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As you continue to assess your resume in preparation for “A New Career for a New Year,” a word on consistency. (If you’ve missed previous posts, be sure to scroll down to read up on how to target your resume, and for tips on producing error-free job search documents.)
One of my pet resume peeves is inconsistent formatting. For example, if you have several short-term positions, you list dates as December 2007, Dec. 2007 and 12/07. There are many opportunities for your resume to miss the mark on consistency.Â
If you are bolding your organization titles, bold ALL of them. Verbs should be in the past tense unless you currently work at the position. All of your descriptions should follow the same format. For example:
Organization Name                                                      Chicago, IL
Job Title                                                                           2002 – presentALL position descriptions should use the same abbreviated format for states. Your next job in South Carolina shouldn’t be listed S. Carolina or South Carolina, but as the abbreviated SC. All future references to “present” in dates should have a lower-case “p.” (For example, if you list a current organizational affiliation.)
These points may seem insignificant, but wouldn’t it be ironic to be touting your meticulous, detail oriented abilities in your resume, while your resume demonstrates something less than meticulous?
With employers and agencies receiving so many applicants for each position, every little bit helps. Pay attention to how your resume looks and reads. Dot your “i”s and cross your “t”s. At least you’ll know that you weren’t passed over for a silly error.
Stay tuned for more tips for creating attractive and easy-to-read resumes!
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Article by Miriam Salpeter
Miriam Salpeter, author of Social Networking for Career Success, is a CNN-named "top 10 job tweeter" and contributor to U.S. News & World Report's "On Careers" column. Quoted in major media outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and NBC news for her cutting-edge career advice, Miriam is an in-demand writer and speaker regarding job search and social media. She offers custom packages for job seekers and business owners, including transforming resumes and creating social media profiles/personal websites for clients. Keppie Careers has you covered. Let's get started!
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Miriam understands the frustration of the twenty-something trying to pursue a career and has devoted herself to helping others achieve their goals. My correspondence with Miriam has resulted in not only a renewed determination in the pursuit of my career, but also in a remarkable transformation for both my resume and, perhaps most importantly, confidence in myself.
— Susan PI landed an interview within a week! They really like my resume. Thanks for all of your help!
— Julie RYou were so kind and thoughtful. I knew from reading your blog that you would be able to help me. I appreciate your efforts and look forward to using my transformed resume!
— Shelly COur mock interview really narrowed down my weaknesses. Thanks for your great suggestions to improve. I'm much more confident and ready to take on my next job interview now!
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— Jeff RI had an interview yesterday with a company that I'm very excited about. I had sent them a version of the resume we worked on about a week ago, and they responded back within 24 hours asking for an interview! Thanks for everything!
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— Noel PMiriam, I must tell you again how pleased I am with what you've done for my resume so far. When I'm lying awake at night worrying about my future, I feel better when I read about my accomplishments as you've set them out so far. I can't tell you how much this means to me.
— Gloria MI did get a job offer today based on my new resume - more than I had in 1 month with the old resume! (Received this email within 48 hours of delivering new resume!)
— Andi DI never thought it would happen, but I found a job! Your resume must have done the trick, because I've been looking so long and nothing! I'll be happy to tell my friends to contact you when they need help! Thanks so much!
— Cathy F(Before we worked together) I felt like I had no skills, that no one would look twice at my resume, let alone hire me, and I should just give up before I even start. Now I feel amazing! You helped me remember that I am good at something, and that I do have some marketable skills. Actually, for the first time in a while, I feel good about what I'm saying about myself. (Now I'm getting all weepy). So again, thank you!
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— Gloria MOur conversation served as great job interview practice. (Miriam) asks some tough, thought-provoking questions!
— Andrew R