Resume Format Interview Preparation Guide

Download PDF

An attractively formatted resume catches the eye. Some simple rules to follow:
☛ Use left margin justification i.e. keep all text in the main body left-aligned.
☛ Use single line spacing between the lines.
☛ Use straight lines to break sections and also to give an outline to the resume, if you wish to.
☛ Simple bullet points under each category head give a neat format.
☛ For a hard copy print on plain white or cream paper.
☛ A resume should ideally be two pages in length, and a cover letter strictly one page.

A number of larger companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to automatically screen resumes. These systems search for keywords that indicate whether or not a candidate has the desired skills and/or experience for the position because applicant tracking system requires text-based resumes, some companies using applicant tracking system will simply toss aside nontraditional resumes.

It is a good idea to take the time to write a custom resume that specifically highlights the experience you have that is relevant to the job for which you are applying.
It definitely takes more time to write or carefully edit your resume but it is worth the effort, especially when applying for jobs that are a perfect match for your qualifications and experience.
To customize your resume, edit your resume so your skills and experience are as close a match as possible to the job description or job ad requirements. Take the keywords used in the job posting and work them into your resume.

You may be asked:
☛ To summarize or describe all or parts of this section?
☛ To describe duties and accomplishments and to relate them to the position, whether they be the application of certain knowledge or the demonstration of particular skills or traits that helped you achieve results?
Keep in mind that the interviewer will be looking for clues that you have interpersonal, time and task management skills.

You may be asked:
☛ To offer specific examples if possible rather than general declarations of confidence.
☛ To answer direct questions such as "Tell me about your experience with X" where X is a specific skill.
☛ Do not hesitate to ask in return if what you describe meets their need or preference since what you learn could help you offer a stronger set of closing observations.
You should not have problems with these direct questions as long as you prepared for them in advance and have reviewed the position for required skills.

You may be asked:
☛ Why you chose Syracuse?
☛ Your major or any of the other details of your academic choices?
These questions help an interviewer assess your career focus and decision-making and how you achieve your goals.

For print resumes, use better-quality paper with a rag content of at least 25% and a watermark.

If included objectives, you may be asked:
☛ What you know about the field you have chosen?
☛ What your professional goals and advancement plans may be?

Use white, off-white or pale gray. These are conservative colors that will not compete with the content of your resume.

Reserve underlined text for web links. If you need to emphasize something, use bold or a different font size instead.

Use the same amount of space before and after headings, between bullets etc. This gives your resume a uniform look.

Use no more than two fonts styles-one for headings and the other for body text. More than that is distracting.

Use bold carefully and consistently. For example, if you bold the name of one company you have worked for, do it in all cases.

Bulleted text allows you to break down complex information into readable chunks and also highlight key points.

Your reader should be able to quickly locate key areas on your resume, such as education, without extensive searching.

The content of your resume is by far the most important factor. But design is important too for a couple of reasons:
☛ Your resume must be easy to read, and good design makes that possible. Design calls attention to key sections of your resume, such as work experience and education.
☛ A well-designed resume reflects positively on your skills. Sloppy or careless design may give a negative impression, even if you are well-qualified.

Lots of white space makes text easier to read. Text that is too dense may discourage time-pressed readers from reading further.

There are several techniques you can use to create a highly readable and attractive resume which are given below:
☛ White space
☛ Better-quality paper (print)
☛ Neutral color (print)
☛ Bullets
☛ Selective use of bold
☛ No underlining (except links)
☛ Consistent spacing
☛ Easy-to-scan headings
☛ Limited number of fonts

Although most companies will be able to handle your resume in Word format, occasionally you may need to have a plain-text resume that is been stripped of formatting. To create one, follow these steps:
☛ Copy your resume into a plain text editor like Notepad, which should be available as an accessory on your computer. Most of the formatting should be gone.
☛ Change any remaining bullets to asterisks and space once after the asterisk.
☛ For your main section headings, such as Work Experience, change to all caps so the headings stand out.
☛ Add spacing between sections as necessary for readability.

Including a resume objective can convince employers that you know what you want and are familiar with the job, the industry and the company.
If you include an objective on your resume, it is important to tailor the resume objective to match the job you are applying for. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of being considered for the job you are interested in.

It is important to include all your contact information on your resume so employers can easily get in touch with you. Include your full name, street address, city, state and zip, home phone number, cell phone number and email address.

On the old style of resume it was enough to describe the duties and responsibilities you have held as an employee. Not so anymore. An employer is looking to see how you have actually added value as a worker. In most cases you will want to create accomplishment statements on your resume. It is competitive out there and you want to stand out from the crowd.

Certain information should not be revealed to employers, on the grounds you might be exposing yourself to potential discrimination. Your age and marital status should be left off. Also your religion and country of origin.

Your work history, educational background and earned credentials, career summary/objective and contact information are must-haves on your resume. So are a few other relevant details.

Employers hire people for specific jobs. Each job comes with its own duties and responsibilities. An employer needs to know that you are qualified to do the specific job properly. Some jobs need people who are generalists, such as general laborer or handyman but most jobs are best suited to workers who are specially trained and have the necessary credentials in that line of work.