And good reminders for not-so-new professionals.
I’ve recently been reviewing resumes (a LOT of resumes) for a summer internship NACHRI is looking to fill, and I have some advice to offer as a result:
The MOST important thing? On the first pass, I’m looking for a reason to knock you out. Don’t give me an easy one.
In addition:
- Proofread.
- If the ad calls for specific experience, make sure your resume talks about that specific experience.
- Don’t provide too much information. If you’re still in college, you don’t merit a 3 page resume. Really, you don’t.
- But don’t provide too little, either. I got one resume that was gorgeous to look at – pretty font for the name, lots of white space, beautiful lay out. It included – I’m not kidding – 4 really minimal pieces of information. That’s not enough to help me figure out whether or not you’re worth talking to.
- Pay attention to the job requirements – if you have to have a specific degree or certification, don’t apply if you don’t have it.
- I know it’s easier for YOU to just call your resume “Resume.doc” or even “NACHRI.doc.” That’s not easier for me. Call it “MyName-NACHRI-Resume.doc.” See? Easy for both of us!
- Don’t list “Internet browsing” under your skills, tech or otherwise. Telling me you know how to surf the web is not going to dispose me to interview you. Five year olds know how to surf the web.
- “Your job is perfect for ME ME ME!” Uh, no. It’s about how are YOU going to help NACHRI, not how NACHRI is going to help YOU.
- Don’t use a “creative” (aka “illegible”) type font. It doesn’t show me what a special, unique flower you are. It shows me that you don’t care if I can read your resume or not.
- Did I mention proofread? And not just for things like misspelled words. Don’t write an objective that includes “looking for a job at XX” when you’re sending the resume to “YY.”
What about you? What advice can you share to help new job seekers?