How
to prepare a Resume?
Resumes
communicate best when the formatting presents information in a way that allows
the reader to almost instantly discern the overall structure of the document.
Margins
and white spaces communicate breaks in sections and should be used
appropriately. Break the resume into sections by using line breaks or white
space rather than lines or graphics. Additionally, choose at most two fonts.
While fonts present an opportunity to distinguish a resume, they should never
distract the reader or be difficult to read.
Emphasize
content on your resume with formatting rather than bold, italics or underlined
text. Bold and italic text can be used sparingly, but avoid using underlined
text. However bold and italic formatting appears on a resume, be consistent in
its utilization. For example, if it denotes titles or dates in one section of
the resume, use the same formatting for titles and dates that appear elsewhere.
Use
bullet point formats to communicate information quickly and clearly. Rather
than listing qualifications in prose or paragraph form, state them as clearly
and concisely as possible to allow the reader to quickly glean important
information. Bullet points also draw the eye, which helps important information
reaches the reader.
Different styles of
resumes:
The
main styles of resume formats are functional, chronological and combination.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each resume style, meaning the
subject should decide which style best meets his requirements and type of
experience. For example, functional resumes do not call attention to a person’s
age, while chronological resumes highlight the names of significant past
employers; a combination resume works well when making a career change.
A
functional resume focuses on strength and skills, and omits details such as
names, places and specific dates. This type of resume takes the emphasis off
gaps in employment or a spotty work history, but the content may also appear to
lack depth or give employers the impression there is something to hide.
A
chronological resume highlights work history in reverse order from most recent
to least recent. A chronological resume highlights steady employment and
professional growth, though it may call attention to gaps in the work history
and not emphasize skills clearly enough.
A
combination resume blends the strengths of a functional resume and a
chronological resume. This type of resume shows off upward mobility and a
strong employment record, while highlighting transferable skills that benefit
the potential position. A drawback is that this type of resume generally
occupies more than one page, and many employers never read that far.
Best fonts for a
resume:
The
best fonts for resumes are traditional and easy to read. Commonly used resume
fonts include Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri and Tahoma, according to
About.com. Resume fonts should be set to 10- or 12-point size to ensure maximum
readability. Larger sizes are acceptable for section headers but not for the
main body of text. Formatting features, such as bolding, underlining and
italics, should be used sparingly. When used for emphasis, it is important to
use them consistently throughout the document, states About.com. When a company
offers resume formatting guidelines, they should be followed even when they
contradict general advice.
Creative
industries, such as graphic design, offer more leeway in resume-font choices.
In these fields, typography is a more important element of the resume than in
other industries. A resume in a creative field must still be clear and readable
but need not restrict itself to the commonly used business fonts unless
requested by the company.
Not
all resumes are immediately read by humans. Computers scan resumes for the most
pertinent information without seeing the formatting, and some companies fax,
scan or photograph resumes to send elsewhere or for future use. Using fonts
that are not clear and legible can render the faxed and scanned versions more
difficult to read, even if the original is legible.
Good action verbs for
a resume:
Good
action verbs for resumes include "facilitated,"
"organized," "participated," "generated" and
"handled." Different action verbs are good for different contexts;
use the word only if it makes sense, as there are hundreds available. Using
action verbs helps avoid the passive voice when writing resumes.
Good
actions verbs for experience leading a project include "chaired,"
"executed," "operated" and "orchestrated." Good
action verbs for creating a project include "designed,"
"developed," "formulated" and "pioneered."
Describe saving a company money using words such as "conserved,"
"decreased" and "reconciled." Use words such as
"advanced," "achieved," "refined" and
"revamped" for procedure changes and increased efficiency.
Various
websites, such as TheMuse.com and CareerCenter.UMich.edu, list many more action
words for use in specific contexts. Use action word lists to keep action verbs
fresh, as hiring managers often see the same words on resume after resume.
Using
action verbs automatically keeps sentences in the active voice. The active
voice gives energy and life to a resume. It is much more interesting to employers
to read that a potential employee "formulated a new database in
Excel" than the passive "Excel was used to create a new
database." Using action verbs puts the resume writer in the action and
shows a positive, motivated approach. Focus on previous accomplishments and
virtues rather than simply laying out basic job descriptions or skill sets.
Where can you go to
get help with your resume?
Resume
Help offers examples of successful resumes, tips for improving a resume and resume
writing services. The Muse has a selection of 45 tips for successful resume
writing organised by the amount of time one can dedicate to changes. Resume
Help features over 100 free resume examples from professional writing partners.
They span a wide range of industries and professional levels, from student
intern to vice president. Their resume writing tips discuss critical
information employers look for and describes how to present one's most
marketable skills. The site also offers professional resume writing services
that provide a competitive edge and in most cases the cost of the service is
tax deductible.
The
Muse's listing of 45 resume writing tips cover a number of topics that would
normally seem standard. For example, the site recommends getting rid of the
Objective section of the resume altogether, claiming that it is redundant and
takes up valuable space. They also recommend not including an address, stating
that if an applicant is not local, recruiters might not look any further. If an
applicant is local, recruiters may take the commute time into account and turn
down the application if they think it would be too long. The site also features
a number of articles pertaining to job searches.
All
the Very Best
