Resume Dos and Don'ts from The Creative Group

When Preparing Your Resume... DO:

• Tailor the resume to the opportunity by highlighting your qualifications and expertise that match specific job requirements.
• Accurately summarize the software and technologies that you are familiar with and how long you have used each one.
• Highlight your achievements by demonstrating the ways in which the projects you worked on affected the company's bottom line. Did they increase sales, broaden the customer base, enhance visibility, reach target markets or improve productivity?
• Clearly show areas where you have been given increased responsibility for a job well done.
• Include special recognition, awards and participation in relevant professional organizations.
• Proofread for errors. You can be screened out for not being detail-oriented.
• Review your resume with your references so they are up-to-date on your current accomplishments.
• Update your resume after every position or significant freelance assignment.

When Preparing Your Resume... DON'T:

• Misrepresent your education or experiences; one fabrication is often grounds for termination.
• Give reasons for termination or leaving a job.
• Include personal information such as your height, weight, Social Security number, social activities, and personal or religious philosophies.
• List references or state: "References available on request." The interviewer will assume that you will provide these contacts when asked.
• Use exact dates. Months and years are sufficient.
• Include your phone number or e-mail address at your current job unless your boss is aware of your intent to leave.
• List your high school education if you're a college graduate.
• Provide salary information in the resume. If the ad requests a salary range, include it in the cover letter. Otherwise, wait until the interview to discuss this issue.
  

Format for Scanning Resumes
Resume management systems scan your hardcopy resume into their databases for recruiters and hiring managers to search for new consultants. Guidelines to follow when sending hardcopy resumes that will be scanned include:

• Mail an original copy without folds or staples. A faxed resume may not scan.
• Left justify the entire document.
• Avoid graphics, italics, underlining, bold and shading.
• Save the file as "Text with Line Breaks," and put a hard return at the end of each line.
• Avoid tabs.
• Parenthesis, brackets, horizontal or vertical lines will not scan properly.
• Do not use compressed lines of print.
• Use a sans serif font in size 10-14.

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