Have you pulled out your outdated resume lately to update it? Read these five points and see if your resume is hip…or little too retro:
- Headers and footers… The first word up top reads “Resume” or you have a “Page 1 of 2” footer inserted on page one.
- State your objective. Objective statements are passé. Nowadays, it’s preferred to lead with a branding statement in the form of a headline paired with a summary section and list of core competencies or areas of expertise. Highlight what you bring to the table, not what you’re looking to get.
- Are you telling me or showing me? Your job descriptions should be accomplishment-based. Balance a discussion of your responsibilities with highlights of your accomplishments to show your value.
- Don’t get too personal. Remove personal facts (date of birth, gender, marital status, and nationality). That information makes your resume appear outdated as these points are no longer included on resumes. The one exception — any languages spoken – should be included.
- Bullet crazy. When too many are used, they lose their punch. The page becomes a sea of bullets, and the reader’s eye is no longer drawn to the bullet. Use bullets in moderation for optimum effectiveness.