I have done a great deal of research and have final built a
base resume that I can tailored for the job I am applying for, and I am getting
encouraging results! Tailoring your resume to a job description is crucial as
it highlights relevant skills, aligns messaging with the employer's language,
helps you stand out among competitors, shows genuine interest, and demonstrates
flexibility, ultimately increasing your chances of landing an interview. There
are many ways to structure a resume depending on our industry, but I have found
an essential framework that anyone can use to get set on a path to success.
Let's build an ATS friendly resume
The following is a very basic example the shows off all the
key features of an ATS friendly resume
John Doe
City, State | johndoe@email.com | (123) 456-7890 |
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johndoe
Objective:
Highly motivated professional with over 5 years of
experience in software development. Seeking to leverage proven skills in Java
and C++ in a challenging software engineer role.
Skills:
- Programming Languages: Java, C++, Python
- Web Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Databases: SQL, MongoDB
- Tools: Git, Docker, Jenkins
Work Experience:
Software Engineer | ABC Company | City, State | June 2018
- Present
- Developed and maintained applications using Java and
C++, improving system efficiency by 20%.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to define,
design, and ship new features.
- Conducted code reviews, reducing code errors by 15%.
Junior Software Developer | XYZ Company | City, State |
May 2016 - May 2018
- Assisted in the design, development, and testing of
software solutions.
- Worked with senior developers to manage large, complex
design projects for corporate clients.
- Participated in agile development teams.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | University Name
| City, State | Graduated May 2016
- Relevant Coursework: Data Structures, Algorithms,
Database Systems, Web Development
Certifications:
- Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
References:
Available upon request
Resume Header
In your resume header, you should include the following
information:
- Your
Name: This should be the largest text on the page to make it stand
out.
- Contact
Information: This includes your professional email address and phone
number. Make sure to use an email address that looks professional.
- Location:
Your city and state are typically sufficient. Including your full address
is not necessary and can take up valuable space.
- LinkedIn
Profile: If you have a LinkedIn profile, include the URL. Make sure
your profile is up-to-date and complements your resume.
- Personal
Website or Portfolio: If you have a personal website or online
portfolio that showcases your work, include the URL.
Remember, the header is the first thing hiring managers see
when they look at your resume. It should be clean, clear, and easy to read.
Common resume mistakes
Sure, here are some common resume formatting mistakes and
how to fix them:
- Inconsistent
Formatting: This includes varying font sizes, bullet styles, or date
formats. It’s important to keep your resume consistent. This not only
helps with readability but also gives a professional appearance.
- Long
Paragraphs: Large blocks of text can be overwhelming and difficult to
quickly scan for key information.
- Too
Much Text: Overloading your resume with information can make it
difficult for hiring managers to find the most relevant details.
- Incorrect
Contact Information: This is a small but critical mistake. If your
contact information is incorrect, potential employers won’t be able to
reach you.
- Spelling
and Grammar Errors: These can give the impression that you lack
attention to detail.
- Unprofessional
Email Address: An unprofessional email address can leave a poor first
impression.
- Not
ATS-Friendly: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to
scan resumes. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it might not ever be seen
by a human.
Remember, your resume is often your first impression with a
potential employer. It’s worth taking the time to make sure it’s polished and
professional.
Fonts and format
The “best” font can depend on the context and purpose.
However, for professional documents like resumes, cover letters, and reports,
here are some commonly recommended fonts:
- Times
New Roman: This is a classic choice that is both readable and formal.
- Arial:
A sans-serif font that is clean and easy to read.
- Calibri:
The default font for Microsoft Word and is a good choice for readability.
- Garamond:
This is a good choice if you have a lot of text and need to fit it into a
small space.
- Helvetica:
Widely used in the graphic design industry, it’s known for its clean and
modern look.
Remember, the key is to choose a font that is easy to read
and appropriate for your document. It’s also important to keep your font size
between 10 and 12 points for readability. If you’re creating a document that
will be scanned by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), it’s best to stick with
a simple, sans-serif font as these systems can sometimes struggle with more
complex fonts or serifs.
Summary
- Common
Resume Mistakes: Inconsistent formatting, long paragraphs, too much
text, incorrect contact information, spelling and grammar errors,
unprofessional email address, and not being ATS-friendly.
- Best
Fonts: Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, Garamond, and Helvetica.
Choose a font that is easy to read and appropriate for your document.
- Margins and Page Setup: Standard margin size is 1 inch on all sides. Keep your resume to 1-2 pages. Use portrait orientation and standard paper size (A4 or Letter).