Resume Tips to Get the Part

JACOB POLITTE Managing EDITOR

Don’t put everything on your resume, but keep a separate master list

It’s tempting to make your resume as long and impressive as you can, but the shorter the better; employers don’t want to read a three-page resume. Alter your resume to tailor it to the best possible fit for the job that you’re applying to, but keep a separate list of every job that you’ve worked to make updating your list easier in the future.

Keep your format simple

It may be tempting to make your resume fancy and colorful, but the basics work best. A potential employer isn’t necessarily looking for pomp and circumstance, and they don’t care about your fancy fonts. The more professional looking, the better chances you may have.

Make sure your contact information prominent

Potential employers want to be able to easily get ahold of you, and your contact information should be at or near the top of your resume, preferably under your name. Again, it’s important to realize that employers do not look at resumes for a substantial amount of time. Placement and formatting makes all of the difference.

Don’t over explain your job responsibilities

When listing the different places you’ve worked, it’s important to make sure that the details of your work experience is not overexplained. Again, employers don’t spend that much time reading a resume. It’s best to leave the gritty details for the job interview itself.

Kate Sandheinrich, Access Office, Weighs In

Q: What do you look for in a resume?

A: When I look at a resume, I see if the contents match up to the job description. For example, if the job description requires 3 years of relevant experience, I will check the resume for 3 years’ experience. Additionally, a resume is a reflection of the person. If the resume is difficult to read, has multiple spelling errors or doesn’t have a lot of information that tells me a lot about the person and how they may work.

Q: Do you have a preference for what type of resume and why?

A: The type or style of resume doesn’t bother me. I am looking for an easy to read, error-free resume that demonstrates what the person brings to the job.

Q: Do you think it’s a good idea to put professional and personal references or just professional references on a resume? Why?

A: Personally, I include both. I would include at least two people who have supervised you in some capacity, and one or two coworkers. However, if a friend already works at the place you are applying, I would include their information.

Q: Do you think it’s important to include interests and hobbies on a resume? Why?

A: It depends on if it is relevant to the job. If you add interests and hobbies to a resume, keep it short. You can always reference and expand on them in a cover letter. When I applied to the Access Office, I included that I have volunteered for the Special Olympics and am interested in transition. In my cover letter I explained that my interests included helping students with disabilities transition from high school to higher education which was directly related to the job and highlighted that I was currently getting a doctorate degree in the subject. This demonstrated that I was passionate about helping students and would bring expertise to the office.

Interview by Emily Weber