A common sense guide to writing a resume – Part II

CONTINUING FROM last week’s column on resume writing, here are a few more answers to questions that will help make your resume stand out in the crowd.

Do I have to type my résumé?

Yes, of course. This is a professional document and it needs to look neat, clean and legible. Avoid fancy computer fonts. Time New Roman or Arial with a font size of 12 pt. On a Mac computer, Geneva works well and maybe 10pt is okay. Basically it should be easy to read.

Is there a special résumé language?

No. Make your résumé easy to read. When describing your responsibilities, the bullet format works well. Always start each bullet point with a verb so the reader knows immediately what you did.

Can I include my cell phone number and e-mail?

Although it may be easier to contact you through a cell phone, chances are when you answer the cell phone you will not be in a quiet professional environment. It reflects badly on you when you answer your phone with loud background noise (i.e. in your car listening to music or while hanging out with your friends).

If you have access to e-mail please ensure that your e-mail address is professional. Avoid nicknames, or slang language in your email address.

Special note: Make sure that you are able to receive messages and mail from the address and phone number you include in a timely manner. Employers will not understand if you reply late because a family member forgot to give you mail or messages.

Do I have to use special résumé paper?

No. If you have access to special résumé paper, by all means use it. However, regular white paper works just as well.

Can I have more than one résumé?

Yes. If you have experience in different industries, you can have two or three résumés highlighting the experiences relevant to each industry.

Always keep your résumé current, as you never know when you will need it.

Excerpts from the book A Teenager’s Guide to the Workplace by Karen Hinds

Karen Hinds is “The Workplace Success Expert.”