If it has been many years since you last applied for
employment recently, it's probably
also been quite some time since you wrote your work resume. Many people have
never even thought about developing a resume because they've always been hired on
the strength of your word
and a handshake.
While there are still those 'handshake' employers out there,
there aren't many. Put your resume together in advance so that
you have a chance to think it through, let others review it, make changes, and
not have to rush the process when an employer tells you to drop one in the mail today. It also never hurts to have your resume with you when you go in to
apply for a position. Perhaps your resume won't be needed, but it is far
better to be prepared than to be asked for your resume and not have it.
Even if you have completed a resume in the past,
if it is more than a few months old, it is most likely out of
date. Depending upon how long ago it was, your resume may even require a
completely different focus that it did years ago. Aside from the normal
updates, your resume should be highly reflective of your experience, and not
focus on your education or long since past achievements. It should focus
on what you have done recently and what that can do for your prospective
employer.
1. Presentation
You'll need both a print and an electronic version of your resume. Each
version has different visual issues.
Your print resume is considered your primary marketing document and its
appearance is critical. To survive next to those of hundreds of equally
qualified candidates, it must look sharp and dynamic. Don't have it typed on an
outdated word processor and printed onto plain bond paper, and don't model it after resumes from years
back. Your
resume must be current in its style, format and tone.
Give your document an up-to-date style that attracts attention. This doesn't
mean using an italic typeface, cute logos or an outrageous paper color.
This can be quite annoying. Instead,
be "conservatively distinctive". Choose a sharp-looking typeface such as Bookman,
Soutane, Krone or Fritz. If your font selection is limited, use the more
prevalent Times Roman, Helvetica or Verdana typefaces, but don't use more than
one font.
Unless you're seeking a position as a graphic artist, don't put logos or
artwork on your resume. However, using horizontal rules to separate sections can
give it an upscale look.
Your choice of paper color isn't important, as long as it's
conservative--white, ivory or light gray. However, a little creativity is
permitted. For instance, consider using light gray paper with a white border or
light ivory with a darker ivory border. This is a classy treatment that attracts
favorable notice.
Electronic resumes are "Plain Janes" that don't need boldface,
underlining or other type enhancements. In fact, using such embellishments may
make an resume harder to read once it's transmitted. If you need to emphasize
a word, use capital letters to make it stand out. Also use a
simple typestyle and lots of white space for readability.
2. Format
Format shouldn't be your primary consideration when preparing a resume. You can't take an
existing format and push your life into it. It simply won't work.
Decide on a resume format after your text is prepared. Since each person's
career history, achievements and academic credentials are unique, their resume
format should be as well. Review other resumes for ideas, but craft your
document to "sell" only you.
