Blog Post: Did you know September is International Update Your Resume Month? Resume Etiquette!

September is International Update your Resume Month!!! I have been asked several times to address how important it is to update your resume and what personal or contact information should go on your resume. So here are some tips...Just know that there are some exceptions to every tip!

In general, make sure all of your contact information is correct and do not leave off pertinent information:

General contact info: name, address, phone number, email address. Also, if you have two or more pages for your resume, all contact info needs to go on each page!

Your name- if you have a name you prefer to go by or a nickname, you can list as follows... Jason "Jay" Doe.

Phone #'s- make sure these numbers work! Don't send an old resume out without checking the contact information. *** Side note- your voice mail should be professional " Hello and thank you for calling; you have reached Mary Smith. I am sorry I missed your call, please leave your name, phone number, and the best time to call you back. Thank you" If a potential employer is trying to reach you and their first impression is loud music on your voice mail, they could decide to call the next person. Be professional.

Email address- make sure your email address is simple and professional. Preferably, use a combination of your first and last name @whatever.com....Avoid slang or unprofessional email addresses such as: cutemama123@123.com, youtheman123@123.com, you get the idea.

Picture(s) of yourself- I do not recommend this unless your profession calls for it or it is requested...actors/actresses, models, etc. We should not judge someone by their looks, however, we are all human, so don't give anyone any ammunition without even having an opportunity to sell yourself.*** Side note... if you are on facebook, myspace, plaxo, linkedin, etc.... be careful on what information is public information.  Employers will search for you online.  Note your pictures, extracurricular activities, etc. 

Personal information: weight, height, marital status, race, religion, political affiliation, social security number, etc. This information should not be on your resume unless specified. Some government jobs require this information. If your job is political or religious, it may matter. Marine professionals, boat captains, may need to put their personal information including smoker or non-smoker, and that is ok for the profession...if you are not sure, ask a professional in the said field. Just make sure what they are asking for is not against the law.

Again, you do not know what's in store for tomorrow, so be prepared! Resumes are not only used for getting a job. You can use them to get appointed to a board, to promote your business, obtain special financing, and of course while networking!

Below are general resume tips. Good luck and remember, if you are still searching for a job, seek or hire a professional!

HAVE A SUCCESSFUL DAY!

Résumé Tips

1. Be neat and error free. (#1 reason resumes go to file 13, errors!!!!)

2. Write a powerful opening statement. (Your profile)

3. Focus on your benefit to employers. (Why hire you?)

4. Make a good first impression. (Format)

5. Emphasize your skills. (Areas of Expertise)

6. Use keywords/buzzwords.

7. Use industry jargon.

8. Use action verbs.

9. Avoid personal pronouns.

10. Highlight key points. (Accomplishments)

11. List only recent/relevant information. (Usually, go back 10 years)

12. Quantify or qualify experience. (Bullets should have results! Numbers!)

13. Be organized, logical, and concise.

14. Do you have licenses, certifications, a foreign language? Add it.

15. Avoid questionable subjects.

16. Be honest.

17. Sell your strengths.

18. Position yourself in the best possible light.

19. Volunteer experience? Organizations you belong to? Board you were appointed to?

20. No personal information. (Unless your career calls for it…ex. Government- needs SS#, actor/actress- personal info, nanny, yacht captain, etc. Ask a Professional if you have questions!)