On the Forbes website you can find an article called: “The Five Top Resume Don’ts”. This is an excellent article that teaches job seekers what to avoid when they are writing their resumes. If you want an employer to notice you, and get hired with their company, then you should take a look at the article. We went over the article have included some of the main Dos and Don’ts that resume writers should know. You may want to pay attention to some of these, especially No. 4 and 5, so you can adjust your resume before you start applying to jobs.
Dos and Don’ts of Resume Writing
- Nice Looking Resume
There is no excuse not to have a nice looking resume with the advancement in computers, laptops, and technology available. A nice looking resume is essential so that it is reader friendly. Resume writers should make sure that the page is not overloaded with text and the writing should be justified and formatted. If you are creative, then add a small touch of graphic design, but don’t go overboard, because you don’t want it to look too girly. The font on the resume is just as important. Stick with the traditional New Times Roman font or the Arial font, because these fonts are easy to read, especially if you are sending your email through an email.
- Don’t List Every Single Job You Worked
Don’t list every single job you have worked throughout your entire life. The perfect size resume shouldn’t go over two pages, so keep that in mind when you are listing your previous job employers. Stick to showing how you would be a good person for the job you are applying for instead of adding too much past jobs.
- Leave Out All Weaknesses
Leave all your weaknesses off the resume. Stay focused and confident when you are writing your resume. If the job is wanting something you don’t know how to do, then just don’t mention that you don’t know how to do it. Instead take an online course on that area, then let the employer know this information. This lets the employer know you are trying to improve what you don’t currently know.
- Facts, Facts, and Just Facts
Stick to the facts like real numbers: how much money you made the company in sales or how much you might have saved the company. This is more impressive to an employer than just boring information that they don’t care about reading. Try to write about quantifiable goals and percentages as this is impressive.
- Be Brief
Some resume writers think the more they write on their resume the better it will look, but that isn’t true. Be brief. Future employers would rather glance through the resume, and when something catches their eye, then they read this area.
- No References Needed
Unless the employer asks for references, then you don’t need to add any. If the employer does happen to ask for references, then add just a few on a separate form or paper. You are just wasting your time and the employer’s time when you add references. But remember, just because references are not needed on your resume, you will need them if you get to the next round of interviews or are offered the job.
- Don’t Write About Your Past Duties or Responsibilities
The last thing a potential employer wants to see from an applicant is a list of all the past duties and responsibilities with your past employers. They want to see what you achieved, and what you can bring to their company. Why not just add some of the major accomplishments you have achieved for your past employer? This is more relevant and important.
- Avoid an Unprofessional Email Address
If you are using an unprofessional email address that you were using when you were a teenager, then this is very unprofessional and frowned upon. A few examples of these type of unprofessional email address include; Spiderman, funflirtymale@yahoo.com, freakgirl@hotmail.com, or readytoparty@hotmail.com. You should always have a professional email address that you use when you are submitting a resume.
