1. Font size and format
• Is it readable and universal? PDF format is generally a good choice.
• Does your résumé highlight what makes you the perfect fit for the position?
• Putting a simple black border around the document helps it stand out in the stack.
2. Naming your résumé and cover letter
• Name your résumé in a simple format. I recommend the word résumé followed by your first and last name. For example, “Resume Lisa Voso.doc.”
• Do not name it Unemployment Résumé.
• Omit any strange characters or dates in the name. For example, “Resume bookkeeper (4).”
3. Choosing the best type of résumé
• Chronological – The most common résumé style. Used when applying for a job similar to one you have worked before. List your employment in chronological order, with most recent info. on top
• Functional – Used to emphasize specific experience or to de-emphasize limited experience. Highlight specific experience and skills rather than a chronological listing of work history.
• Biographical – Used most often in marketing pieces for real estate agents or speakers. It begins with an overview statement, which provides a big-picture summary of your unique combination of skills and experience.
4. Be careful with creativity unless it is appropriate to the position.
• Use caution. You don’t know who will be screening résumés.
• Use a professional approach in your cover letter or email.
• Skip the emoticons (e.g., smiley faces) and texting language (LOL, etc.).
5. Check your grammar and spelling carefully.
• Mistakes do not create a good first impression.
• Have someone else proofread your résumé and cover letter for errors.
• Spell check is a useful tool, but it is not perfect.
Next week I’ll continue this list with tips 6 through 10. Stay tuned!
