Tip of the Day Tuesday

Quick Resume Fixes

1. E-mail address
It is critical that your e-mail address be both professional and simple. "Partygirl7" or "masterhacker9" may lead some employers to question your credibility or commitment to your search. Long addresses or those that use a long series of numbers invite an employer to question your sense of judgment. Sticking with just your name is usually best.

2. List phone number with professional greeting
You may think that your 3-year-old's rendition of 'Itsy Bitsy Spider' is an adorable greeting for your outgoing voice message, but a prospective employer might not agree. Record a professional greeting on your answering machine instead.

3. Edit, edit, edit!
Nothing will kill your chances for an interview faster than a resume or cover letter with an error. Such mistakes give the impression that you are not detail-oriented and that you do not take pride in your work. Spell check and proof-read! Usually getting a friend to read through helps as well.

4. Exclude personal data/hobbies
Whenever you introduce personal data on your resume, you create an opportunity for bias. Information about a religious or political affiliation could also slant someone's opinion of you. It's always best not to include any personal information altogether.

5. Stay clear of templates
Boring! Nothing says "cookie cutter" applicant like a template resume. None of the information jumps out at the reader. The goal of your resume is to present your qualifications in a unique and memorable way.

6. Check resume margins
Margins should be at least one inch all around. If you make your margins smaller, parts of your document may be cut off when it is printed, copied, or faxed.

7. Length
The rule of thumb for resume length is one page for every 10 years you have worked; but this is just a guideline. However, if your greatest accomplishments occurred 10 years ago and aren't showcased until page three, consider a section on page one with the heading "Selected Accomplishments."

8. Look for too little or too much white space
Too little: White space is important on a resume. A resume without white space suggests clutter and chaos.
Too much: Some people make the mistake of creating a resume that is a page and a half or a page and three lines on the second page. That's a lot of white space and it gives the impression that you've run out of things to say.

9. Check consistency
The visual image your resume conveys is paramount. Using bullets, capitals, italics, and boldface type are all techniques for making key information stand out. Whatever formatting styles you choose, strive for consistency.

10. Drop "references available upon request"
Writing the statement "References available upon request" is dated and unnecessary. Save the space for something more interesting.

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