When you are seeking a new job opportunity, it is critical to have an updated and polished resume. Your resume is the first distinguisher to any employer that ultimately will set you apart from the myriad of candidates applying for the same role. Since college, you have been flooded with competing opinions of what defines a good resume. Let’s put to rest some of the myths about resumes and how you can really set yours apart from the masses.
Keep it to One Page.
It is common misconception, purported by professors and C-level executives alike, that a resume should never exceed one page until you have at least five years’ professional experience. This task becomes an exercise in creativity by decreasing font size or adding texts boxes and graphics to cram as much information into that one page as possible. Though creative, this only muddies up your resume and makes it more difficult for a hiring manager to learn about your background. Most likely your resume will not exceed a page for the first several years of your career. However, do not leave out critical information in order to conform to the arbitrary “one-page rule.” Assess the value of everything you include and if the second page is just a list of general certifications or volunteer activities, it might be beneficial to eliminate these to keep it brief and readable.
Paragraph Form versus Bullet Points
Typically, text is displayed in two forms: narrative or bullet points. It is easier to read information listed as bullet points rather than narrative. For each position, provide at least five or six bullet points. When you use bullet points, it makes it easier for the hiring manager or recruiter to read it at a glance before they make the decision to reach out. Once you have the opportunity to speak with the hiring manager, that is the opportunity to elaborate on your points and provide specific examples.
Grammar Matters: Match Your Tenses
When writing about your current position, you should be writing in the present tense. When talking about past experiences you should use past tense. While this sounds fairly simple, tense inconsistencies are quite common and can deter hiring managers from speaking with you. Ensuring you make this minor grammatical change throughout your resume sets you apart from the majority of candidates.
Tailor Your Skills
Having an updated resume is a good practice even if you are not actively searching. When you identify an opportunity you are interested in applying, customize your resume to the specific job description from the qualifications, desired skills, and responsibilities listed within the job posting. When the hiring manager or recruiter is reviewing resumes, they will be looking for those key items within your background. By listing them within your past positions, your resume will have a greater likelihood of appearing in their search.
Whether you are just touching up your resume or starting from scratch, this is a company’s first impression of you. It is critical to put in the extra effort to personalize your background to each company, make the information easy to read for the hiring manager, and pay attention to the little details, such as tense agreement, to ensure you stand out amongst the many applicants and thus increase your chances of hearing back.