Keep it Simple: a Crash Course on Writing (or Rewriting) a Resumé
Do you remember Clippy? It was the little annoying paperclip that popped up when you opened Microsoft Word to write a document. It was trying to be helpful and offer suggestions on how to best format a document and what words or phrases to use. While nothing is set in stone saying there is a 100% right or wrong way to write a resumé, many of them (good or bad) share similar themes. Most of the good ones keep it simple with relevant experience right at the top…front and center. Hiring managers will read a resumé and within a few seconds they’ll know if they want to continue. I know that sounds harsh. Your resumé is highlights of your career presented in a consistent and simple manner. I’m going to emulate Clippy to help you write your resumé…and hopefully be less irritating in the process.
I’m a recruiter and I’m here to help you write your resumé.
A major part of a recruiter’s job is to introduce people to our clients based on their current (and future) requirements. The best way to get to know a candidate’s professional history is to review their resumé. Some resumés are good and some…need improvement. That’s ok! I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve reworked mine over my professional career. The overarching goal is to sell yourself to a hiring manager via a page or two to get to the stage of selling yourself in person (or phone or video call) at an interview. Your resumé is likely the first impression of you that a hiring manager will see. Crisp, clean, and simple. Keep it simple. Keep it simple. Keep it simple.
“Keep it simple. Keep it simple. Keep it simple.”
Be concise. Recently, I received a fantastically formatted resumé from a great candidate. It had accomplishments. It had a good intro with a good objective. It highlighted work history and relevant education. It was great. Except it was six pages long. I didn’t want my client to have to curl up by a fire on a rainy day to read it. This great resumé just had to be gutted. My suggestion was to pare it down and only include the primary responsibilities, education, and maybe some unique personality traits. Elaboration can be accomplished during an interview.
Page count matters. You don’t want the hiring manager who reviews your resumé to have to spend more than a few minutes reviewing it. I know that sounds somewhat counterintuitive because you want to give a good representation of yourself. Give the hiring manager your main bullet points—your responsibilities and measurable accomplishments—right at the top: If you have less than ten years of work experience, stick to one page. If you have more than ten years of experience, two pages is great. Three pages is the absolute limit. If you think you need more than three, create a separate document for a project list. If your resumé is one-and-a half-pages, either cut some to get to one complete page or expand a little and get a full two.
1 or 2 pages. Not both.
Remove gimmicky graphics. It’s one thing to have a couple colorful yet subdued lines. It’s another to have graphics that can clutter a resumé and make it look totally bizarre. Don’t put clipart on your resumé (unless you’re some kind of clipart designer, of course). It’s much better to demonstrate that you have achieved your sales targets 92% of the time and had four quarters with over 150% of your quota than to have an odd graphic with coins turning to dollar signs. You are selling a professional product, not a pyramid scheme.
If I hire you, you’ll make it rain? Seems legit.
Use professional fonts. Use a font like “Calibri (body)”—I think it’s the default font for Microsoft Word, and is perfectly acceptable. Don’t use “Papyrus” even though it has an interesting look to it. Or “Mistral”—we want it legible after all. Certainly don't use “Wingdings.”
Be consistent. Hiring managers notice consistency. Make sure your email address, phone number, and (optional) address are the same font and size. Make sure the titles of your employers and the title of your position are consistent with each other, respectively. Bullet points should be aligned with one another. Showing consistency on a resumé will indicate that you put some time and thought into it. It indicates you’re meticulous when looking at financial documents or the fine print on that purchase order. The hiring manager might equate an inconsistent resumé with an inconsistent candidate who doesn’t pay attention to detail.
Don’t overuse buzzwords or inspirational quotes. Most of us are self-starting go-getters who are motivated and hungry for success. Those phrases turn hiring managers off because they lack originality and really don’t share much concrete information about you. Instead, replace those fluffy phrases with something deeper. Briefly describe the product launch you initiated or the project you led. Describe the impact your involvement had and what positives you brought to a previous (or current) employer. Find a balance of talking yourself up and being humble.
“Most of us are self-starting go-getters who are motivated and hungry for success. ”
Share relevant information. Start with the job description and make sure your resume highlights the skills that it seeks. Employers are looking for problem solving, time management, communication, creativity, leadership, teamwork, adaptability, etc. The list is nearly endless. If you’re younger or a recent graduate, there’s no shame in briefly describing your experience working through college. In fact, it shows time management and adaptability because you had an essay due Sunday at midnight, but you’re scheduled to work two restaurant server shifts between now and then. You proved you could handle it and should be proud of achieving that goal.
Writing (or rewriting) a resumé doesn’t have to be something to dread. Remember, keep it simple. Whether you’re gutting out a few pages with a sledgehammer or correcting grammar, misspellings, or bullet alignment with a scalpel, a resumé is an excellent tool in your toolbox to achieve your career goals. It doesn’t need to be an autobiography complete with chapters; make it your blockbuster’s highlight reel.