
Your resume should
be printed on paper that stands out. Choose a heavier stock than normal
printer paper, as well as a color that will subtly catch the eye. Do
not use bright colors - this will only make your resume hard to read.
A classy, but subtle gray or beige is appropriate. Use a laser or InkJet
printer, never a dot matrix.
Number of Pages
A resume is usually
around one page. As you progress in your career, a 1-2 page resume is
fine. Only exceed one page if you legitimately have information that
is essential for the employer to read. Don't move to two pages just
to include the baby-sitting jobs or lawn work that you did as a teenager.
Proofreading
Proofreading your
resume is absolutely essential! Errors will badly damage your credibility
before an employer. Have several people review your resume for any mistakes.
In addition, have a friend read it to determine if it accurately reflects
you, your skills, and experiences. It is also a good idea to have your
resume reviewed by someone in a field related to the one you're applying
for.
Prepare the
Way
Before you send your
resume, establish phone contact with the employer, if at all possible.
Tell them that you are interested in working for them, and that you
are sending your resume. When an employer can attach a previous conversation
to the resume he/she has just received, your chances of being considered
increase. You are somewhat "known," not a random stranger sending in
a resume. Sending one resume to an employer you have spoken with is
more effective than sending your resume to twenty employers you have
never talked to. Be willing to do the hard work and take initiative!
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