You never get a second shot at making a first impression. Cliché, but true. Your resume is the first glimpse a hiring manager has of you. That one page (yes, one) needs to convey that you are not only the perfect person for the position, but that the organization would suffer if you were not hired. How does one do that? I’ve got you covered. Here are 25 resume tips from hiring managers.
- Organization is key.
Every section of your resume needs to be easily identifiable with bullet-point lists. A resume should not be a guessing game of what’s what for a hiring manager.
- Formatting is also key.
Hiring managers need to be able to quickly find what they’re looking for on your resume. Correct formatting allows this. Make sure dates and locations are lined up correctly in each listing.
- Correct grammar is a must.
We’re all guilty of ignoring that squiggly line on Microsoft Word, however right now you can’t afford to do this. Spelling and grammar mistakes reflect very poorly on a resume.
- Choose your font wisely.
Resumes shouldn’t be typed in any font color other than black. Additionally, it should be in a standard Sans Serif font such as Times New Roman or Calibri. Squiggly, swirly colored font will not do.
- Don’t be generic.
Tailor your resume to the job. Use words in your resume that are featured in the job-description.
- Keep it short.
A hiring manager isn’t going to want to look at multiple pages. They just don’t have the time. Make it easy on them and keep it to one page.
- Be weary of your e-mail address.
As much as I still wish it were the late 90s, it’s not. Your AOL e-mail address, or any e-mail address that looks like it was written while you were a teenager, needs to go.
- Don’t include references.
Hiring managers know that “references can be provided upon request.” There’s no need to say it.
- Have someone proofread it.
Feedback is important. If you can’t impress someone you know with your resume, how are you going to impress a stranger? Plus, they may catch a grammar mistake you missed.
- Don’t send your resume in a word doc.
PDF or bust.
- Experience over education.
The top of your resume is the first thing a hiring manager’s going to see. They need to make sure you have applicable experience for the position.
- Show off different experiences and activities.
Don’t list only two experiences in full detail. A resume should be a glimpse into all you’ve done.
- Let your personality shine through.
Don’t use words you don’t usually say in everyday conversation. It’ll seem like you’re showing off. Be yourself.
- Don’t be redundant.
Every single bullet point should not start off with “responsible for.”
- Statistics work.
Did you increase revenue in a previous job? Did you raise a ton of money for one of your volunteer activities? Incorporate the actual numbers into your resume.
- Chronological Order: From newest to oldest.
You know when you’re online shopping and you sort by price so that the cheapest items are first? That’s how hiring managers expect your resume to be; list your newest position first and work your way backwards.
- List your extra-curriculars.
Hiring managers want to see that you’re involved outside of school or your current position. Make room to simply list the organizations and activities you’re involved in.
- Add your LinkedIn page over your home address.
No hiring manager is going to be sending you snail mail. They’re going to Google you. Make it easy for them and supply them with a URL to your page.
- Phone number and e-mail address are still necessary.
Make sure both of these are at the top of your page.
- Do not lie.
The truth always comes out, and you don’t want hiring managers to find out on their own.
- Be careful what you save your file as.
Don’t just save it as resume. Save it as Jane Doe Resume or Doe Resume.
- Don’t overdo it on the bullet points.
A resume is a snippet into your experience. Save the details for the cover letter. Three bullet points for each experience is sufficient.
- Include honors.
List any awards, achievements, or honors you have received. This may even impress a hiring manager more than a GPA.
- Include skills.
Do you speak another language? Are you great at Microsoft Office? Make sure you include these things on your resume.
- Never stop proofreading.
Read your resume to yourself. Read it aloud. Make sure it’s as perfect and as accurate as it can be.
Just starting to work on your resume? Keep these tips in mind. Already have a resume? Pull it up and start editing. Your resume needs to be as close to perfect as possible, and you can get there by following these great tips.
