in Choosing a College, Choosing a College Major, College 685 Words

A JOB RESUME TO-DO LIST, YOUR CAREER DEPENDS ON IT

APPEARANCE:

___ Did you get another person to proofread your resume for spelling errors, missing words and proper grammar? …Yes I know, you looked at it 15 times and swear there is nothing. You may be right, but chances are, there is something you missed or didn’t consider. Let your proofreader help.

___ Is your use of white space and the overall appearance of your resume uncluttered and visually appealing? Many times your resume will be viewed for about 10 seconds. Can they understand your resume…and want to keep reading?

___ Did the style of your resume (headings, indentations, underlining, etc.) remain consistent? This might be the most irritating and confusing thing on a resume for someone to review. If your proofreader can’t really understand it, make it easier to read.

___ Does your resume have at least one inch margins on all sides of the page?

___ Did you get your resume printed on high quality paper of a light, neutral color?

___ Considering your experience and education, is the length of your resume appropriate? One of the most popular things I see on resumes when I review them are that there is too much information under experience, and many years of experience listed. Keep it simple. Wet their taste buds with a few key bullets on each. Targeting your resume to the specific job you are applying for can limit how much you add in the most productive and marketable way. You may think two or three pages is necessary, but that may be too much.

___ Did you read and re-read each statement to make sure it is concise, action-oriented and credible? Good one…do this over and over again.

___ Are all statement written to express the benefits you can offer that prospective employer? Remember this is where you can target your resume to the specific job you are applying for.

CONTENT:

___ Did you quantify statements that might at first seem unbelievable? Are your statements convincing?

___ Did you use short, punchy sentences with action-oriented words? Need samples? Let me know…email me.

___ If you decided to include an objective, is it clear and concise? Sometimes you don’t have to. In fact if you are squeezing tight on space, take the objective out. I don’t think it makes or breaks you. The interview will give you a chance to clarify your objective.

___ Did you delete all irrelevant information that might make a prospective employer stop reading? Once again, do not add everything. Be specific and short. Make it interesting for them to read, but don’t put everything in your resume. Keep it specific to the job you are applying for. You will have a chance at the interview to clarify more. But you won’t get that interview if they’re bored from reading your resume/novel.

___ Does your education section highlight your academic background without going into too much detail? Rule of thumb: if you graduate top honors in your senior class, or recognized for something academic during your senior year, add it. If not, just include the degree you got and the school/location.

___ Did you include a current address and telephone number where employers can reach you? When you include this, include every way to contact you. Also indicate whether your phone number is cell or home.

___ Does the overall effect of your resume reflect a positive image of you and your skills and abilities? Have someone read it and be completely honest with you when answering this question about you.

Send your resume to me!

I’ll review it and offer advice for free.

Your Success is My Success,

Keith Lipke

www.keithlipke.com

Please post any suggestions, comments or questions you might have. Tweet me or friend me on FB!

Keith Lipke is a careers and college recruiter, coach, mentor and blogger at The Career Closet. His passion is to educate, inspire, and give hope to young people who need it upon their search for the right career and college.

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