The ‘cheap tricks’ of rockin’ the resume
Kelly Glueck
– Managing Editor –
You Can Do it…
• Liven up a resume with an interesting and clean design.
• Experiment with legible fonts.
• The applicant’s name should always be the largest on the page.
• Short, sweet and to the point. Keep the resume to a single page.
• If an applicant wants to look like the right fit for a specific job, he or she should also customize the resume for that position.
• Use spell check. It’s surprising how many errors get overlooked.
• If submitting electronically, make sure that the file is readable in both Mac and PC programs. (.doc and .rtf are always safe bets)
• Give references thought. These are people that are representing the applicant. Their relationship and title will speak volumes.
Just Say No…
• Avoid using the rainbow as a palette for a resume. Color is good, but keep it professional.
• Aside from the applicant’s name, font sizes and styles should stay relatively similar. 11-point font is standard.
• Avoid a crowded resume. The harder a resume is to read, the more like it is to be tossed into the “previous applicants” file.
• Avoid printing the same resume for each job. A managerial position requires a different resume than an entry position.
• Avoid using friends and family as references. Even though they may know the applicant well, a stronger title will help a job seeker to land his or her dream job. i.e., business administrator looks more established than family friend.
• Avoid slang and acronyms.
• In the ‘education’ section, avoid high school listings.
