You're sitting there reading resumes, and you wonder why you are reading this one.
There are some things that I have noticed over the years that make me say to myself, 'What's going on here?' It is kind of like looking at a resume where they put their home address on it. I mean, we don't want to meet you at your home and discuss your career goals. In any case, I am looking for a few things when I am reading resumes. Get more information please click here best resume writing services.
It's like going into a used car lot and looking at used cars. You will take a close look at the outside of the car, from front to back and top to bottom. The next thing you do is open the door and get inside and check out the interior. The last thing you do is to check out the engine and make sure it doesn't look like a snake has used it for a home.
So, when I am looking at resumes, I am taking a close look at them and making sure the resume meets certain criteria. Let's take a look at what I am looking for.
1) Is it easy to read?
I want to be able to read it from the top of the page to the bottom of the page without having to stop and re-read something. I want a resume that is clear, concise, and easy to read.
2) Does it have spelling errors?
I mean, come on. If you are sending me a resume with spelling errors, how can I take you seriously? You need to proofread and proofread again before sending it out.
3) Does it tell me about your education?
I want a resume that tells me about your educational background. Where did you go to school? What was your major? What was your GPA? Did you graduate with honours? Were you involved in any extracurricular activities while in school? Any involvement is good. But if you were heavily involved, it would be great to know.
4) Does it tell me about your work experience?
I want to see what companies you worked for and when you started. I want to see what company and department you are currently working for and what your title/job is. I also want to know where the job location is. Is it local? Is it within driving distance?
5) Do you have a resume objective?
A resume objective is not really necessary. I want to see what your job title/job is now and what you want to do next.
6) Do you put your name and phone number at the top?
I am more inclined to call someone that has a name and a phone number on the top of their resume that will ring to their desk. In any case, if you don't have a name on your resume, I am less likely to call you.
7) Is it chronological or functional?
This one kind of depends on the person. It is more of a preference type of thing. I don't have a particular preference, but I would say that most people prefer a chronological resume over a functional resume.
8) Does your resume reflect the appropriate level?
If you are applying for an entry-level position, then your resume should reflect that by showing only entry-level jobs. If you are applying for an engineering position, then show me engineering positions. The same goes for marketing, finance, IT...etc.
9) Does it have a lot of fluff?
I want a resume that is straight forward and to the point. I don't need to know all about your hobbies, etc., too much fluff can actually be a distraction.
10) Does it show me that you are detail-oriented?
This is important because you want to show any potential employer that you pay attention to details and that you are not going to make mistakes or cause problems in the workplace because of it.
11) Does it reflect your educational status?
If you are currently in school, have just graduated, or if will be graduating in the near future. Then that needs to be reflected on your resume. I would suggest putting the date and how long you will be in school.
12) Does it show me that you can handle job-related stress?
This is important to me because I want someone that is going to be able to handle stress as they come across problems throughout their day. I want them to keep their cool and solve problems. Not make them worse.
13) Does it show me that you are able to multitask?
A resume should convey to me that you are able to complete more than one task at a time. You need to be able to get your job done and do it well while handling other things at the same time. A phone call, a text message, etc. It doesn't mean that I expect you will have an Android or iPhone on your resume, just that I expect you to be able to multitask.
14) Does it show me that you are a team player?
Your resume needs to show me that you are a team player. You need to be able to work with others and show them that you are ok with collaborating with others...and not the "go it alone" type of person.
15) Does it have numbers?
Everyone loves numbers because they show me the person is actually doing the job they want instead of just having their name on the paycheck. I want to see numbers that show me you are on track to get promoted. I am not expecting a specific number...I am expecting some type of positive progress on your resume.
16) Does it show me that you have good judgment?
If you have had negative job performance in the past, I want to see what you did to turn it around. Show me a list of jobs you have had where the good judgment was involved, and then show me how this judgment made a positive difference for the company.
Your resume is an extremely important tool to getting you that job of your dreams. Make sure it is up to par and that it has all the qualities I have mentioned above. Remember, if your resume doesn't get you a job...it is probably not the job's fault.