Let's Talk Business: Résumé Do's and Don'ts

So you've had some work experience, done some extracurricular activities and made some great achievements, but how can you fit so much information on one single document? You're résumé is basically you're professional identity so it's important that you sell yourself to employers the right way. Check out these do's and dont's on how to successfully catch an employer's eye.

Photo: Yellow Brick Road

 DO create a résumé that has a simple format. A simple font, proper spacing and appropriate arrangement makes a resume easier for a recruiter to read.

DON'T make your résumé look too "busy". Weird fonts and odd spacing make the résumé unpleasant to read and can often be rejected by recruiters right away. Also, make sure you proof read! Very important that your résumé is typo free!

DO include your name, address, PROFESSIONAL email and phone number in the heading of your résumé. Providing this information will help recruiters to easily contact you if interested in your qualifications. 

DON'T put unnecessary personal information. This includes your race, age, a photograph of yourself or your social security number. This information will not help you gain your future job and does not provide good use in what you really have to offer for the position. 

DO include a thorough objective. Clearly stating an objective that includes the position you are applying for or career objective that you have shows that you are primarily focusing on the employer's needs. Make sure it is clear, concise and no more than 3 lines.

DON'T include an objective that is vague and not specific. Make sure when applying for jobs that you change your objective according to the position. For example, you don't want to your objective to say "A teller position at _____ bank..." if you're applying for a receptionist job at another company. Embarrassing! 

DO include your college name, your major/field of study and your anticipated graduation month and year in the education section. This is very essential for employers to know your skills and level of education.

DON'T incorporate your GPA if it is not too impressive. A low GPA will show your lack of work ethic and will not be a good look in showing your best qualifications.

DO list your work experience in chronological order. It will look much better if you put your most recent job first to see what jobs you've been doing while attending school.

DON'T list any jobs that will not benefit your chances of gaining the position. You don't have to put EVERY single job that you've held. Most likely that job you had working at a fast food restaurant in high school will not be an asset in gaining that accounting internship. This is only acceptable if you don't have too much work experience, then it is better to show that you've held a couple jobs.

While these are amongst many do's and don'ts of résumé writing, it is important that you display yourself in the most professional way possible. Display your most important qualities and show recruiters that you have the skills and education to gain the position.

What are some important do's and don'ts that you think are most important when creating your résumé? Share your thoughts by commenting below!

Stay fabulous and sassy!