Since when did I become the resume expert?
It seems that more and more lately, I've become the 'resume expert' for most of the people I know. This comes off as a bit odd for me, as I really haven't had to use my resume for all that much since getting my current job. Still, I'm amazed at some of the very common mistakes that I keep seeing on resume after resume. So, here's some tips from the so-called 'expert'.
- Objectives: If you can't think of one that is general enough for all purposes, then modify it for each job you plan on applying for. If you are not actively looking for a job, and are just maintaining your resume, you can probably drop this. Try to word it in such a way that it doesn't exclude you from jobs. Try not to imply that you are looking for something temporary or as a stepping-stone to some other job/career/life ambition.
- New to the work world: Highlight your education and skills. These should be the primary things on your resume. Make special notice of coursework or other learned/aquired skills that may be of use in the working world. Think of non-paid work related experience you may have had. Have you volunteered? Babysat a relative? What computer experience do you have? Take an online typing speed test! Try to get 50+wpm. This is the standard for most office jobs. If you have had work before but it doesn't apply directly, include this after education and skills. Highlight important responsibilities and achievements with bullet points.
- Experienced workers Your work experience should be the first thing after your objective! Highlight your most recent job first. Bullet point responsibilities, accomplishments, and tasks using action words: 'Achieved record sales.' 'Handled customer service.' 'Maintained store facilities.' If you got promoted within the job, make sure to separate the responsibilities of each job so that potential employers can see your upward mobility. Have a section on skills which include computer proficiencies (typing speed, programs you use regularly) and other key work-related skills (task management, employee management, cash management, etc.). Education should be after all your work/skill related things.
Key Mistakes
- Spellcheck everything! Use proper English. Don't capitalize every word and use proper punctuation.
- "But I don't want a retail job..." This is an excuse a lot of people use for not including retail experience on their resume. You may not be actively looking for a retail job, but the things you did as part of this job are important. Cash handling shows responsibility. Customer service shows you can deal well with others in the work environment. Highlighting the things you did, even in a retail job, will help your resume look more rounded. Leaving this out makes it seem as if you didn't do anything at all as part of that job.
- Clutter: Make use of bullet points under each job/skill/education section. Use action words to draw attention (don't duplicate the same action words - and don't stretch too far with them either). Don't just lump everything together. Try this! Have someone glance quickly (10 seconds max) at your resume. They should be able to easily pick out key things you did that quickly. If they can't, or are having trouble reading through the wall of text, it's too wordy! Quick, concise, to the point is best!
P.S. I am not an 'expert' by any means. The tips offered here are from my own experience. If you don't agree with what I've written, that's fine. I'm just offering this up to help, as the last five resumes (yes, I've had that many people ask me for help) have had the same issues.
- Objectives: If you can't think of one that is general enough for all purposes, then modify it for each job you plan on applying for. If you are not actively looking for a job, and are just maintaining your resume, you can probably drop this. Try to word it in such a way that it doesn't exclude you from jobs. Try not to imply that you are looking for something temporary or as a stepping-stone to some other job/career/life ambition.
- New to the work world: Highlight your education and skills. These should be the primary things on your resume. Make special notice of coursework or other learned/aquired skills that may be of use in the working world. Think of non-paid work related experience you may have had. Have you volunteered? Babysat a relative? What computer experience do you have? Take an online typing speed test! Try to get 50+wpm. This is the standard for most office jobs. If you have had work before but it doesn't apply directly, include this after education and skills. Highlight important responsibilities and achievements with bullet points.
- Experienced workers Your work experience should be the first thing after your objective! Highlight your most recent job first. Bullet point responsibilities, accomplishments, and tasks using action words: 'Achieved record sales.' 'Handled customer service.' 'Maintained store facilities.' If you got promoted within the job, make sure to separate the responsibilities of each job so that potential employers can see your upward mobility. Have a section on skills which include computer proficiencies (typing speed, programs you use regularly) and other key work-related skills (task management, employee management, cash management, etc.). Education should be after all your work/skill related things.
Key Mistakes
- Spellcheck everything! Use proper English. Don't capitalize every word and use proper punctuation.
- "But I don't want a retail job..." This is an excuse a lot of people use for not including retail experience on their resume. You may not be actively looking for a retail job, but the things you did as part of this job are important. Cash handling shows responsibility. Customer service shows you can deal well with others in the work environment. Highlighting the things you did, even in a retail job, will help your resume look more rounded. Leaving this out makes it seem as if you didn't do anything at all as part of that job.
- Clutter: Make use of bullet points under each job/skill/education section. Use action words to draw attention (don't duplicate the same action words - and don't stretch too far with them either). Don't just lump everything together. Try this! Have someone glance quickly (10 seconds max) at your resume. They should be able to easily pick out key things you did that quickly. If they can't, or are having trouble reading through the wall of text, it's too wordy! Quick, concise, to the point is best!
P.S. I am not an 'expert' by any means. The tips offered here are from my own experience. If you don't agree with what I've written, that's fine. I'm just offering this up to help, as the last five resumes (yes, I've had that many people ask me for help) have had the same issues.