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Is your resume appealing?
Choose a simple layout for your resume. Make it easy to read with a font size that is not too fancy nor with too many curves. While the font may be gorgeous to you, if its hard to read at a quick glance, your potential employer will set it aside and move on. Keep it balanced, uncrowded and make use of white space between sections and in the margin.
Is your resume consistent?
Make sure that you are consistent with the type of bullet, the size of font, the capitals, the boldface, etc. If you bold the title of one section, make sure you bold the title of each section.
Are there errors in your resume?
Double check your resume and make sure there are no misspelled words, grammatical errors, capitalization errors, typographical errors or errors of fact within your resume.
Does your resume contain all the information?
A resume must contain basic information about you: your name, address, phone number, and your email address at the top of the first page, a listing of jobs held, in reverse chronological order, educational degrees including the highest degree received, in reverse chronological order. Include your job target goals.
Include a list of your job experience with most current first on the list, dating backwards through your job experience. Include company name, city, state, your title, job description and years.
Does your resume show your value?
In describing your previous work experience, be sure and include the value you brought to your jobs. Say what you need to say in a direct manner without repeating yourself. "Managed city-wide fundraiser of $500,000 for women's local shelter" instead of "I managed a city-wide fundraiser which provided $500,000 to the women's local shelter which is more than ever raised for this shelter in one event."
Is your resume concise?
Your writing should be brief and to the point. Shorter is generally better as long as the words you use hold plenty of punch and power. Use action words as you describe your previous jobs. While many resume specialists claim a resume should be contained on one page, many successful resumes are within the 1-2 page limits. Don't bore your potential employer with details. Whet the appetite with the value you will bring to their company and keep it concisely written.
Is your resume honest?
While it's important that your resume is your marketing tool to get you an interview, it is not the place for dishonesty. Make sure your potential employer can follow all your references and your job history with your personal integrity at stake. Pump up the strengths and downplay the weaknesses, but do so with honesty.
What to leave off your resume?
Leave off reasons you left your previous jobs, salary information, a personal section, references and the word "resume" at the top. You can supply references, salary requirements, other pertinent information as requested in your interview.
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