I didn’t come up with these, I got them from someone in school, but I can’t remember who. But they’ve been pretty useful. Actually that’s not true at all. They’ve been completely un-useful for me because I’ve been running my own business and haven’t applied for a job since I received these. But they seem like they would be useful if the situation ever arose.
1. One page please
2. Access is important. Use white space, balance
3. Prepare from audience point of view. What does the recruiter see in my resume?
4. Be consistent. Use parallel format and parallel verbs. Be careful to check states, dates, bullet items, past/present tense to be sure they’re parallel.
5. Lead with your ace. Does your work descriptions support your objective in the best way possible?
6. Include name, address, phone number, and email address
a. Horizontal positioning uses space wisely
b. Avoid two addresses
7. If you include objective or professional interest, be brief
8. Education: list college degress, schools, and location. If you use MBA abbreviation, use BA or BS abbreviation as well.
9. Use active verbs – present tense is usable (i.e. develop, design, create). Past tense is also appropriate. Just don’t mix present and past under the same heading.
10. Keep information tighter – eliminate unnecessary words.
11. Write out the name of your university the first time you mention it and put the acronym in parentheses. Thereafter just use the acronym if applicable.
12. Be correct in spelling and grammar
13. Please include all interests to show your well-roundedness
14. “References upon request” has become a given. Save space by not saying it.
15. Use white, off-white, or light beige paper. Make sure the paper is of good quality.
16. Avoid a look that is too busy or cluttered
17. Don’t include age, marital status, or salary requirements
18. Avoid redundancy and repetition
19. Avoid periods. Use commas to keep eyes moving through the information.
20. Generally avoid underlining for a cleaner look.
21. Generally avoid parentheses
22. Avoid pronouns, jargon, and acronyms unless well known
23. Bachelor of… Note, no “s” on Bachelor
24. Include locations and dates of work experience. Should list position, title, company, location, dates, and any supporting information.
25. Spell numbers up to and including ten. From 11 on up use numerals.
26. Separate and highlight information by using
a. Italics
b. Bolding
c. ALL CAPITALS
d. Other fonts
• Bullets
e. Indenting
f. Different font sizes
Do you have any other suggestions?
