When I review a resume for the purpose of modernization, I look for 10 things. Once you go through the list, take a look at your own resume and determine if it could use a makeover.
Visual Appeal
- Font size – is it too small, too big, too varied? We want the font easily readable, and not distracting.
- Whitespace – too much, too little, or just right? In the past it has been popular to take one column to the left and populate it with the dates of your employment or headings…and that’s all. It means all the valuable content is condensed into the remainder of the page width, which can make it seem daunting. Try using the entire width of the page for all content. If you have info that would fit best in a separate column, go ahead and give it a try – just make sure there isn’t too much whitespace and it isn’t distracting.
- Bullets – too many? The modern resume helps the consumer by adding headings and only a few bullet points under each. If any page of your resume is mostly taken up by bullet points…it’s not as readable as it could be. Consider breaking up the info (see #8 Useable below).
Content
- Conciseness – do people tell you your phrases could use tightening up? The modern resume skirts some grammar rules by avoiding words like the, a, and an. Sentences are assumed to start with “I.”
- Accomplishments – do you list accomplishments or just what you did every day? If the reader of your resume can see the unique value you added through the accomplishments and successes you spell out on your resume, it is more powerful than only listing your responsibilities. For example, anyone can be a member of a process improvement team. But if you (and/or you and your team) initiated a process improvement that saved the organization a million dollars and drove up morale, well, that is something a hiring manager will be interested in!
- Uniqueness – are there any repeats in your resume? Even if you had the same responsibilities at two or more positions, you don’t need to repeat the content. You can consider describing the jobs together (as if they were one), or you can highlight the accomplishments of each but only mentioning the responsibilities once. The latter works well if you have a similar enough job title where it would be easily assumed the responsibilities are the same.
A Good Read
- Interesting – In the modern resume it’s ok to use a splash of color! You can even use a quote from a recommendation or review (with permission of course).
- Useable – Headings help the reader find information they need quickly. You can also bold text that you want to draw attention to.
- Objective – While the modern resume doesn’t usually have an explicit stated objective in its own section, the objective is there. Sometimes you find the objective in a title (for example, Joe Smith, Regional Sales Manager) or in a Summary section (10+ years of experience as a sales manager).
- Supporting Material – Does your resume support your case that you are a great fit for the role you are applying for? Once you have your accomplishments sorted out, make sure these speak to your objective (that is the role you want).
Take an objective look at your resume. Could it use a modern update? Use the points above as a guide to make your resume work for you!