Hello everyone!
This week’s question is: What can I do to make my resume stand out?
That is a great question! Here are the top 5 tips to make your resume stand out from the rest!
1. Focus
- The resume should be able to stand alone without a cover letter. The reader should be able to immediately recognize the purpose of the resume.
- Including an objective at the top of the resume can assist with clarifying purpose!
2. Qualifications that match the job
- Identify skills, core attributes, experiences, etc. that show your value to the reader – tell the employer what you can do for them.
- You can find these skills or “keywords” on a position description.
- Make sure you include the keywords on your document, so that an electronic scanner an employer may be using will pick them up!
3. Action Verb + Skill + Task =Result
- Use this recommended formula for writing bulleted phrases that define your work experience.
- Example: “Demonstrate (action verb) communication (skill) skills when describing menu items to customers (task) to ensure customer satisfaction (result)”
- You can view more examples in our resume guide!
- You should include 3-5 bullet points per experience to fully show your skills!
4. Balance
- Make sure that your document looks aesthetically appealing to an employer:
- Maintain consistency throughout the document
- 1-2 pages, only use 2 pages if second page is full
- Recommended font size: 10-12 pt.
- Recommended font styles: Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial or any that are clear and easy to read
- Must be scanned in 15 seconds or less
- Avoid using or purchasing templates – Why should I avoid using templates?
- References should appear on a separate page and should not be included in the resume
5. Error Free
- Always double check your resume for any grammar or spelling errors. You can ask a friend/family member or the Career and Advising Center to review your resume as well!
- If an employer sees grammar errors on the resume, it can send the message that you didn’t take the necessary time and care when preparing your materials.
That concludes this week’s blog. Please write your questions on the lower, right side of the main page of our website!
https://career-advising.ndsu.edu/
I will be answering them every Friday. Ask any question you like, no question is too small!
Signing Off,
A CM
