New Year, New Resume – Ten Tips to Make Yours Shine
As the New Year approaches, I’m getting a lot of questions about how to redo resumes.So here are some tips that, I hope, will be useful.
1. Format. The standard chronological format seems to be coming back. It’s easier to read and puts information upfront. Whatever format, you chose to use, make sure it is easy to read and not text heavy.
2. Typeface. Use a typeface that is easy to read and large enough so that it is easy to read on screen and in print.
3. Length. The “one-page” resume rule has disappeared in the communications field. If you have worked seven year’s or more, it is perfectly acceptable to have a two-page resume.
4. Content. Your resume is not your job description. This is one of the biggest problems I see. Highlight what you have done and what you believe will take you to the next position. A resume lists your employment history; it is not a laundry list of everything you do/did. Also make sure to include a one-liner about your company to further help to position yourself.
5. Objective/Summary. If you are looking for a particular job, then that is your objective. Your Summary is your elevator speech. It should be two to three lines giving a career overview. No fluff, just the facts. Remember, it’s OK not to have this on the top of your resume.
6. Education. Your education belongs on the bottom of your resume after your work experience. It should only be on the top of your resumes if you are looking for your first position or you are looking for a job overseas.
7. Languages. If you are fluent in a language (s) definitely note that on your resume. It can go after Education or, if you are looking for a position where you can utilize this language, you might consider putting it in your Summary.
8. Interests. Limit this to what you do now not what you did in college, etc.
9. References on Request. Putting this on the bottom of resumes is outdated and not necessary.
10. Addendums. If you have won a lot of awards, have terrific placements etc. that you want to highlight, consider using an Addendum page. You can bring this page with you during an interview to further highlight your accomplishments without over crowing your resume.
Everyone has their own likes and dislikes when it comes to resumes. Just remember that your resume is your personal advertisement and you need to be comfortable with it while making it easy to read and understand.
If you have other resume questions, just comment here and I’ll answer them for you. Let’s turn this into a dialog that helps you build your career in integrated marketing communications. That’s what I’m here for.
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veryhelpful!
just one spelling point – overcrowding with a “d”
Thanks for the catch!
Maria, This is a good refresher for mature job applicants and a good set of tips for younger workers as well. I discourage people seeking my advice from stating an Objective on their resume. Most employers are not concerned with the applicants objective. They have their own purpose as a priority. A resume should speak to that objective. It’s a good idea to list results achieved in a past or present position that support the employer’s needs.
What response did you get from HR managers to your question last week?
Thanks for the tips. I would add two suggestions:
1. Proofread carefully! I would not hire, even for an entry-level communications position, anyone who misuses apostrophes (“seven year’s”) or makes other basic errors. That might not matter in some fields, but PR pros at any level need impeccable language skills.
2. Maybe I’m clinging to tradition, but I believe it shows a deeper command of language to use the accents in “resume”–thoughsome online interfaces don’t make it easy.
Dan – I totally agree with proofreading (and not just using the computer’s spelling and grammar program).
However, on resume with the accent marks, I can’t even do that here on this site. I think it’s time to give up on that one:)