How to make your resume stand out
October 27, 2008 · Print This Article
If you’ve ever thought “I’d get the job if I could only get the interview” these posts are for you. Over the next several posts we’re giving up our top tips on how to get the interview. We figure once you get the interview you’ll lock it up – so let’s focus on making that phone ring and keeping your resume from falling in to the vortex that is the HR professional’s resume pile.
Stay tuned as we unveil a new tip over the next week to help you get more than your fair share of the interviews.
Top Tips for Making Your Resume Stand Out
1. Get the basics right. This seems like such a no-brainer, but a huge portion of resumes are instantly rejected by HR people for not getting the basics right. If you can’t spend the time to ensure that your resume is accurate what else do we have to worry about? A single spelling mistake can turn your resume in to an instant reject. What are the basics?
- Spelling
- Formatting
- Readability
- Contact information
Nailing these gets you past the first and easiest filter. Nailing the basics is proof of your attention to detail – a critical component of the HR evaluation.
Spelling
This shouldn’t have to be said, but lamentably, it does. Spelling can kill and it’s up to you to make sure you’re bullet proof in the spelling department. Avoid the dreaded spelling error trap by following these quick Resume Tips:
- Read backwards. When you proof your resume read from the bottom to the top and from right-to-left (in reverse of your natural reading pattern). This keeps you focused on each word and doesn’t allow your brain to fill in or fix errors in your spelling. You’ll catch many more errors using this method.
- Get a friend to review your resume. Preferably a good-writing friend. A copywriter, English major, or PR professional can give your resume the close read it deserves. With a fresh eye they’ll catch anything you’re glossing over. Resume Donkey guarantees the spelling on your resume is perfect or your money back – guaranteed.
What are your favorite proof-reading tips? Share them in the comments below!
Next up we’ll tackle the rest of the resume basics! Stay tuned.
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