When the time calls to write a resume, there is no shortage of advice and services available to help people comprise their work experience into a single document. Writing a resume can be challenging, especially for recent college graduates as their relevant work experience may be short or nonexistent.
But there is good news for entry-level employees: Resume best practices are straightforward, regardless of the job you are applying for. There are three tips every young professional should be aware of when putting together a resume:
- Easy on the details.
Only include information that is relevant to the position you are applying for. - Keep it short and simple.
Utilize a template that is not busy or complicated. Stick with a one column template and avoid using photos (including headshots) or bar charts. Also, use a default font like Time New Roman or Arial. - Honesty is key.
Make sure you are being truthful when listing your college major or minor, any certifications or degree you have received. Employers do ask for name and date confirmation on degrees.
While a resume is very straightforward, there is still room for error. The most common mistakes new graduates make are including irrelevant high school experiences and not creating a professional email. A professional email should include your first and last name. It is also very important to triple-check grammar and spelling.
Lastly, when listing your education, a great tool is to explain what you accomplished in your courses and how they prepared you for the corporate world. This is useful for graduates who have very little work experience.