Step 1: Formatting & Layout
One Page
What is a sufficient length of a resume for a college student?
Can go to 2 pages IF have enough for at least a page and a half (not 1-2 lines on 2nd page!) AND it is listing relevant information - knowledge, skills and abilities to the position (not every little task done)
3.0 or greater
What is Education?
List name of major, school and expected date of graduation. Include GPA if 3.0 or above and any academic accomplishments (Dean's list, etc.)
Action Verb
What is a good way to start a bullet point?
Personal pronouns such as "I" or "my"
What not to use on your resume?
It's recommended to write in the first person without using the word "I"
Tell the Truth
What you should always do on a resume?
Lying is never acceptable, but do find the glory in your story!
Cluttered and No White Space
What are the worst performing resumes? OR
What are resumes that are not best practice?
According to Ladder's Eye Tracking Study
Normal and Even or .75-1.25 margins
Job Title | Name of Organization | month-year to month-year
What is the "Work Experience" section?
List in order of importance
What is the best way to list your bullet points?
The most important information goes first.
The number of grammatical and spelling errors acceptable on a resume
What is zero?
7.4 Seconds
What is the average amount of time a resume reader spends reading your resume.
This was revealed in the Ladders Eye Tracking Study.
11-12 Point
What is the size font that you should use on your resume?
10 is typically too small (unless a large type font such as Arial but to be safe generally use 11 or 12 pt. font)
14-16 point size for headers
*Excellent Oral & Written Communication Skills
*Detail Oriented
*Team Player
*MultiTasker
*Excellent Customer Service
What are Relevant "Soft Skills" or "Essential Skills"
These are essential skills that employers need. These skills require an example (do not just list them).
Matching the needs of the employer (relate it to the job)
What is important to include in a bullet point?
References available upon request
What not to add to your resume?
Employers will request references. Also you may submit a separate sheet containing your references, along with a cover letter. All three documents should have the same heading/font/look. It should look like a professional package.
Should be presented in context
What are keywords & Soft Skills (or essential skills)
Keywords help to get your resume through the tracking system, but they must be presented in context.
Arial
What is one of the best fonts to use on a resume?
You must select a prevalent font that is clear, easy to read and one that most systems can accomodate.
What are "Relevant Hard Skills"? Or "Core Competencies"
Measurable Metrics
What is a good thing to include in your bullet points on a resume?
Include numbers/percentages for more impact.
Ten bullet points under a header
What is too many bullet points?
I recommend between 3-5 bullet points under each header. Do not make the mistake of your best accomplishments getting lost in a sea of bullet points.
12-15 jobs
How many jobs can recent college grads expect to have over the course of their lifetime?
Developing the ability to create an effective resume is very important as you can use that skill over the course of your lifetime.
Top 1/2 of the first page
Where should the most important information be on your resume?
Ladders did an eye-tracking study where we learned that the resume readers eyes are drawn to an "F" pattern on the resume and the most time is spent at the top.
Summary or "Highlight Reel"
What is the top of the resume?
Accomplishments, Achievements & Results
What do employers want to see in a bullet point/on your resume.
Just summarizing your job duties is not impactful. Employers like to see results.
Reverse Chronological Order
What order should you list your experiences (under each header)?
Start with your most recent job experience first.
ATS
What is the Applicant Tracking System?
In many cases, bots and computers are scanning/reading your resume before a human does. 75% of resumes can be discarded. Creating a RELEVANT resume including KEY WORDS is critical.