Résumé Help: Structure Is the First Step
When you read this candidate’s résumé, it’s frustrating to follow. Many readers would stop after the first glance. The document has three different fonts and multiple font sizes. It’s also full of inconsistent spacing, both vertically and horizontally. The biggest issue to address is the structure. In this candidate’s case, the order should be:
Name
Contact Information
Profile Statement
Professional Experience
- Company Name (Dates)
- Job Title
- Overview of Responsibilities
- Strongest Achievements in a Bulleted Format
Volunteer Experience
Education
Computer Skills
In the candidate’s original résumé, the job titles and duties were separated from the company names and dates. It is confusing for the reader. Also, the résumé is lacking major achievements. This document gives the impression that the candidate is unorganized, lacks attention to detail, and unaccomplished. A re-organized structure, a well-written profile, and the addition of bullets with major achievements will take this candidate from the trash folder to the interview list.
For more tips on improving your résumé, review these blog entries: Résumé Help: Sales and Marketing Job, Objective and Summary Format and Average Résumé s Don’t Get Job Offers
If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com. The Résumé Help blog appears weekly on Mondays.
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