A career consultant can diagnose and overhaul a troubled
resume. But you can check off the basics yourself.
Mistake #1. “The mystery applicant.” No contact
information.
Fix: List a daytime phone number and email address, right at
the top of the page. Create a professional-sounding message
for your answering device.
Mistake #2. “The scrunchie.” Loads of detail crammed
together in eight-point type.
Fix: Add lots of white space, avoid tiny type and use bullet
points instead of long paragraphs. If you’ve got a story to
tell, most reviewers will happily turn to a second page.
Mistake #3: “List of tasks and duties.” Obituary of a boring
employee.
Fix: Sell yourself by focusing on accomplishments.
Demonstrate the impact of your achievements. Describe
actions, not obligations.
Mistake #4: “The expressionist.” Sets off alarm bells.
Fix: Choose chronological rather than functional form,
especially if you use traditional job-hunting sources: HR
departments, recruiters, and advertisements. Off the beaten
path, use a sales letter or network your way to in-person
presentations.
Mistake #5: “Creative language.” Spelling, grammar and
punctuation errors.
Proof-read and ask a friend to help. Computerized spelling
and grammar checks won’t catch everything. A
carefully-prepared resume will stand out more than you can
imagine.
About The Author
Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D., is an author, speaker and career/business consultant, helping midlife professionals take their First step to a Second Career.
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“Ten secrets of mastering a major life change”
Contact:
505-534-4294
