Resume Do's and Don'ts

RESUME DO’S AND DON’TS

DO’S

DO develop a resume template that will separate your resume from everyone else’s.  Most people will use a MS Word template from “Resume Wizard”.  There isn’t anything wrong with these formats, except 99% of individuals looking for a job will go here to create a resume.  You will need to develop a format that will set you apartment from the competition.

DO use a bulleted style of resume.  In many cases, the individual looking at your resume will only glance at it for 3 to 4 seconds.  A bulleted style resume will allow the reader to focus on the things you think are important.

DO include a section of your resume such as, “Area of Expertise” or “Summary of Qualifications”.  This is another way to highlight and focus your skills in a manner that will allow the reader to see them quickly.

DO list information in order of importance under your “Professional Work History” section.  For example, if you were applying for a role as a Manager, it would be important to list that you managed ten employees before you listed that you handled client accounts.

DO write your resume with your accomplishments in mind.  This is something else that may set you apart from your competition.  For example, if you are a Sales Representative you would want to highlight the amount you sold, not that you did sell.  When possible, quantify your accomplishments as much as possible.

DO proofread your resume.  A single typo can automatically disqualify you from a job. 

DO provide a cover letter with your resume.  This is your opportunity to speak to the individual that probably wrote the job description.

DO use as many action or power verbs as possible, but do not repeat the same ones over and over.

DO include any computer software skills you have.

DO include any professional affiliations or groups you may be associated with.

DON’TS

DON’T think that you need to keep your resume to just one page.

DON’T start your resume with an “Objective Statement”, the person you send your resume will already know your objective is to get an interview for the job you are applying for.  Consider a “Professional Summary” section.  This is where you write 3 to 4 sentences that describe your work history.

DON’T list too much experience on your resume.  Anything over 15 years is too much.  Unfortunately, age discrimination exists and there is no reason to show that you have been working for the last 40 years.  The last 15 years will be what the hiring decision will be based upon anyway.

DON’T start your “Professional Summary” by saying “I have over 25 years of experience”.  See age discrimination above.

DON’T include on your resume your height, weight, age, date of birth, place of birth, marital status, sex, ethnicity/race, health, social security number (except on an international resume), reasons for leaving previous job(s), names of former supervisors, specific street addresses or phone numbers of former employers, picture of yourself, salary information, the title "Resume," or any information that could be perceived as controversial, such as religion, church affiliations, or political affiliations. (Hansen, 2009)

DON’T use words and terms such as: “Responsible for”, “Duties included”, “Work”, “I”, “me” and “my”

DON’T list your references on your resume; keep them on a different sheet.  Also, do not put “References Available On Request”.  The company already knows this.

DON’T include hobbies or other irrelevant information. 

DON’T include your high school education

DON’T leave out dates

Kenny Hanson is the owner of Hanson Consulting. He specializes in working with individuals who are looking for new employment opportunities. His main focus is writing cover letters, professional resumes and working with individuals on interview techniques. Kenny has worked in Recruiting and Human Resources for over a decade. He has worked with hundreds of different companies and has helped thousands of individuals locate employment. In addition, Kenny has been designated a Certified Staffing Professional by the American Staffing Association. He was recently dubbed "The Resume Writer" by Philadelphia Magazine. He can be reached via email at hansonresumes@gmail.com.