5 tips for writing a stellar resume

Improve your chances for making a good impression on paper

No matter if you are seeking a new career, just taking a peek online to “see what’s out there” or happy where you are, at this very moment, your resume should be topnotch and ready for distribution. Too many people have hampered their career search by sending out dated resumes that haven’t been perused in years. Here are a few tips to prevent your resume from being dropped into the corporate shredder.

Stick with universal fonts

Appearance is everything. I enjoy uploading new fonts to my MS Office software weekly, but I urge you to not include 10 of your most favorite fonts when composing your resume. There is nothing worse than opening a resume that is misaligned. Stick to fonts that are compatible with the majority of computers or electronic devices. Times New Roman or Arial (with type size of nine to 12 point) are usually readable whether they are displayed on laptops, electronic tablets or smart phones.

Make it easy to be reached by phone

Make sure you have a phone that can store voice messages in case potential employers call while you’re away. Be mindful, too, of who is answering your phone. The babysitter, nanny or a distant relative might not be the best administrative assistant to accept your job calls. Recruiters do not need to know that you are in the bathroom or that you “ran to the store” and cannot come to the phone.

Evaluate your e-mail address

College nicknames, the pet name for your spouse or a truck-driver handle should never be part of the email address that appears on your resume. Open a new (free) e-mail account that includes some version of your first and last name. First name, last initial or even a portion of your area of expertise are permissible.  For example, jsmithengineer@XYZ.com is much more attractive than sexcime22@XYZ.com.

Organize info in reverse chronological order

Always list your most recent position first, work backward and be sure to include the jobs most relevant to the position you desire. Ensure that the dates of the positions are listed correctly, there are no gaps in employment, and the positions are identified by their correct titles. 

Point out your strengths

Your resume should highlight what you have accomplished in your career. You cannot include every task you completed from every employer, but you most certainly can indicate where you have made an impact. You have the pen in your hand, so write your way into the hiring manager’s office. Regardless of your career path, you should include the most quantitative and results-driven facts about your experience, such as, “Decreased facility spending by 38 percent” or “Established regional 60-day training program for all sales associates.” Let your potential boss know that you can take initiative and that you will add value to the company’s bottom line.

In general rule, your resume should be a maximum of two pages. You need not include hobbies, family demographics, favorite foods or the nonprofessional associations with which you are involved. Those things rarely add value to you, the professional. Employers want to see what you’ve managed to accomplish and you want to be invited for an interview. Don’t disqualify yourself with flamboyant or generic information. Instead, present yourself with enough professionalism that the recruiter or hiring manager will call you as soon as your resume reaches his or her desk.