jsync | Java Staffing Specialist

Right the Wrongs on Your Resume - A Few Easy Tips

10/18/2005

by Deanna Nemes

Let’s face it – most intelligent people (i.e. you) are not very comfortable with the idea that a piece of paper (or two) can effectively say all there is to say about their career. Your resume can’t completely reflect every aspect of your experience, and it is true that hiring managers spend mere seconds deciding whether or not to continue reading a resume. Your resume is the key that gets you in the door to a new and better opportunity. Once you get in the door, you can then take the time to explain what you are all about. Without the key however, you are left out in the cold.

Here are some tips (listed top to bottom) that should help make sure that your ‘key’ fits…

The top: The item that should stand out the most on a resume is the NAME. The font you use for your name should be larger than any other words on the resume and in bold print. Below that include an address – if you are safety conscious at least list your city and state. Always include your phone number and e-mail address – we have seen many resumes omit the contact information, and hiring managers probably won’t go through the process of looking up your information if it is not on the resume. Note – it is also best to have your contact information at the TOP of the resume. Lately we have noticed a trend of resumes with contact info on the bottom – keep in mind that a hiring manager might want to speak with you based on the first page of the resume and if he/she doesn’t notice a phone number or e-mail address you might not get contacted.

Summary vs. Objective: You will want to list either a summary or an objective, not both. If you have ample experience, write up a summary (2-3 lines) about your background that includes your overall years of experience (in general or with a relevant technology), technical expertise and key industry experience. If you are still early in your career, include an objective outlining the experience you are seeking. This can be fairly general stating the role you are seeking and technologies you wish to use. If the objective is too specific you may get passed over, so try to keep an objective general unless you tailor the objective section to the position for which you are applying.

The Meat: The bulk of your resume should include your accomplishments and the key technologies you have used. For each job you can give a general description of your responsibilities and role followed by the accomplishments you made. We suggest writing these using bullet points and beginning each statement with a verb (programmed, developed, participated, lead, researched, etc). This is succinct, easy to read and appealing to the eye. Also, make sure to include if your project saved/generated money and how much if applicable.

Technologies: Summarize technologies that you’ve worked with, so it is apparent at a glance to the reader. Resumes usually break technical buzzwords down into categories, such as Languages, Databases, Application Servers, Operating Systems, etc. The best way to list technologies is based on your experience – list the ones where you have the most experience first. If you haven’t programmed in Fortran in 10 years, it probably isn’t necessary to include it in the technical breakdown unless the requirement mentions it.

Looks are everything: The way you format your resume is another critical element that helps decide whether a prospective employer reads on or if your resume winds up in the circular file. Break up the page – a general rule of thumb is that you should not be able to lay a dollar bill across the resume without a bullet point, line or space breaking up the print. This makes it more appealing and increases the likelihood of further viewing. Also, use no more that two fonts – otherwise it looks too cluttered. If you want to break down information you may use lines, a few font sizes or Bold, Italics or Underline.

Include or Not Include: If you are not a US Citizen, it can be worthwhile to list your work authorization status to work in the US. This will save you time in the long run (not getting called in for interviews with companies that can not sponsor). Personal information such as hobbies are probably unnecessary. This is about work, not play, so don’t waste precious resume space unless it is relevant to your career track. Information such as participation in technical groups or tech projects you do in your spare time are relevant and look great! There is no need to include references on your resume. When a process reaches the point where references are necessary, employers will ask for them.

While writing an initial resume can be a bear, the key bonus about a well written resume is if you write it right the first time, then you can just make slight adjustments as your career continues to grow!

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