Your resume is often the first impression you make with a potential employer. That's why it is important to make it stand out on several levels. You can Google resume templates if you need help getting started, but keep the following recommendations in mind as you customize your resume.
It is critical that your resume is easy to read; properly formatted; and free of typos and grammatical errors. Take time to tweak your resume for each job application. Use key words from the job description and highlight the qualifications you possess that are relevant to the job.
Readability
Try to limit your resume to one page. Multiple pages can become cumbersome to the reader. Standard margins are one inch all around, but you can increase or decrease margins slightly if you require more or less space for your content.
Choose an easy-to-read font such as Ariel, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Tahoma or Garamond. These fonts are clean and professional-looking. Only if you are applying for positions in graphic design, marketing or social media should you consider a more creative font. Font size for text should be 10 to 12 points. Sub-headings should be 12 to 16 points (at most). Make subheads bold to stand out and break up the text.
Employers should be able to review your resume in just a minute or two, so avoid long paragraphs. Instead, use bullet points to list job duties, skills, etc. You can use lines to separate sections, but other graphic elements can be distracting.
Formats
The traditional resume format is chronological, but some job seekers prefer a functional format for their resumes. Either way, your resume should start with your name, email address and phone number at the top of the page. A home address is not necessary.
The main sections of a chronological resume are usually presented as follows:
Objective or summary statement – This has become popular, but is not necessary unless you
have specific skills or a career track you want to highlight.
Professional experience or work history – List your current (or most recent) job first, followed by previous jobs. Include the name of your employer, your title, dates of employment and a list of key duties/responsibilities for each position. If you achieved certain goals or received awards in previous jobs, you can list those here too.
Education – Start with your highest level of education. Include the name and location of the school or university and the degree you earned. You can also include licenses and certifications you may hold.
Skills – This section is a simple bullet point listing. If you are proficient in specific software, equipment or machinery, list those skills in this section. Other skills might include things like customer service, money handling or public speaking. You can also include personal traits such as creativity, attention to detail, time management or problem solving. If you are fluent in another language, note that, too. Limit your list to a maximum of eight skills.
Professional affiliations – This is optional, but if you are involved in professional organizations that are relevant to your work experience, it may be beneficial to include them. You can also include organizations where you serve as a volunteer or board member.
You may opt for a functional resume format if your feel your qualifications are better presented as types of skills rather than jobs you've held. In this section, list skill areas such as customer service, management, bookkeeping, patient care and sales. Under each skill, provide specifics about your experience and accomplishments. Include a short version of your work history following the skills section.
Spell check and grammar check
Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs have spell and grammar check features. But don't stop there. Ask a trusted friend or relative to review your resume. They may have valid suggestions and corrections.
Print out a copy and be sure it appears on paper as it does on your computer screen. Finally, save your document as a PDF. A Word or Google document that is emailed may not appear the way you created it. Different computers and software may read fonts and spacing differently. A PDF ensures that employers will see your resume exactly as you designed it.
Final tip
When you begin your job search, do not limit yourself to only those jobs where you meet all the requirements. If you have most of the qualifications, throw your hat in the ring. Usually, the job requirements are an employer's wish list, and they understand candidates may not have every qualification. They also may be open to training you on the one or two skills you are missing.
Jean Campbell is a Springfield writer and former human resources professional.
