Skip to Main Content

How to Finish Your Resume

St. Louis, MO | Posted: 09/14/2018 | Author: Guest Blogger ~ Traci Moore for Creatives On Call

Is your resume done?

A few years ago I went through a box of college papers and found my first “official” resume. It only took 30 seconds to read since there wasn’t much to it. But it did remind me of something my dad says, K.I.S.S. Keep it simple, stupid!

Resumes to most can be painful and never-ending. Whether it’s proofreading, checking to make the layout looks good, editing each bullet or making sure everything is in the correct tense, it can seem like it will never be quite “right.” 

But as in art, there is a saying that is quite fitting for a resume and it begins with the question, “how do you know when it's done?” The answer is when you don’t have to explain it. It may sound trite and maybe a bit contrary to what the job of the resume is, but in reality, it’s clear what a resume should be. 

The first goal of resumé is to pass the trash can test… don’t get thrown away! Once you’re past that hurdle, it’s on to the first pass. 

Imagine meeting a potential employer and explaining who you are and your accomplishments in one to two minutes. That is your resume’s job. You never know who will be the first to read your resume once it is received. They may take a quick glance or read it word for word. In reality, most resumes average 30 seconds for the first review. At the end of that process, the reader is wondering who is this person and why are they qualified for this role. So the test of when a resume is done is that you don’t have to explain it. 

Here are a 5 pointers to make sure your resume is “done:”

  • Name, rank and contact info. Type your name clearly. If you’d prefer a nickname or a shortened version of your name like Sam instead of Samuel, display it that way. Also be very clear about how you’d like to be contacted including phone, email or mailing address.
  • Make sure you keep it to the point. Sometimes we want to elaborate on every job we’ve ever had to make sure the reader knows specific details of our duties, point by point. Emptying the trash is not something to add to your resume unless you’re a professional custodian and want to elaborate. 
  • How long is too long? Usually, three to five bullets are enough to describe your duties and give specific details regarding your contribution to the company. If it’s in the present, keep it present tense, if it’s in the past, past-tense is the way to reference duties. If you are a bit more seasoned, it’s okay to have two to three pages for your resume if needed. But you don’t have to list the positions you had in college if you’ve been out of school for more than two years, unless relevant to the role to which you’re applying.
  • GPA is nothing but a number. If you graduated this year, showing your GPA is appropriate, otherwise, leave it off. The name of the school you attended, your basic degree and year of graduation is perfect. If you graduated with honors you can add that along with your major. 
  • Personal Branding. Unless you’re an artist, using color, photos, logos, and other art is a better left to the professionals. If you have to jazz it up to look more professional, that’s a red flag.
  • Finally. Don’t sell yourself short on your experience, but if the reader wants to know more, they’ll ask. Enticing the employer with enough detail to know who you are and what you can do is the best introduction. K.I.S.S. it, have at least three people read it, and send it off! 

Previous Blogs

Future Proofing & Corporate Responsibility

Patrick will be speaking about how big brands stay relevant in today’s ever changing environment, ... read more


Environmental Responsibility in the Auto Industry

When the pandemic hit, freeways, auto factories, and dealerships went quiet. Sales plunged 40% withi... read more


The Value of AI Robots in Grocery Retail

If you haven’t rubbed elbows with a robot in the frozen food aisle yet, you probably will soon. Ar... read more


How AI Is Paving New Roads in the Automotive Industry

Looking to build a team for your AI strategy?... read more


9 Tips to Keep Your Applicant and Employee Data Secure

There has been a 400% increase in cyberattacks since the start of the pandemic. And with more employ... read more


Electrification and the Future of Electric Vehicles

There has been a global call over the past decade for drivers, companies, and auto manufacturers to ... read more


How Digitalization Offers New Ways to Buy Cars

In 2020 nearly everything went online, including buying a car. With millions of people looking for a... read more


The Stops and Starts of Shared Mobility

Before COVID struck, shared mobility—the short-term, shared use of vehicles, motorcycles, scooters... read more


The Massive Shift to Non-Store Retailers

COVID forced many retailers to take a hard look at their store networks.... read more


Teams vs. Individuals: Diversifying The Workload

Teams aren’t going anywhere, nor should they. But hiring contractors, freelancers, and other part-... read more


View More Blogs