Choosing Your Character Reference

Character Reference Source	Attributes They Can Attest To
Academic Advisor	Intellectual rigor, critical thinking, ongoing learning
Professional Supervisor	Work ethic, leadership, career growth
Community Leader	Community work, communication, teamwork

Reference Type	Benefits	Best Suited For
Professional Contacts	Can speak to professional capabilities and work-related attributes	Job applications, professional memberships
Personal Acquaintances	Can attest to personal ethics and community involvement	Scholarships, community positions

Reference Type	Usage	Industries	Significance
Basic Work References	30% to 40%	Varied	Basic validation of employment
Detailed Work References	60% to 70%	Healthcare, etc.	Comprehensive assessment
Character References	15% to 25%	Education, Non-Profit	Assess personal traits
Disciplinary Records	10% to 15%	Regulated industries	Risk management

Consideration	Recommendation
Personal Relationship	Long-term acquaintance with specific examples vital
Content of Reference	Background, hardships, and efforts to resolve personal issues
Community Involvement	Voluntary work, achievements, and contributions highlighted

Top 10 Resume Mistakes You Should Avoid Now

Feb 06, 2024

Your resume is your first impression with a potential employer, and it's crucial to avoid common CV mistakes that can hinder your job prospects. From typos and grammatical errors to a lack of specific details, here are the top 10 CV mistakes you should avoid now. Key Takeaways: Avoid typos and grammatical errors on your CV. Provide specific details and accomplishments rather than vague statements. Don't use a generic approach; tailor your CV for each job application. Highlight your accomplishments instead of just listing your job duties. Keep your CV concise and informative, but don't cut out important information. Typos and Grammatical Errors One of the most common CV mistakes that job seekers should avoid is having typos and grammatical errors in their resumes. These errors may seem minor, but they can have a significant impact on how potential employers perceive your attention to detail and professionalism. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly proofread your CV to ensure it is free from any typos or grammatical mistakes that could potentially undermine your chances of securing an interview. Grammatical errors and typos on a CV are red flags for employers as they indicate a lack of care and professionalism in the application process. A CV with errors may give the impression that you are not diligent or meticulous in your work, which could be detrimental when applying for a job where attention to detail is essential. To avoid this mistake, take the time to review your CV multiple times, use spell-checkers, and ask someone else to proofread it as well. Remember, even minor mistakes can leave a lasting negative impression on employers, so it is crucial to present a polished and error-free CV. Paying attention to grammar and spelling shows that you take pride in your work and are committed to presenting yourself in the best possible light to potential employers. Table: Impact of Typos and Grammatical Errors on CV Consequences Solutions May be perceived as lacking attention to detail and professionalism Thoroughly proofread and edit your CV before submission Could leave a negative impression on employers Use spell-checkers and ask for a second pair of eyes to review your CV May hinder your chances of securing an interview Take the time to review your CV multiple times Lack of Specifics Your CV is an opportunity to showcase your skills, experiences, and accomplishments to potential employers. However, one common mistake that many job seekers make is being too vague or generic in their resume. A lack of specifics can make your CV blend in with the competition and fail to capture the attention of hiring managers. When crafting your CV, it's important to provide specific details and examples that highlight your achievements. Instead of simply listing your job responsibilities, dig deeper and include specific accomplishments that demonstrate the impact you made in each role. For example, instead of stating "Managed a team," you could say "Led a team of 10 employees, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity." Specificity not only helps to differentiate your CV from others, but it also provides concrete evidence of your skills and abilities. It allows hiring managers to envision how you can contribute to their organization and why you're the ideal candidate for the job. By including specific details and accomplishments, you can make your CV stand out and leave a lasting impression. Common Mistake Solution Lack of specific details Incorporate specific achievements and quantify them with data Generic job responsibilities Highlight specific accomplishments and their impact Vague language Be clear and concise in your descriptions Remember, your CV is your chance to make a strong impression, so don't shy away from showcasing your specific achievements and the value you can bring to a potential employer. The Power of Specific Resume Examples Specific resume examples not only provide credibility but also give employers a clear understanding of your abilities and experiences. By providing concrete details and accomplishments, you can demonstrate that you have the skills and qualifications they are looking for. For example, instead of simply stating "Strong communication skills," you can provide a specific example: "Led weekly team meetings with stakeholders, effectively communicating project updates and resolving any issues that arose." Specific resume examples help employers visualize your capabilities and understand how you can contribute to their organization. They provide evidence of your past successes and show that you can handle the responsibilities of the job you're applying for. Including specific examples in your CV can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of landing an interview. Don't be vague or generic in your resume. Instead, be specific and provide concrete examples of your accomplishments. Show potential employers the value you can bring to their organization and make your CV stand out from the crowd. Attempting the "One-Size-Fits-All" Approach One of the most common CV mistakes to avoid is using a generic approach and creating a one-size-fits-all resume. While it may be tempting to send the same CV to multiple job ads, this can significantly reduce your chances of getting an interview. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to tailor your CV specifically for their company and the position you are applying for. Customizing your CV shows that you have done your research and understand the unique requirements of each job. It allows you to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit. By personalizing your resume, you can make a strong impression on employers and increase your chances of landing an interview. Take the time to carefully analyze the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, highlight these in your CV and provide specific examples of how you have successfully demonstrated these skills in previous roles. Tailoring your CV for each job application shows your commitment and dedication to the position, which can set you apart from other candidates. By avoiding the mistake of using a generic CV and instead tailoring it to each job, you can showcase your suitability for the role and increase your chances of success. Highlighting Duties Instead of Accomplishments When crafting your CV, it's important to go beyond simply listing your job duties and responsibilities. Instead, focus on showcasing your accomplishments and the impact you made in each role. Employers are interested in seeing how you went above and beyond and made a difference, as this demonstrates your value and potential. By quantifying your achievements and providing specific examples, you can make your CV more compelling and stand out from the competition. For example, instead of saying "Managed a team of 10 employees," you could highlight your accomplishments by saying "Successfully led a team of 10 employees, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity and a 15% reduction in turnover." This not only showcases your leadership skills but also provides tangible evidence of your ability to achieve results. Remember, employers are looking for candidates who can bring value to their organization. By focusing on your accomplishments rather than just your duties, you can highlight your unique strengths and demonstrate your potential to excel in the role. So, take the time to reflect on your past experiences and identify the specific achievements that can make your CV shine. "By quantifying your achievements and providing specific examples, you can make your CV more compelling and stand out from the competition." Table: Comparing Duties and Accomplishments Duties Accomplishments Managed a team of employees. Successfully led a team of employees, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity and a 15% reduction in turnover. Responsible for handling customer inquiries. Consistently exceeded customer satisfaction targets by resolving inquiries promptly and effectively, resulting in a 95% customer retention rate. Assisted with data entry tasks. Streamlined data entry processes, reducing errors by 50% and saving an average of 2 hours per week. As you can see from the table above, highlighting your accomplishments paints a clearer picture of your capabilities and achievements. By quantifying and providing specific examples, you can demonstrate the value you can bring to a potential employer, making your CV more impactful and memorable. So, when crafting your CV, don't just focus on your duties. Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments and showcase them in a way that highlights your abilities and sets you apart from other candidates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjqi_M3SPwY Going on Too Long or Cutting Things Too Short When it comes to the length of your CV, finding the right balance is key. You want to provide enough information to showcase your skills and experiences, but you also don't want to overwhelm employers with a lengthy document. While there is no strict rule about the length of a CV, it is generally recommended to limit it to two pages. However, this doesn't mean you should cut out important accomplishments or experiences just to fit into a one-page limit. Every word on your CV should add value and help you stand out to potential employers. Instead of focusing on the word count, focus on the quality of the information you provide. Consider the relevance of each piece of information and how it aligns with the job you're applying for. Highlight your most impressive achievements and experiences, and be concise in your descriptions. Use bullet points to make your CV easier to scan and read. Table: CV Length and Efficiency CV Length Pros Cons One-page CV - Concise and easy to read - Suitable for entry-level positions - Can showcase key skills and achievements effectively - May not provide enough space for detailed descriptions - May appear lacking in experience for senior positions Two-page CV - Allows for more comprehensive descriptions - Suitable for mid-level and senior positions - May contain irrelevant or excessive information - May be time-consuming to read for busy employers Remember, the length of your CV is not the sole determining factor for success. What matters most is the quality and relevance of the information you provide. Tailor your CV for each job application, highlight your accomplishments, and ensure your contact information is accurate. Following these tips will help you create a winning CV and boost your job prospects. Ineffective Career Summary Your CV's career summary is the first impression you make on potential employers, so it's crucial to make it count. Unfortunately, many job seekers fall into the trap of crafting an ineffective career summary that fails to grab the hiring manager's attention. To ensure your CV stands out from the crowd, follow these tips to write a compelling and impactful introduction. Firstly, avoid using generic phrases and clichés that offer no real insight into your skills and abilities. Instead, focus on highlighting specific accomplishments and experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Use strong, action-oriented language to demonstrate your achievements and prove your value to the employer. Furthermore, tailor your career summary to match the requirements of the job description. Research the company and the role you're applying for, and align your summary with their needs and values. Show the hiring manager why you're the perfect fit for the position by emphasizing the skills and experiences that make you stand out from other candidates. Lastly, keep your career summary concise and to the point. Remember, the hiring manager is likely reviewing numerous CVs, so you want to make it easy for them to quickly grasp your key qualifications. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to highlight your most impressive achievements, and don't be afraid to quantify your impact with specific numbers or percentages. By writing a compelling and impactful career summary, you can immediately capture the attention of potential employers and increase your chances of securing an interview. Take the time to craft a customized introduction that showcases your unique selling points and demonstrates why you're the ideal candidate for the job. Table: Key Tips for Writing an Effective Career Summary Tips for Writing an Effective Career Summary Avoid generic phrases and clichés Focus on specific accomplishments and experiences Tailor your summary to match the job requirements Keep your summary concise and easy to read Use strong, action-oriented language Quantify your impact with specific numbers or percentages No Action Verbs One common mistake that many CVs make is the use of weak verbs or passive phrases. Instead of using powerful action verbs that demonstrate your initiative and impact, many candidates rely on generic and passive language. This can make your CV appear dull and unengaging to potential employers. To make your CV more impactful and engaging, replace weak verbs such as "responsible for" with action verbs that show your achievements. For example, instead of saying "responsible for managing a team," you could say "led a team of professionals, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity." Using action verbs helps to demonstrate your skills and accomplishments, making your CV stand out from the competition. Here are some examples of powerful action verbs that you can use in your CV: Managed Generated Implemented Revitalized Collaborated Improved Resolved Developed Achieved Innovated By using impactful action verbs, you can create a more dynamic and compelling CV that captures the attention of employers and showcases your accomplishments. Leaving Off Important Information When crafting your CV, it's crucial not to leave off important information, even if it may seem insignificant at first. Employers value all experiences, including part-time jobs and activities that have helped develop your soft skills. By including these details, you showcase your well-roundedness and demonstrate your ability to adapt to different environments. Another critical aspect to address is any job gaps you may have. Be transparent about these gaps and provide explanations to show that you have been productive during those periods. For example, if you took time off to travel, mention how it helped you develop cultural awareness and problem-solving skills. Employers appreciate honesty and will be more likely to consider your application if you provide valid and reasonable explanations. Additionally, make sure to include all relevant experiences on your resume, even if they may not directly relate to the job you're applying for. Part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities can all showcase your transferable skills and demonstrate your commitment and dedication. These experiences help paint a complete picture of who you are as a candidate and can set you apart from other applicants. Soft Skills on CV When including your experiences on a CV, don't forget to highlight your soft skills. These are personal attributes and qualities that enhance your interactions with others and contribute to your overall effectiveness in the workplace. Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership are highly valued by employers as they indicate your ability to work well with others and adapt to different situations. For example, if you were part of a team project during your studies, mention your role in the team and the outcome of the project. Highlight any instances where you demonstrated leadership or collaboration skills. These examples help employers see how your soft skills can benefit their organization and make you a valuable asset. In conclusion, it is essential to include all relevant information on your CV, including part-time jobs, activities that have developed soft skills, and valid explanations for any job gaps. By doing so, you present a comprehensive and transparent picture of your abilities and experiences, increasing your chances of landing your dream job. Visually Too Busy A cluttered CV can be overwhelming and difficult for employers to read. To create a visually appealing and professional resume, it's important to focus on CV design and readability. Start by using consistent fonts and formatting throughout your CV. Stick to a clean and easy-to-read font, and make sure the text is not too small or too large. Avoid using too many different fonts or colors, as this can make your CV appear messy and unprofessional. Organize your CV with clear headings and sections. Use bullet points to break up information and make it easier to scan. This will help employers quickly find the information they are looking for. It's also important to use proper spacing and margins to create a clean and well-structured layout. "A cluttered CV can distract from your qualifications and achievements. Keep your design simple and professional to make a positive impression." - Career Expert Remember, the goal is to highlight your skills and experience, not overwhelm the reader with unnecessary details. Keep your CV concise and focused, only including relevant information that showcases your qualifications. By creating a visually appealing and readable CV, you can make a strong impression on potential employers. Table: CV Design Tips for Readability Design Element Tips Fonts Use a clean and professional font throughout your CV. Avoid using multiple fonts or decorative typefaces. Formatting Ensure consistent formatting, including headings, bullet points, and margins. Use white space to improve readability. Sections Organize your CV with clear sections and headings to make it easy for employers to navigate. Bullet Points Use bullet points to break up information and make it easier to scan. Relevance Only include relevant information that showcases your qualifications and achievements. Incorrect Contact Information Ensuring that your contact information is accurate is a crucial aspect of creating a professional CV. Missing or incorrect contact details can prevent potential employers from reaching out to you for an interview. Make sure to double-check and verify the accuracy of the following information: Your full name: Write your legal name as it appears on official documents to avoid any confusion. Phone number: Provide the correct and most reliable phone number for employers to contact you. Include the international dialing code if applicable. Email address: Use a professional email address that includes your name or a variation of it. Avoid using unprofessional or obscure email addresses. Location: Include your current location, including the city and country. This information is important for employers to evaluate your proximity to the job location. Remember, it's essential to keep your contact information up-to-date, especially if you have recently changed your phone number or email address. Providing accurate contact details ensures that you won't miss out on any potential job opportunities. For example, if your phone number is incorrect, employers won't be able to reach you for a job interview. Similarly, if your email address is invalid, hiring managers won't be able to send you important updates or interview invitations. Take the time to verify and confirm your contact information to avoid any mishaps. Contact Information Important Considerations Full Name Use your legal name as it appears on official documents Phone Number Provide the correct and most reliable phone number Email Address Use a professional email address Location Include your current location, including the city and country By ensuring that your contact information is accurate and up-to-date, you increase your chances of receiving interview invitations and job offers. Double-check all the details mentioned above before submitting your CV to potential employers. Paying attention to these small but important details can make a significant difference in your job search success. Conclusion Your CV is a powerful tool that can make or break your job prospects. By avoiding common CV errors, you can significantly increase your chances of landing that dream job. Remember to proofread your CV thoroughly, checking for typos and grammatical errors that can reflect poorly on your attention to detail and professionalism. Additionally, it's crucial to provide specific details and accomplishments in your CV rather than just listing job responsibilities. Highlighting your achievements and quantifying them with data will grab the attention of employers and demonstrate your value. Customization is key when it comes to your CV. Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach and tailor your resume for each job application. Show potential employers that you have taken the time to understand their company and the role you are applying for. Lastly, ensure that your CV is visually appealing, well-organized, and easy to read. Use consistent fonts, appropriate spacing, and bullet points to improve readability. And don't forget to double-check your contact information to ensure accuracy, as missing or incorrect details can hinder your chances of being contacted for an interview. By following these tips and avoiding common CV mistakes, you are on your way to creating a successful resume that will impress employers and open doors to exciting career opportunities. FAQ What are the top 10 CV mistakes to avoid? The top 10 CV mistakes to avoid include typos and grammatical errors, lack of specifics, attempting the "one-size-fits-all" approach, highlighting duties instead of accomplishments, going on too long or cutting things too short, a bad summary, no action verbs, leaving off important information, a visually cluttered CV , and incorrect contact information. Why should I avoid typos and grammatical errors on my CV? Typos and grammatical errors can give employers a negative impression of your attention to detail and professionalism. It's important to proofread your CV thoroughly to ensure it is grammatically perfect and free of typos. How can I make my CV more specific? Instead of simply listing your job responsibilities, highlight specific achievements and quantify them with data whenever possible. This will grab the attention of employers and demonstrate your value. Is it okay to send a generic CV for multiple job ads? It is best to tailor your CV specifically for each company and position you are applying for. Employers want to see that you have taken the time to customize your CV to show how and why you are a perfect fit for the role and organization. Should I focus on my job duties or my accomplishments on my CV? It is more effective to highlight your accomplishments and the impact you made in each role. Employers are interested in seeing how you went above and beyond and made a difference in your previous positions. Use specific examples and quantify your achievements to showcase your value. How long should my CV be? While there is no strict rule about the length of a CV, it is generally recommended to limit it to two pages. However, it is important to include important accomplishments and experiences, so don't cut them out just to fit into a one-page limit. How can I create a strong career summary on my CV? Avoid using generic and overused phrases in your career summary. Instead, provide a specific and impactful summary that highlights your accomplishments and aligns with the job you're applying for. Why should I use action verbs on my CV? Action verbs demonstrate your initiative and create a more impactful tone in your CV. They help to show off your skills and accomplishments, making your CV more engaging and effective. Should I include all experiences on my CV, even if they seem insignificant? Yes, employers value all experiences, including part-time jobs and activities that have developed soft skills. Be transparent about any job gaps and provide explanations to show that you have been productive during those periods. How can I make my CV visually appealing? Ensure that your CV is visually appealing, easy to read, and well-organized. Use consistent fonts, appropriate spacing, and bullet points to improve readability. Avoid using too many different fonts or colors that may overwhelm the reader. Why is it important to double-check my contact information on my CV? Missing or incorrect contact information can prevent hiring managers from reaching out to you for an interview. Double-check your contact information to ensure accuracy, including your full name, phone number, email address, and location.

Should You Include a Cover Letter

May 15, 2020

Cover letters are a time-consuming part of the job application process, especially when done well. You might be wondering: Should I include a cover letter in my job application? The answer: Many career experts agree that sending a cover letter is almost always the best decision. In the world of automated applications, a well-written cover letter gives you the opportunity to show a personal side and demonstrate why hiring you is a smart move. It’s a way to stand out among hundreds of other candidates and it shows your willingness to personalise your application for each job. Here are some guidelines to take into account: Emphasise and highlight important keywords Ideally, job applicants should tailor their cover letters to the individual hiring manager and position, incorporating specific keywords that align to the job posting. Don’t just repeat what’s in your resume. Instead, give specific examples that match the requirements of the job and illustrate why you are a perfect fit for the role. Cover letters should be free of typos and incorrect information — hiring managers often rely on these details to evaluate your ability to follow directions or your attention to detail. Share your unique story but connect it to the role As you are tailoring your cover letter, you want to share job experiences or personal stories as they relate to the job you’re applying for. You can be creative in how you do this but always bring it back to the requirements of the role. In How to Write a Cover Letter , you’ll see examples of how to write a creative cover letter or a more conventional one — both are strong options if done well. Have a conversation with smaller companies Roles at smaller companies can have a big impact on the organisation’s culture, so hiring managers will sometimes use cover letters to determine how well a candidate will fit in with the team. This means your cover letter can have an especially meaningful effect by allowing you to introduce yourself, reference why you’d be a good fit for the role and the mission of the company, and make a personal connection. Address gaps and concerns Your cover letter is also the perfect place to proactively address issues or potential concerns. It can explain irregularities in your employment, short-term positions and even incomplete degrees. Don’t leave potential employers to guess or assume the worst. Instead, take this opportunity to tell your story on your own terms and in the most positive way possible. Caveat: when not to send a cover letter There are instances when it is not appropriate to send a cover letter — specifically when an employer does not request one and/or the job application software does not allow for additional document attachments. If this is the case, follow the employer’s instructions. And, make sure that your resume includes plenty of keywords that align to the job description. If the online application offers the cover letter as “optional,” take this option and increase your chances of moving forward in the process. Here are additional resources to help you complete your job applications successfully: Start with the basics on writing your cover letter : follow instructions, tell the story of your career in your own voice and capture the attention of the hiring manager. After you’ve written your cover letter, you’ll want to edit and proofread to ensure you aren’t making mistakes that might cost you the job. Finally, once you’ve finished writing, you should spend time proofreading your resume to make sure all of the information in both documents is consistent throughout and relevant to the job.

Resume format guide

May 15, 2020

Resume Format Guide (with Examples) 12 September 2019 A great resume can capture the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager and help you stand out from other applicants. Formatting your resume is an important step in creating a professional, readable resume. There are several different ways to format your resume. One of the first decisions you should make is the type of resume you will write: chronological, functional, or combination. Each of these resume types is beneficial for different people who have various backgrounds and objectives. When making specific formatting decisions like margin size or font style, your goal is to deliver a document that allows employers to quickly see why you’re a good fit for the job. In this guide, we will discuss the best ways to format your resume for your career objectives. While you might be formatting your existing resume for new job applications, you can also make certain formatting decisions before writing. This allows you to construct a resume within the guidelines of proper formatting. For example, setting one-inch margins provides a structure, so you will know how long your resume is when formatting is applied. From there, you can adjust the font size and style as needed. Let’s begin by looking at the three main types of resumes and which would work best for you. Types of resume formats There are three popular resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Chronological resume A chronological resume lists your work experience in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent position at the top. This is the most traditional resume format, and for years has remained the most common. A chronological resume format usually includes the following information in this order: Contact information Objective or summary statement Professional experience Relevant skills Education Additional information (i.e., volunteer work and special interests—optional) A chronological resume is a good choice for anyone whose employment history shows a consistent, advancing career path. For example, you might select a chronological resume format if you’ve spent several years in the same industry and each role you’ve held was more senior than the last. It’s also often used by people applying to a position in the same or similar field to most of their work experience. However, if you have multiple gaps in your employment history, you’re looking to change careers, or your work experience is heavily varied, you may want to consider a functional or combination resume. Functional resume Functional resumes focus more on relevant skills than work history. While the chronological format highlights work experience with detailed summaries of the achievements within each position, the functional format focuses on the applicant’s skill set. A functional resume format usually includes the following information in this order: Contact information Objective or summary statement Summary of relevant skills Work experience Education Additional information (i.e., volunteer work and special interests) A functional resume is best if you have multiple gaps in employment, are shifting careers with little to no experience in the industry in which you’re applying, or if you’re re-entering the workforce after a lengthy break. In some cases, a functional resume might be too limiting. If you have some experience and few or no gaps in your employment history, a combination resume might be the right choice. Combination resume A combination resume is a blend of the chronological and functional resume types. This resume format allows you to emphasize both your work experience and relevant skills. Because your skills and employment history will consume most of your resume space, you may need to eliminate optional sections such as volunteer work or special interests. A combination resume format usually includes the following information in this order: Contact information Objective or summary statement Work experience Summary of most relevant skills Education The combination resume is a more flexible format, so you should list either your skills or your work experience first, depending on which you consider more important for the role. For example, if you have many unique skills that are especially valuable to the industry you’re applying to work in, you might consider listing them above your work experience. It can also be helpful to look for clues in the job posting to understand what is most important for the employer in an ideal candidate. How to format a resume The goal of formatting your resume is to create a professional-looking, easy-to-read document. Employers have only a short time to look through your resume, so your formatting decisions should make information clear and easy to find. If you are formatting an existing resume, you might need to adjust certain words or phrases to ensure it is still easy to read after you’ve applied the formatting changes. If you are formatting a resume before you write it, pay attention to how the information looks on the page and adjust as needed. Here are the key steps to formatting a resume: Apply appropriate margins Select a professional, readable font Make your font size 10–12 points Feature section headers Use bullet points Ask for feedback Let’s look at each of these components in detail. Consider how you might apply each of these when drafting or updating your resume. 1. Apply appropriate margins Setting proper margins for your document ensures the information fits within a highly readable space on the page. Standard margins for resumes and other professional documents like cover letters or resignation letters are one inch on all sides. If you have a fairly short resume with a lot of blank space, you can use wider margins to create a less distracting document that appears more full. If you decide to adjust your margins, you should keep them below 1.5 inches. You should also make sure to left-align your resume, so it is easy to read. If appropriate and readable, you might decide to center-align certain section headers to stylize your resume. 2. Select a professional, readable font When deciding what font to use for your resume, keep in mind that it should be clear and easy to read. Ensuring employers don’t have to work to understand words on your resume is the most important factor when choosing a font. It is also helpful if your resume is sent through an applicant tracking system (ATS). Many employers use an ATS, which doesn’t always read and interpret intricate fonts well. You should also avoid “light” or “thin” fonts, which can sometimes be difficult to read on a screen or paper. There are two main categories of fonts—serif and sans serif. Serif fonts have tails, while sans serif fonts do not. Sans serif fonts (or fonts without tails) are generally good fonts for resumes because they have clean lines that are easy to read. However, there are fonts like Georgia that are still widely accepted among employers as simple and professional. Here are several examples of the best resume fonts: Arial Avenir Calibri Cambria Constantia Corbel Franklin Gothic Garamond Georgia Helvetica Times New Roman 3. Make your font size 10–12 points Another factor in making your words highly readable is setting an appropriate font size. Generally, you should stay between 10 and 12 points. If you are trying to reduce white space, select a 12-point font. Anything more might appear unprofessional. If you have a lot of information on your page, start with a 10 point font and increase it if you have space. If your resume is still more than one page with a 10 point font, avoid reducing your font further and see if there is an opportunity to edit your ideas instead. You can do this by removing irrelevant or extraneous information, combining ideas, or making your ideas briefer with shorter sentences and fewer filler words. For example, here’s a resume sentence that can be shortened: “Performed inventory audits every month and discovered issues with over-ordering—executed an organization solution across all teams which resulted in a 10% increase in revenue over the next two quarters.” Make your ideas concise and remove filler words to include only the core value of your statement: “Performed regular inventory audits, identifying and solving the over-ordering problem to achieve 10% revenue increase.” Here are a few other ways you can use to make a shorter resume: Consider removing filler words such as “like,” “with,” “a,” “and” and “that.” Instead of listing each function of every job you’ve held, pick 2-3 key impacts you made in those roles. If you have two similar points, consider combining them into one brief statement. 4. Feature section headers Bolding, underlining, or increasing the font size for section headers can help employers quickly find the information they are looking for. Be careful when formatting section headers—they should be differentiated from the section body in a clean, professional way. You can stylize your headers in a few different ways: Use a “bold” font on your section headers. Increase the size of your section header fonts to 12, 14, or 16 points Underline your section headers You can also apply these styles to your name and contact information at the top of your resume. This information should be the first thing employers see, and it should be easy to find and read. 5. Use bullet points where appropriate Using bullet points in your experience, skills, and/or education sections allows employers to easily consume the most relevant pieces of information from your resume. Bullet points should be used to list your achievements. Avoid using one or two bullet points—if you have less than three pieces of information, list them without bullets in sentence form or use other punctuation to separate different ideas. For example, under a position you’ve held in the experience section, you would use bullets to communicate how you were successful in that role: Consistently operated overhead cranes, hoists, power tools, and other project equipment safely. Anticipated needs of 11 on-site workers and delivered parts to 23 field technicians Completed weekly service reports, time cards, and other related project equipment paperwork In the education section, you might not have three or more ideas to share so that it might look something like this without bullet points: The University of Queensland February 2010–December 2014 Bachelor of Arts, English 6. Ask for feedback After you’ve finished writing and formatting your resume, ask trusted friends or colleagues to review it. It can be helpful to have a third-party perspective provide their view and feedback. While they should look for grammar and spelling mistakes you might have missed, they should also pay attention to your formatting. Ask them to look for readability, consistency, and a professional look and feel. Resume format examples When drafting or updating your resume, consider reviewing resume samples in your industry and job title. While they are not to be used as exact templates, they can give you ideas for best presenting your qualifications to employers. Here are examples of what a resume might look like following each of the three formats: Chronological Nathan Stevenson 1234 Brunswick Street Fitzroy, VIC 3065 nstevenson@email.com Objective I am a passionate and dedicated communications professional seeking a position with a not-for-profit organisation where I can apply my public relations skills and my passion for philanthropy. Experience Public Relations Manager The Volunteer Foundation, 2017–Present Plan and direct public relations programs to create a positive public image for The Volunteer Foundation. Manage PR staff and act as a mentor to junior public relations personnel. Public Relations Specialist The Volunteer Foundation, 2015–2017 Worked alongside PR team to ensure all fundraising efforts, local events and other special projects met the organisation’s brand guidelines and upheld a favourable public image. Communications Coordinator ABC Company 2013–2015 Help increase brand visibility through various marketing efforts, including social media campaigns and digital advertising efforts. Helped conceptualise and distribute printed marketing materials. Professional Skills Public relations management Corporate communications Team leadership Interpersonal communications Process streamlining Education University of South Australia, 2008–2012 Bachelor of Arts in Journalism Volunteer Work Australian Red Cross Disaster Volunteer, Public Affairs 2016–Present Functional Janice Johnson 1234 Rokeby Street Subiaco, WA 6008 jjohnson@email.com Objective I am a hardworking and driven sales professional with more than ten years of experience seeking an account management position in the healthcare industry. Areas of Expertise Medical Device, Supplies & Pharmaceutical Sales I have a wealth of experience in selling to healthcare organisations ranging from large hospitals to small private practices. In previous roles, I’ve managed prospecting efforts, relationship development, new client on-boarding and account management within both the medical device and pharmaceutical product verticals. Relationship Management I am skilled in developing new relationships with prospects and nurturing relationships with existing clients. In previous roles, I used a combination of proficiency in conflict resolution and my ability to build rapport to increase client retention rates as high as 300% year over year. Sales Team Leadership I have managed a sales team of more than ten sales associates, coached and mentored junior sales representatives and regularly lead teams to exceed monthly, quarterly and yearly quotas. Work Experience Regional Sales Manager ABC Medical Supplies, Inc., 2012–2017 Managed a team of sales associates. Trained and mentored new sales representatives. Oversaw regional account list averaging more than 90 existing clients and 40 prospects. Account Manager XYZ Pharma Co., 2008–2012 Managed a lengthy account list including private practices and mid-sized clinics. Worked to maximise account growth through regular on-site visits, monthly check-ins and quarterly updates. Junior Sales Associate XYZ Pharma Co., 2006–2008 Increase awareness of XYZ Pharma Co. products to small private practices through on-site education. Share information about new medications to help establish relationships with new prospects. Education University of Newcastle, 2002–2006 Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Certifications Continuing Education Program (CEP) Combination Julie Pak 555 Elizabeth Street Sydney, NSW 2000 jpak@email.com Professional Experience Creative Director ABC Company, 2015–Present Manage a team of twelve creatives, including designers and copywriters. Oversee all in-house creative projects and ensure all deliverables meet brand guidelines. Senior Graphic Designer ABC Company, 2013–2015 Design creative for all digital properties. Spearheaded website redesign. Developed in-house brand style guide currently used by entire creative department. Graphic Designer XYZ Creative Agency, 2010–2013 Develop visual concepts for web and print design, including websites, mobile sites, digital ads, business cards and trade show collateral. Related Skills Team Management Coordinate team of creative resources, lead team meetings and offer mentoring as needed. Project Management Manage all aspects of creative projects, including timeline, resource coordination, internal communication and sharing progress reports with outside stakeholders. Branding Create logos, design brand marks, offer brand colour recommendations and created a style guide to ensure cohesiveness across all assets. Additional Skills Illustration, Typography, Client Communication, Time Management, Mobile Design, Adobe Creative Suite Education University of Sydney, 2005–2009 Bachelor of Art in Graphic Design

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Choosing Your Character Reference

Choosing Your Character Reference Explained

Key Takeaways

Understanding the Role of Character References in Job Applications

Who Can Be a Character Reference?

Identifying Suitable Character Witnesses

Non-Familial Connections as Credible Referees

Professional Contacts Versus Personal Acquaintances

The Etiquette of Selecting and Asking for Character References

Best Practices When Presenting Character Reference Options

Utilizing References Effectively in Your CV

Preparing Your Referees: A Guide to Writing a Character Reference

Conclusion

FAQ

How important are character references in job applications?

Who can be a character reference?

How should I choose suitable character witnesses?

Should I choose professional contacts or personal acquaintances as character references?

What is the etiquette for selecting and asking for character references?

How can I utilize character references effectively in my CV?

How do I prepare my referees to write a compelling character reference?

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