Getting your resume noticed by a prospective employer is an art, especially in a down economy. As a result, you have to find a way to stand out from the stack of resumes, which is something I’m quite adept at doing.

After my employer laid me off in February 2009, one of the first things I did was create an online resume on Monster and CareerBuilder; however, I also prepared a Word version of my resume. I have learned that recruiters always ask for a Word version of my resume, so I make sure that presentation is everything in the one I provide. Here are a few guidelines I suggest when preparing your resume for a prospective employer:

Customize/Create Your Own Look & Feel

I realize that not everyone is adept in Word or designing templates from scratch, so some people use the standard templates available in Word. Unfortunately, many use those same designs and never change anything to personalize the look of the resume. A prospective employer will not discard your resume if you use standard Word templates; however, if you have a personal stamp to your resume’s design, it is likely to stand out.

If you are using a standard Word template, take time to tweak the design. If you are a proficient Word user, try creating your own resume template. You can always refer to the templates as a guideline. Look at different resume template styles, and mix and match the things you like to create your own look for your resume. While you should keep your resume’s design professional, you can also be a little creative. For my resume, I used a clip art design in the header to designate my profession. When I interviewed with my prospective employer (now my current employer), the hiring manager commented on the impressive design and structure of my resume. Therefore, how your resume looks matters and creates a lasting impression if designed well.

Use the Active Voice & Passive Voice Appropriately

If you are currently working and seeking a new position, use the active voice to describe your current responsibilities. List your responsibilities for previous positions held using the passive voice. If you are currently unemployed, write all of your previous positions using the passive voice; you will not use the active voice since you are currently unemployed.

If you need a refresher in language arts on the active voice vs. passive voice, let me give you a couple of very easy examples:

• Active Voice: The barrista is making fresh coffee.
• Passive Voice: Fresh coffee was made by the barrista.
• Active Voice: The team will decide how to proceed with an issue.
• Passive Voice: The issue will be decided upon by the team.

For more information on active voice and passive voice, check out the Owl website, or refer to a writing guidelines reference book.

Use Action Words to Describe Roles & Responsibilities

Use action words (verbs) as the very first word when describing your roles and responsibilities for each position. To provide another language arts refresher, let me give you examples of action words.

• Example One: Prepares flyers, postcards, brochures, and other marketing materials
• Example Two: Develops executive presentations

The word “prepares” is the action word in example one, and the word “develops” is the action word in example two. These examples also use the active voice rather than the passive voice. To reiterate, use the active voice for the action word if you are currently employed and seeking a new position. You would only use passive action words for previously held positions.

• Example Three: Prepared flyers, postcards, brochures, and other marketing materials
• Example Four: Developed executive presentations

The word “prepared” is the action word in example three, and the word “developed” is the action word in example four. These examples use the passive voice rather than the active voice. Use the passive voice for the action word if you are currently unemployed and seeking a position and/or have previously held that position.

Update Your Resume Regularly

I usually update my resume template once a year to give it a fresh look and feel in the design and layout. The look and feel of my resume often does not change drastically, unless I spot a new template design style I want to try. However, I do change the font styles, bullet types, and other design elements to give my resume an upgrade.

I update my resume every three months to add new responsibilities, skillsets/software, etc. If you wait for long time periods before updating your resume, you might forget a new skill, award/honor, etc. you’ve acquired. Additionally, you will spend less time reviewing your resume for a job opportunity if you keep it updated every three months. You never know when a new opportunity comes your way, so it is beneficial to you to keep your resume updated regularly with new information.

Other Resume Tips

• Use font styles and sizes appropriately – Do not use more than three font styles in your resume, and if you mix and match font styles, make sure they complement each other. If you want to use a sans-serif font (i.e. Arial, Tahoma, or Helvetica), use a standard font that other users are likely to have on their PC. The same applies for serif fonts (i.e. Times New Roman, Palatino Linotype, or Georgia). The key is to stick with a font style that looks professional. In addition, your font size should not be smaller than 11 pts.
• Proof, proof, and re-proof your resume – Check for typos, discrepancies in font sizes/font types, and misused words. If your resume has errors, it creates the impression that you are not attentive to details.
• Check for spelling and grammar issues – Use Word’s built-in spell and grammar check feature; however you should also refer to a writing guideline (online or in a book).
• Make sure your electronic resume is in a compatible format – By default, Word 2007 uses the .docx file format when saving files. Not everyone has the ability to download the compatibility pack if viewing your resume at the office. Therefore, save the file in a Word 97-2003 compatible format (.doc) if you’re using Word 2007.
• Send a cover letter with your resume if initiating contact with a prospective employer – If you didn’t initiate the contact, be sure to include a short cover letter with your resume.
• Use 1-inch page margins for all margins, and use .5 inch spacing for your header and footer.
• Print your resume on 8.5×11 inch white paper that does not smudge (if providing a hardcopy of your resume).

Download:

• View sample resume.
• Download my custom resume template.

Tags: career, jobs, resume, resume template, resume tips, unemployed

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 7th, 2009 at 7:22 pm and is filed under Commentary, Life, The Daily Grind, The Machine. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.