8 Rules to Resume Righting

For years I kept a corkboard beside my desk. Amongst the notes and numbers, I posted my 'Resume of the Month'. 'Winners' were selected for colorful language ("I left this crap job for..."), massive spelling errors, serial-killer photos, unique hobbies ("I like electricity"), or the creative demonstration of all 18 hues available on then modern printers. These resumes were the worst of the worst but not completely unique. The competition was sometimes fierce. Many highly experienced professionals miss the purpose of a resume and seem to underestimate its importance.

A resume's goal is to incite enough interest by the employer that they contact you for further information. Nothing more. It is not a journal of your work history nor is it a forum for creative design and fancy word processing skills. Remember the KISS Method: Keep it Simple Sweetheart. You want your resume to demonstrate the most basic characteristics valued by a potential employer: clean, well organized, consistent, and easy to understand.

Rule One - Format is as important as content.

• Microsoft Word is the business standard - use it. If you don't have Word, you can obtain a 60 day trial directly from Microsoft.
• Use only black ink with an Ariel, Tahoma, or Verdana font.
• Size 11 font for the body of your text; 12 for headings (All caps) and contact information; 14 for your name( All caps).
• Display your name in bold at the top center of each page with contact info centered, also bold, below it. Do not put your name in the header - it can get lost in viewing.
• Bullets should be simple dots - nothing more.
• Do not underline text; only use italics when naming publications.
• Leave ample margins.
• Do not use tables; avoid columns.
• Two pages is best, three is acceptable.
• Page number and total pages should be in the footer. (Page 1 of 2)

Rule Two - Spelling must be impeccable.

• Check spelling and context (manger, manager; their, there, they're...)

Rule Three - Customize your resume prior to each submittal.

• Tailor the wording of your objectives and responsibilities to mimic that used in the company's job posting, website, or other materials.
• Move required tools and methods to a prominent position in your lists and name them where used with former employers.
• When using bullets to outline responsibilities, move your comparable experiences to position higher on the lists.
• Further emphasize like responsibilities by removing those that are not applicable to the position for which you are applying.

Rule Four - Choose contact information wisely.

• Create an email address that is a derivative of your name.
• Do not use the same email address you use for playtime!
• Use an address that you are certain to keep for at least 5 years. Resumes are stored electronically and kept forever. Yahoo, aim, gmail are better email choices than your Internet carrier. You may relocate or change carriers.
• Do not use your employer's email address!
• Put your home telephone number on your resumes. Avoid posting your cell phone number. You want to return calls when you're prepared, not while working or in the grocery store.
• Do not use your employer's telephone number!
• Clean up your voice messages; keep them warm and professional. Record the message yourself while standing and smiling.

Rule Five - Refrain from rambling.

• Create a master document that outlines every job, date, responsibility, accomplishment, method, tool, and training course and use it for your personal reference ONLY.
• Develop a basic resume that includes a brief objective, and lists the tools, industries, departments, and business processes with which you are experienced.
• List higher education with degree achieved - NO DATES!
• List employers chronologically with the most current listed first. Include dates, title, and a few bullets that describe broadly your responsibilities. (Remember, you'll customize as you go.)
• List only the most pertinent and current training courses, certifications, associations, and affiliations.
• Go back as far as applicable to your career today - generally 10-15 years. After you've gone back as far as necessary, make a reference such as 'Prior experience not applicable.'

Rule Six - Know your keywords and use them.

• Resume databases search on location, title, and keywords.
• The first person to screen your resume will be looking for key words. They may not know that 'coding' and 'developing' are essentially the same so vary your terms.
• Mainstream your titles, processes, and other verbiage to be less employer-specific. i.e. If a company used the title 'Leader', use the title 'Manager' or use the word 'Manager' when describing your responsibilities.
• Use full names of tools, methods, and employers and the acronyms by which they are commonly referred.

Rule Seven - Do not include personal information.

• No photos!
• No birth dates!
• No graduation dates!
• No hobbies (not even your passion for electricity)!
• No family information!
• Do not list your references! (And it is no longer necessary to state that they're available upon request.)

Rule Eight - Print and proof.

• Proofing online is not enough. Print it. Make sure the format is clean, and then let someone else read through it for you.
• Use quality paper stock for hard copies.

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression and nowadays that first impression will be viewed over and over for many years to come. Follow these 8 Rules to Resume Righting and you'll be a contender for the opportunity not the corkboard!

Send your comments, questions, and experiences to catherine@careertattle.com