Haven’t conducted a job search in several years? Are you brushing off a résumé that hasn’t been used in 5, 6, 7 or more years? It can be obvious when your career documents look outdated. Take two minutes to open up your Word file and make your résumé more appealing. Below are three quick fixes that collectively can make a big difference in how you present yourself.
- Use a Gmail address. Ditch the AOL or Hotmail email address in favor of a more hip Gmail address. It may seem inconsequential, but newer email providers give off a more up-to-date vibe than others. It’s a simple change that will help you avoid appearing like you’re behind with the times.
- List only your cell phone number. It’s 2015. We live on our cell phones. Not everyone even has a land line anymore. Listing both a home and a cell number at the top of your resume is passé.
- Remove the phrase “Professional references upon request.” This once-standard phrase should no longer appear anywhere on your résumé or cover letter. Career documents have become more streamlined, in part because so many emails are read on smart phone screens. Additionally, with online networking sites such as LinkedIn being so mainstream, professional references are more readily accessible. No need to state the obvious.
BONUS tip: Add hyperlinks to your social media pages – namely, your LinkedIn profile, but only if it’s filled out and adds value. There’s no point in sending a hiring manager to an incomplete LinkedIn profile.