Most people acknowledge that when it is time to look for a job, their resume needs updating, but many don't know where to start. Our experts at Revision Resume have come up with a list of 21 easy resume revisions, based on issues we see time and time again. Making these changes will significantly improve your resume, making it more likely you will be called for an interview!
Remove Your Photo - Resumes in the United States should not have photos on them. Some companies will discard any resume with a photo to avoid being accused of discrimination.
Delete Obvious Skills - If everyone at your job level knows how to use Outlook, don't include it on your resume. You are wasting space. Only list skills that are unique or will show your qualifications for the specific job you are seeking.
Add a Professional LinkedIn URL - It is easy to update your URL to make it personalized and professional. Then, you can list it within the contact information section of your resume. Not sure how? Here is our blog with step-by-step directions.
Delete Your Home Address - We advise against including your home address in your contact information. It isn't necessary in 2024, and can open the door to unwanted violations of your privacy.
Remove the Objective Statement - Stating what you are hoping to gain in your job search has been outdated for a long, long time. Companies are interested in what you can provide them, not what they will do for you.
Add a Title or Personal Headline - Current resume standards include having a Title or Personal Headline directly below your contact information on your resume. If you don't have one, add one.
Check the Length of Your Executive Summary - Your executive summary should only be about 4 lines long. If it is longer than that, consider removing some of the content. It shouldn't be overwhelming to read, but instead a quick introduction of you and the qualifications you bring.
Delete High School Information - If you are a college graduate or have been in the industry for a couple of years, you should no longer have high school information listed on your resume.
Use the Numerical Form for Numbers - Do you have metrics on your resume? Great! Now check to see if the numbers are listed in the numerical form or written out. It will be more eye-catching to list them numerically. So, instead of "Managed a team of six engineers," you should say "Managed a team of 6 engineers."
Remove Graduation Years - If you graduated more than 5 years ago, the date should not be listed on your resume.
Evaluate the Location of Your Education Section - Is your graduation section at the top of your resume? It should only be there if you are a very recent graduate. If you have any work experience after graduation, then the education section needs to be moved to the end of the resume.
Take "Responsible For" OFF of Your Resume - Many job applicants use "responsible for" to start their bullets. Instead, use a strong action verb, such as "managed", "oversaw", "led", "organized", "improved", "achieved", or "grew". Hiring managers don't want you to tell them what you were supposed to do, they want to know what you did and how you did it.
Delete Old Jobs - Your resume does not have to be a full autobiography. In most cases, it should only list your work experience for the last 10-15 years. Delete any older jobs, unless they relate specifically to the role you're currently seeking. If that is the case, list it under "Previous Work Experience," without using dates.
Look at the Number of Bullets - Some resumes have 10-20 bullets for 1 job. That is WAY too many. Reduce the number of bullets to 5-7 maximum per position. Again, you don't need to include every single aspect of your work history. Only list the most important and most powerful actions and results on your resume. A recruiter or hiring manager doesn't want to read the minutia details, they just want the highlights.
Check Your Font - Some job seekers try to stand out by using fancy or colorful font. These are obvious distractions, so check your font with this in mind . All you need to do is make your font clean and easily readable.
Delete References - Do you list references directly on your resume? Or do you state, "references available upon request?" Both of these are considered outdated practices, and should be removed from your resume.
Add Metrics Wherever Possible - Many people provide bullets that say they "Managed a team" or " Increased sales." If possible, add a metric to provide scope. For example "Managed a team of 10 engineers," or "Increased sales by 15% over 6 months."
Avoid the "Dreaded Page-and-a-Half" - Your resume should end at (or close to) the bottom of a page. Many people find they have created a document that has a half or third of a page extra. If this is the case for you, change your margins, spacing, font size, and distance between bullets to condense or expand your content as needed to ensure your resume ends at the bottom of a page.
Remove Personal Information - Some people list marital status or other personal information on their resume. This is not necessary, and it is best to leave these details off of the document entirely.
Shorten Your Bullets - Are your bullet points running 3+ lines long? If so, try to shorten them. A busy hiring manager doesn't have time to read bullets that are 3+ lines long to try to understand your achievements. A good bullet will quickly show your actions and results without being too wordy.
Double-Check Spelling and Grammar - Hopefully, you have thoroughly proofread your resume. Consider printing it out to catch any final spelling or error mistakes. Not good at proofreading? Ask a friend for help, or contact Revision Resume for a resume critique!
Does your resume need more than these 21 revisions? Looking for a complete overhaul? Revision Resume is happy to help. We offer resume creations for clients in the Rochester, NY area and beyond. Reach out via email at info@revisionresume.com today and we can set up a complimentary 1:1 meeting to learn about your circumstances and determine how best to assist you.
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