Resumes: Reloaded

Make it Clear!  Make sure your resume is clear and easily read by employers.  Each section of your resume should be clearly marked.  Make it easy for the employer to find the information quickly.

The format makes the difference!  The format you use should depend on the job to which you are applying.  The most common format used is chronological but some professions do have formats that highlight qualities better than others.  For example, if you are a Registered Nurse you will want to highlight your professional summary as well as your professional experience at the beginning of the resume. 

Proof! Proof! Proof!  As with any written communication, it is imperative that you proofread your resume as many times as possible.  Spelling, grammar, subject-verb tense and punctuation are just a few common mistakes.  Those small mistakes could equal catastrophic mistakes on the job.  One man was passed up for a job at NASA although his qualifications were plentiful.  One has no room for error when working for NASA.  This candidate was denied employment because of errors in his resume.  It’s that serious!

Past versus Present!  One common mistake for jobseekers is to mix past tense and present tense.  For example, if you are currently employed, you would use present tense in the description of your responsibilities.  For the past employment, you would use past tense.  Consistency is key! 

To Object or not to Object?  Some jobseekers are confused about the objective section of their resume.  It can be helpful when employers are pouring over thousands of resumes.  Make sure this section provides a brief description of why the employer should hire you.  However, if you are included a cover letter, perhaps the objective should omitted for redundancy sake.

References upon Request!  References are very important because they are the people who can attest to your abilities.  Make sure you have the full contact information for those on your list.  Let them know when you are applying for a new job and give them a brief overview.  It makes you look better when the employer contacts the references listed and they already know the reason for the call. 

The tips outlined above are just the beginning of your resume makeover!  The internet is a wealth of resources but only trust reputable sites.  Creating a superb resume takes time and effort.  What is the point of having something if you do not have to work hard for it?  Make it count!  Good luck with your job search!