Resume Resources

Yes! Things like grammar, fonts, word choice, and margins really do matter. Hiring managers spend less than 20 seconds doing a preliminary scan of your resume, so if they spot a typo or can’t read the font you’ve chosen, chances are you’re going to end up in the “no” pile.

An objective statement states what you are looking for as an applicant, rather than how you can help the company you’re applying with, so including an objective may send the wrong message. If you choose to include one, your statement and resume should highlight the skills you bring to a company that make you the best solution to their problem of an empty job position.

Yes! Your previous employers showcase your experience, work history and longevity with previous companies, in addition to providing credibility to your skills and qualifications. You should also include when you worked for each employer, and any promotions you received or major contributions you made during your time there.

It’s important to illustrate quantitative achievements in your resume, such as revenue increases, cost savings, production achievements, etc., but it’s also important to illustrate other skills employers consider that are just as critical: your soft skills. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, time management, conflict resolution, adaptability and more, and are more difficult to show on your resume… difficult, but not impossible.

Highlight your soft skills with two or three key accomplishments demonstrating how you used those skills to succeed. For example, illustrate your time management skills by discussing how you kept a major project on track or implemented time savings techniques within your department. Or showcase your leadership and communication skills by discussing how you lead a team to success on a project or coordinated with clients or vendors.

Unless you have a hobby that is specifically applicable to the role or company you’re applying with, you probably shouldn’t take up valuable space on your resume talking about your hobbies.

Typically, the last step a hiring manager takes before making a job offer is checking references. While it makes sense to offer this additional information right away, the best practice is to leave it off your resume and provide it later on in the process.

A cover letter serves as an advertisement for your resume, but it’s imperative that your resume can stand on its own. Your cover letter should be unique to each position you apply for, and if a job opening specifically asks for one, definitely write one.

If a job opening doesn’t specifically ask for a cover letter, it’s not always necessary to include one. If you do choose to go the extra mile and write one, be sure you’re creating a professional cover letter that will assist your resume in illustrating why you are the right person for the job.

It’s always smart to keep your resume current, even when you’re not actively searching for a new job. That way, if you hear about an interesting position or receive an unexpected call from a recruiter, you’re ready to take action immediately. A good practice is to review your resume at least once a year to make sure it includes your most recent skills and accomplishments.

If you’ve never written a resume before, or it’s been several years since you’ve updated your resume, you should consider enlisting the help of a professional resume writer. While never necessary, if you’re not landing any interviews, it may be worth the investment if it helps you land a great job.