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Recruiters typically spend only 6 to 8 seconds on the initial review of each resume or CV. This fact underscores the importance of crafting a well-organized document that catches their attention quickly. Effective resumes and CVs are succinct, with clearly defined sections and ample white space to facilitate the review process, catering to recruiters’ scanning habits.
It’s crucial to remember that a resume or CV’s primary goal is to secure an interview, rather than to fully encapsulate your career in a single document.
If you are beginning from scratch, consider exploring articles like the “Crash Course for Writing Your Resume or CV.” For those looking to refine their existing documents, “Why Less Is More on a Resume/CV and How to Update Yours” can provide valuable insights. Additionally, our latest HigherEdJobs Podcast episode, entitled “The Do’s and Don’ts of Resume Writing,” offers practical advice.
For a quick resume or CV refresh, here are ten essential do’s and don’ts:
Do ensure your name is prominent: select a font size twice that of your main text, using standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
Don’t employ shaded text boxes or intricate formatting that could hinder compatibility with applicant tracking systems or alternative versions of Microsoft Word.
Do position your contact information prominently at the top, including your current city/state, phone number, and email address.
Don’t include your full street address or your current work address.
Do include a brief summary beneath your contact details—ideally no more than three sentences—potentially utilizing bullet points for clarity.
Don’t write a traditional career objective.
Do consult the conventions relevant to your academic field. Some disciplines may expect traditional elements, such as starting with “Curriculum Vitae” or incorporating specific sections.
Don’t assume that your CV must meet a certain length to be taken seriously. Typically, resumes are confined to one page (or two if your experience warrants it), while academic CVs can range from five to 15 pages depending on your career stage.
Do place the education section before professional appointments in an academic CV. Conversely, for administrative resumes, education should follow the employment history.
Don’t organize your professional experience chronologically. Begin with the most recent and relevant roles.
Do utilize three to five bullet points for each appointment while keeping your lines concise, as readability can decline after eight words.
Don’t make unverifiable subjective claims. Incorporate statistics cautiously and avoid overloading your document with them.
Do use assertive statements, primarily beginning with strong action verbs that articulate your contributions, such as “developed” or “enhanced.”
Don’t use vague phrases like “responsibilities included” that list abstract nouns or choose pretentious verbs like “utilized.”
Do clarify any specific accomplishments by briefly explaining their significance, particularly when referencing names of programs, certifications, or events.
Don’t include acronyms and jargon without ensuring that all potential readers, including those outside your field, understand them.
Do enhance organization by using white space and bolded subheadings, ideally in a font size between 12-14 points.
Don’t incorporate sections that only highlight weaker experiences, like “Invited Talks” or “Community Outreach,” if they feature limited impact. Weak examples can undermine your other achievements.
Do maintain a master resume/CV from which you can draw information to customize a document for each specific position you apply to.
Don’t underestimate the importance of verbally articulating your strengths and intentions during an interview, as the resume/CV itself will not convey your full capabilities.
Your resume or CV marks just the initial step in the job search journey. Make sure to create a favorable first impression.
Disclaimer: HigherEdJobs promotes open discourse on critical issues, striving to present information accurately. Guest opinions serve to explore important topics, enabling authors to share expertise with our higher education audience and encouraging readers to consider diverse viewpoints. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not reflect official endorsement by HigherEdJobs.
Source
www.higheredjobs.com