First and foremost, re-read a resume before sending it out. It takes a few minutes to proofread. Better yet, ask someone to take a second look at the resume to check for obvious spelling and grammatical errors. Employers do not want to hire someone who can’t be bothered to pay attention to detail.
Do not use "I" or other pronouns in a resume. The resume should be written in the third person. These next suggestions may seem obvious, but use an appropriate e-mail address and refrain from using colored, textured or designed paper. Resumes are for job seeking, not for social networking.
Next, resumes should be limited to a page. Any longer, and a resume could be passed over for the simple fact that it exceeded one page in length. All relevant information, with the exception of some resumes listing extensive technical skills, publications etc., should fit onto one standard page. It is acceptable to omit short-term employment, especially if it is not relevant to the position for which one is applying. Employment gaps are easier to explain compared to short employment stints.
Any jobs that fall outside a 10-year period should be left out as well. Anything over that timeframe may even hinder a job search as it will indicate age due to the length of time one has been in the workforce. The jobs that are deemed relevant should be added with concise descriptions. Potential employers do not need a play-by-play of a day in the life of a _________.
That being said, personal information, unless one is a model seeking out a modeling gig, should be excluded as well. Pictures, hobbies and interests should not clutter up a resume as they are inappropriate for a professional. Another way to highlight professionalism is to omit the negative. Turn a bad situation into a positive learning experience. Everyone has troublesome work experiences, but candidates can stand out from the crowd when they display real life problem-solving skills.
Keep everything in a resume completely factual. Not only is it important not to lie, but embellishing a resume can also be seen as bad practice. In today’s Internet-era, it is extremely easy for an employer to find out whether something on a resume is true or not. Even altering a job title can been seen as deceptive.
A well-written resume could be the difference between getting an interview and not even receiving a response to a resume. It can also raise the potential for landing a better paying job.
