Resume Writing Guidelines

21 Questions

What is the recommended font size for body text in a resume?

10-12 points

What is the purpose of using bullet points in a resume?

To break up large blocks of text

What should be the focus of each bullet point in a resume?

Achievements and accomplishments

What is the recommended way to quantify accomplishments in a resume?

Using numbers and statistics

Why should transferable skills and experiences be emphasized in a resume?

Because they can be applied to the job being applied for

What should you avoid using in a resume?

Tables, graphics, or excessive use of italics or bolding

Why should you not include a photo on an ATS-friendly resume?

Because it can distract from the content, cause the ATS to malfunction, or be considered discriminatory

What should be the focus of an ATS-friendly resume instead of a photo?

Skills, experiences, and achievements

When is including a professional headshot in a resume recommended?

When applying for a modeling or acting job

Why can including a photo in a resume lead to unconscious bias?

Because it can influence the hiring manager's decision

What is a potential issue with including a photo in a resume when applying to companies that use ATS?

The ATS may not be able to parse the photo

In which region is it more common and sometimes expected to include a photo in a resume?

Europe

What should be the primary focus when creating an ATS-friendly resume?

Optimizing the content and formatting

What is the main purpose of identifying key words and phrases from the job description?

To incorporate them into your resume

Where should you strategically use keywords in your resume?

In the summary, skills, and work experience sections

What is the result of not customizing your resume for each job?

A lack of relevance to the job description

What is a common mistake to avoid in your resume?

Typos and grammatical errors

What is the recommended way to face the camera for a professional headshot?

Directly, with a neutral expression

Why is it essential to use a consistent formatting style throughout your resume?

To make it easier to read and scan

What should you avoid when using keywords in your resume?

Overusing them

What is the importance of accuracy in your resume?

It ensures the accuracy of dates, job titles, and achievements

Study Notes

Formatting and Layout

Use a clear and concise format with a standard font (e.g. Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica)
Font size: 10-12 points for body text, 14-16 points for headings
Margins: at least 0.5 inches on all sides
Use bullet points to break up large blocks of text and make it easier to scan
Keep the resume to 1-2 pages, depending on the level of experience
Use white space effectively to make the resume easy to read
Avoid using tables, graphics, or excessive use of italics or bolding

Action Verbs and Accomplishments

Use action verbs to begin each bullet point (e.g. "managed," "created," "developed," "increased")
Focus on achievements and accomplishments rather than just listing job responsibilities
Quantify accomplishments by using numbers and statistics (e.g. "increased sales by 25%," "managed a team of 10 people")
Emphasize transferable skills and experiences that can be applied to the job being applied for
Use specific examples to demonstrate skills and accomplishments

Photo Angle

Do not include a photo on an ATS-friendly resume, as it can:
- Take up valuable space
- Distract from the content
- Cause the ATS to malfunction
- Be considered discriminatory
Instead, focus on showcasing skills, experiences, and achievements through the content of the resume.

Learn the best practices for writing a effective resume, including formatting, layout, and content tips. Master the use of action verbs, quantifiable achievements, and transferable skills to make your resume stand out.

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