e4myJobs New Job Seeker Resource

Now that you've completed the input process, you need to do a quick review.

Review Criteria:

Appearance

1. Is there sufficient white space surrounding the text or does the text cover too much space?
2. Would you want to read it?
3. Is the document 2 or less full pages?

Message

1. Can you tell at a glance your qualifications?
2. Can you tell easily what contribution you could make to a new employer - based on what you've accomplished in the past?

Result

If you cannot respond "YES" to each of the questions, you need to work on the format.  Review the Possible Solutions that follow.

Possible Solutions - Appearance:

1. Don't underestimate the impact of the first impression your resume leaves - by its simple appearance. If there is not enough white space surrounding the text, make sure you have prioritized all of your accomplishments and use only the most important.  Eliminate any minor or inconsequential items listed.
2. Make sure you have used bullet points to describe your accomplishments and that you have not simply used paragraphs following a bullet to describe your accomplishments.
3. If you bullet points are more than 2 or 3 lines, chances are they are too long.  Review them to see if you can eliminate words or phrases.  If they are 4 or more lines, they are not really bullet points, they are more likely paragraphs and need to be shortened.
4. Are your descriptions of your current and former employer limited to no more than two lines?  If they are longer, try to shorten them as much as possible.
5. Are your position descriptions limited to no more than two or three lines?  If they are longer, attempt to shorten.
6. Are your bullet points "accomplishments" as opposed to simply a more detailed job description?  Limit your bullet points to actual accomplishments.  Do not make the bullet points a laundry list of your job functions.

Possible Solutions - Message:

1. Do you have a simple phrase HIGHLIGHTED in BOLD that stands out and summarizes your experience and what you want to do in a glance?
2. Did you use the "CAR" approach to summarizing your accomplishment?
3. Make your point.  Don't just list details.