9 questions to ask before sending your resume

Got your resume ready? Great! Before you send it off, though, ask yourself these important questions:

Does it look professional?

You resume is often the first chance you have to make an impression, so it’s essential for it to look as professional as possible. This includes making sure the font is consistent and easy to read, checking for spelling and grammar mistakes, and rooting out anything that can create a negative impression (like a silly email address).

Does it create an impact upon opening?

You only have 10 seconds to make an impression, so you’ll want something that will grab the attention of busy recruiters with relevant keywords and experience.

Is it easy to read?

You want to communicate your value quickly, so it’s essential that your resume is divided into sections, with bold headings, and bullet points.

Is it under two pages long?

You might be the most experienced person alive, but if your resume is longer than two pages, odds are good most of it will not be read. If you’re over this limit, try shortening your older roles, decreasing page margins, and cutting down on all irrelevant information.

Does it match the job description?

The key to landing job interviews is to show hiring managers that you’re suitable for the role. Look at the job description and make sure to tailor your resume based on the skills, knowledge, and required experience mentioned in the job posting.

Are my roles well structured?

The way you lay out your work experience can go a long way towards proving your value. Make sure each role has an introductory paragraph or sentence, bullet points listing responsibilities, and key achievements.

Have I proven my value?

Hiring managers are looking for a return on their investment, so your resume needs to show what you can offer them, including cost savings, revenue increases, and improved processes.

Have I included numbers?

To really illustrate your value, quantify your achievements with numbers, such as: budgets managed, the size of the team you managed, the size of your customer base, etc.

Is it easy to contact me?

Above all, you want to make it easy for recruiters to contact you. Ensure that your contacts details are at the top of your resume, and that your phone number and email addresses are correct.

To make sure you don’t forget anything, use this handy infographic created by StandOut CV.