Your resume is a fine-tuned machine: too much fluff, and employers will see right through you; not enough fluff, and your resume won't stand out. We're going to help you figure out just what to include (and what to leave out) so that you stand out of the slush pile for internships and future employers.
1 Skip the Funky Font
This is the very first mistake that
resume-crafters make: extravagant fonts and added colours. Your work should speak for itself and shouldn't need any party tricks to present itself (it often looks tacky and not as elegant as you think). This also includes font that is too small or illegible. If an employer can't read it, they won't.
2 Social Media is Not the Enemy
Universities and employers are definitely looking at your social media presence, whether you attach the links to your
resume or not. We'll recommend you flush the high school pictures away and keep public sites professional. Social
media is not the enemy here. It can benefit you in the long run. These sites are what help you stand out and fill in the blanks for employers who have narrowed the job hunt down to you and a few others.
3 Have Multiple Resumes
Sure, maybe you're excited about that job you had five years ago, but if it's not relevant to this current position—cut it! In this case, having multiple resumes is key. Have one for internships that present volunteer work, or your awards in math competitions if entering the accounting world. A coherent story that is actually relevant to the current position you're applying for will keep you from being dumped into the slush pile.
4 Length Doesn't Matter
We're talking resume length here (get your mind out of the gutter!) The older you get, or the more you bounce around, the more experience you collect. Not all of it belongs on your resume and anything longer than two pages is too long. Cut the descriptions, as most employers can
google the establishment if they want extra information. Normally a sentence per position is sufficient. Finally, new is always better. When all else fails, cut the old jobs and focus on the last 2-5 years.
5 Be Yourself
Anyone can find a template and fill it out, but there are little gems about
yourself that help you stand out.
Normally you would attach a CV to get personal, but they're often not required. A little extra can go a long way here. For example, specify how you made a difference at your last job, rather than
including the standard job description.Highlight accomplishments you're proud of, that only you could achieve, and you'll be well on your way to your dream job.