Creating a resume can be very difficult. However, with some help and guidance, it can be very easy. I would like to think that I am very good at creating and improving resumes. When I was looking for jobs last year before I was about to graduate, I used the career office at my school very effectively and efficiently in my job search. I brought my resume there and had multiple people check and review it, and everyone said it was perfect (except for a few very minor errors).
Here are some tips for your resume:
- If you can, I would definitely have someone else review your resume. You might have read it 30 times, but another set of eyes never hurts.
- I heard that using a Gmail or school e-mail on your resume looks better than using an AOL or Hotmail account. I don't know if this is true (I used a hotmail, but I just recently switched to Gmail). In the article I read (I believe it was Daily Worth), it said that using an AOL or Hotmail account might come across as that you are not very tech savvy and/or might be older and stuck in a rut. I do not believe than an e-mail account could affect you this much, but like I said, I do not know.
- The rule that your resume needs to be one page does not always apply. My friend is in the anthropology field, and the longer her resume is, the better. Her resume is around 5 or 6 pages now.
- You should try to include references in your resume. Every place I applied at was very happy that I included my references along with each references' contact information in my resume because it made it much easier for them.
- If you potential employer asks for your GPA or academic standing, do NOT LIE! Employers can request your grades and do background checks, so I would not lie about anything.
- Create a cover letter to go along with your resume
- State a purpose or objective which specifically applies to the job you are applying to
- Don't use any pictures (unless of course you need a head shot for the job you are applying to)
If you have any other tips that you would like to add, please share.
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Anna says
August 16, 2011 at 2:04 amI think your pointers are right on! Most importantly, ALWAYS do a cover letter – even if they don't ask for it. I also think it's key to make your resume look results oriented – include numbers where you can (ex: I increased participation in blabla by 35% through blabla).
Shoe.Gal says
August 16, 2011 at 5:17 amI did resume editing in university and some are just horrible, full of spelling mistakes and other errors. One guy spelled his own name wrong! I totally agree with your points as well as Anna's comment about the cover letter.
Jen @ SheBloggs says
August 16, 2011 at 5:51 amWell said! I agree with a lot of the points you mentioned. As a Recruiter though, I can't say that I pay much attention to email accounts, as long as I can get in touch with candidates.I agree that a one page resume isn't a good fit for everyone, but I would stick to 2 pages and no more than that. Applying for jobs with references is tricky. Unless it's a reference letter, I don't recommend attaching contact information for references. You never know who where your resume will end up and having your references called 10 times a week is a sure way to annoy them. I would wait until I am nearing an offer before giving my references' contact info.
BTHappyHomeowner says
August 16, 2011 at 10:06 amI agree with all of this, except I personally don't list references on my actual resume. I come to the interview prepared with a "hire me" packet–extra copies of my resume and cover letter, transcripts, and a reference sheet (formatted to the same design as my resume). If these things are specifically requested or alluded to during the interview, I simply pull out whichever piece is needed. People have commented on my organizational skills–so I typically take that opportunity to parlay the comment into another selling point for why they should hire me (ie. I love to stay organized, especially with my paperwork, both personally and professionally, etc.).I also keep my resume to 2 pages tops–it requires some constant editing, but I've managed to find creative ways to pack it all in!
the rookie years says
August 16, 2011 at 10:13 amGreat tips! A solid resume is critical! I see, too often, poorly written resumes that will often cost people a job!
Michelle Parker says
August 20, 2011 at 6:32 pmThanks for the tips! Cover letters are very important! If you don't put the time and effort towards a cover letter, most employers will notice that.Thanks everyone for the information on references. Of course every place is different, and I agree that not putting your refernce list on your resume will probably be applicable in more instances than not.My resume was only 1.5 pages, with the second half page just being references. My friend with the 5 or 6 page resume is actually considered to have a very "light" resume in her field, so of course every field might be different. Typically though it's 1 to 2 pages.Thanks for everyone's input. Anyone else have any tips?