Your resume is one of the most critical aspects of your job search. In most cases, it will act as your first impression to a hiring manager or potential employer. Once you have spent time collecting your information and crafting your document, the last thing you want have happen is to make a small mistake on it. Before you submit your resume for a job application, you need to make these last minute checks to ensure your resume is the best it can be.
Double and triple check for spelling and grammatical errors
It’s not new to learn that a spelling or grammatical error can send your resume to the trash bin. It’s best to review your resume several times for any mistakes, as well as have someone else you know look it over. Make sure that there are no run on sentences, that you don’t include any inconsistent capitalization of words, and that you are using consistent punctuation.
Test that links listed work properly
On your resume, you’ll want to include links to your LinkedIn profile, other social networks you’re on, any articles you’ve written, or even a presentation you’ve completed. It’s best to hyperlink certain words or phrases, instead of listing an entire long link on your resume. When including these types of links, you need to check them to confirm that they work and that they lead to the correct webpage.
Maintain the correct tense
When listing your experiences, responsibilities, and accomplishments, you need to keep each one in the correct tense. For you current job information, use the present tense and for any past jobs or internships, use the past tense.
Use the right file format
As you are applying for different jobs at different organizations, there may be certain directions that you have to follow when submitting an application. Be sure to find the correct way, and then adjust your resume accordingly. Whether your document needs to be submitted in a .doc or .pdf format, confirm you’re correctly following their instructions completely, otherwise you will be overlooked before you get the chance to speak with anyone.
Keep the font and layout consistent
When writing your resume, your font and spacing need to be consistent throughout your entire document. All of your font needs to match and not be too big. As for the layout, make sure your section headers are easy to read, your bullet points aren’t too long, and that you’ve left enough room in the margins. Once done, take a final look at your spacing and overall layout so it all lines up and looks even.
Ensure the top section of your resume is correct
Recruiters and hiring managers will notice the top section of your resume when they first view your resume, so you need to make certain all of that information is correct. Check your email address, phone number, and social media profiles for any mistakes. Then you need to review the information you include in your first listed job, such as dates worked there and top responsibilities and accomplishments.
Remove any unnecessary information
As you try to keep your resume below two pages, even better one page, there may be content that you can remove to make all of the important information fit. You can remove unrelated job experience, outdated skills and technology, any type of personal information, or any fabricated statements. Removing this type of information will clean your resume up and give you the opportunity to highlight the more significant content.
Have a plain text version of your resume
Depending on the role you are applying to, you may use a more creative resume to apply. While it’s great to add this creativity to your document, it’s always best to have a plain text version available as well. An organization’s applicant tracking system may not be able to read your resume if it’s too fancy or has too many images on it. It’s best to use the text version of your resume while applying, and use your creative resume as a supplement or attachment.
Include your full name in the file document title
After you’ve created your resume and have double checked every feature on it, you need to make sure it has the right file name. If you’re submitting your resume with a file name such as “Resume” or “JaneResume,” it’s not specific enough. Save your resume as “FullNameResume.(documenttype)” to guarantee the employer knows it is a resume and it’s your document.
You don’t want to have to worry about a recruiter or hiring manager overlooking your resume because of a simple mistake. If you use this helpful checklist to perform a last minute review of your resume before you submit it for any job application, your chances for an interview will greatly increase.
Interested in other ways to land you next job? Subscribe to the JOHNLEONARD blog below in order to receive even more advice to help with your job search.