A resume is the most important part of a job search. Since this is how candidates make their first impression on potential employers, it should be perfect.
The simplest way to start is to use one you already have. If it has been a while since it was written, it is time to renovate your resume.
The resume should be typed onto a computer to allow for easy manipulation of information through a word processing program. You may want to retype it if the only thing available is a hard copy.
Software which creates ASCII text files or Microsoft Word documents will be the most user-friendly to the recipient if the resume is to be uploaded to a website or e-mailed, so choose accordingly.
When the resume file is ready for renovation, use the following steps to improve the presentation.
-Start at the top. Check that the name and address are current and spelled correctly.
-Verify employment dates to previous entries. Be as accurate as possible with beginning and ending month and year.
-Add jobs to the resume. The most recent should be listed first, with the rest following in chronological order. Use the word “present” to denote the ending date if currently employed.
-Read each entry carefully. Is it accurate? Does it make sense? Change words that don’t fit, being careful not to repeat the same ones frequently.
-Look for grammatical errors and ways to improve readability. Except for present employment, revise all verbs in job descriptions to past tense.
Take out any unnecessary words. Those that do not create a picture of what the work truly involved do not need to be there. Duties unrelated to the core job performed and the one being applied for can be removed.
-Consider whether you need an objective. If so, put it beneath the name and address. If one already exists, decide whether it still applies and adjust wording as needed.
-Check the length. Resumes more than one page in length may be discarded by potential employers. Anything half a page or less should be longer. Double space between entries and consistently double or triple space between topics.
-Compare formatting for each entry and make it consistent. Adjust font size to 10 or 12 point, standard size of most business letter print. The body text should be single spaced. Choose a simple font style, such as Arial, Courier or Times New Roman. More elaborate typeface may be difficult to read and may not translate properly on someone else’s computer software.
-Print the resume on paper to see how it looks. Adjust spacing or font issues.
-Proofread from beginning to end. Use a dictionary to double check any unfamiliar words. Correct any punctuation or spelling mistakes.
-Give it to a friend or family member to read. A fresh set of eyes may pick up errors that you missed.
Once renovated, your resume should create a positive first impression and promote a candidate employers will want to hire.
Related Links:
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