10/12/2022
 
Posted By: Admin DreamingCode

It's often said that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression, and this tends to be especially true when applying for jobs! The first step in the application process is usually submitting a resume, which will be your first opportunity to impress a potential employer. Luckily, there are steps you can take to present a professional, straightforward, and impressive resume suited for any company!

Remember that with resumes, consistency is key. Choose a neutral font like Times New Roman or Calibri to use through the entirety of the document and size your text from 10-12pt. It's important to maintain the same font, text color, and type of bullet points throughout the entire document - your resume should look like one cohesive document despite the variety of information you are presenting. Margins should be the same width on either side, and the same height on the top and bottom. Keep all margins within the 0.5-1.0" range to make sure the page does not look too spacious or crowded. While these details may sound inconsequential, disorganization or inconsistency on your resume may look like warning signs to employers, preventing a potential interview.

Place your name at the top center of your resume, with contact information clearly stated below. Always include your email and phone number, and if you are comfortable, a home address when applying for in-person jobs. Your name should be the only words in your resume that are larger than the rest of the text.

If you are a recent graduate with mainly internship experience, you may want to place your educational experience above your professional experience. Include student activities or clubs - this can be a good place to show community involvement and add some color to your resume! This should be at the bottom of your resume.

While it can be tempting to 'stack your resume', sometimes less can be more. Resumes that exceed a page or two in length can appear overwhelming and unfocused, so it's important to ensure your writing is concise. An employer should not struggle to search for where and when you worked, and what you did while there. List your relevant experience starting with the most recent, ensuring that the location and duration of the role is included with the organization's name. When describing job responsibilities with bullet points, refrain from repetition or run-on bullet points. It can help to copy your resume into a free site like WordCounter, which tracks which words you repeat most often. Change up verbs like 'manage' and 'maintain', making bullet points start with different verbs each time.

A PDF format is preferable for online resume submission, unless specified otherwise. Word documents can show up differently on different types of computers; odd spacing or inconsistent margins might occur. When saving your resume, make sure to title it in a clear manner so it is easy for potential employers to locate it after they receive it. For example, JSmith Resume or John Smith Resume as opposed to a name automatically generated by Word.

Always double check every detail before you hit send! Proofread your resume until you can't stand to look at it anymore. A well written and formatted resume shows a professional and confident individual, ready for their next opportunity.


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