Designing an eye-catching resume is
one of the most important steps you will take in your search for
employment. However, balancing information and layout is important.
The idea is to present a visually appealing, easy-to-read picture
of your skills and experience.
To help you do this, here are 6
common mistakes you should avoid when developing your resume.
DON'T Be Artistic
Use one standard typeface
(no mixing) in traditional 10 to 12 point font size. You can go
as large as 14 point for headings, but no larger. Avoid script or
other showy typefaces as well as paper with busy backgrounds, wild
colors or borders, unless your goal is to give the reader a headache.
Use plain, soft colors such as cream, white or even pale gray. And
by all means do not include your photo.
DON'T Focus Only on Responsibilities
Don't just put together
a long, boring list of things you've done, especially if every job
you've held has been similar in content. Kick it up a notch (thank
you, Emeril) by creatively expressing how your responsibilities
were important to the success of the department or company. Think
about what your accomplishments have been, even if you don't think
you've accomplished anything. Use action words to show that you
took action.
Instead of just saying, "Handled
customer service," say, "Established effective business
relationships with new and existing customers by quickly analyzing
problems and developing solutions."
DON'T Use Pronouns and Articles
Many people write resumes
using "I" to describe their responsibilities. Some even
take it a step further and write the resume from a third person
point of view. In this case they use "he" as if describing
a close friend or business associate. Whatever you do, don't use
"I", "me", or "he/she" in your resume.
In addition, avoid articles like "a", "an" and
"the".
Instead of saying, "I was responsible
for developing and implementing a new sales program that increased
our revenue by $50,000 annually." Say, "Developed and
implemented new sales program resulting in $50,000 annual revenue
increase."
DON'T List Irrelevant Non-Business
Information
The only information that
should be on your resume should be information that relates to your
ability to perform the job. Leave off hobbies, memberships in non-business
organizations, personal data (e.g. marital status, date of birth)
and anything else that doesn't apply to the position.
In addition, limit education to relevant,
college-level courses. Don't include high school or specialty training
(i.e. cosmetology school) unless it relates to the job or explains
a gap in employment.
DON'T Forget to Proofread
Typos are a dead giveaway
that you either have no attention to detail or don't know how to
spell. Either way, it's the wrong message to send. Make sure to
proofread your resume (and cover letter) before sending it. And
just to be sure, use spell check and have a friend or family member
review it.
DON'T Ramble On
Less is more. Limiting your
resume to one or two pages is still the standard. Resist the temptation
to describe everything you've done, especially if it doesn't apply
to the current opportunity. However, do not try to cram too much
information onto only one piece of paper. That means: find balance.
Communicate all pertinent information while still being mindful
of the reader's time.
On the other hand, do not leave off
vital information that relates to the position for which you are
applying. Instead, consider adapting your resume according to the
requirements of the position. This may mean you have more then one
resume, each with a different career slant or industry focus.- Deborah
S. Hildebrand
