These days, larger companies require you to complete an online application where you follow their format and answer their set of questions in order to apply for a job.  Applications are then sorted and ranked by a software program, producing a list of possible applicants for a human being to review.

But there are still plenty of companies out there that don’t have that level of automation, where an actual person still sorts through hundreds of resumes manually, giving each one a quick read, usually less than one minute. This is why it’s important for you to make your resume stand out, but for the right reasons.

Don’ts
Don’t be too cute: It’s OK to be creative and add a fresh twist to things but these examples from Career Builder -who asked hiring managers to share their most memorable or unusual resumes- were a flop.  A candidate listed her dog as her reference; another listed the ability to do the moonwalk as a special skill; and my favorite for strangeness, –a husband and wife looking to job share –submitted a co-written poem.

Don’t self-proofread. The more time you spend with a document, the less likely you are to catch a typo, and these can be lethal. Although not all mistakes are as colorful as, I “Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year,” do ask friends and family to proofread what you write.

Do’s
Customize. Your resume and cover letter should be customized for each job opening.  Outline how previous experience or skills are applicable or transferable to the vacant job.  It’s okay to give fewer details about jobs that are unrelated.

Summarize.   Many people overload their resume because they feel this is their one chance to show what they can offer.  But with sites like Linkedin.com and the emerging about dot me (http://about.me) the job of the resume is simply to convince the reviewer that you’re a viable, qualified candidate, and there’s much more about you to be found online.

When trying to make your resume stand out, remember that hiring managers tend to be a conventional lot.  Originality and creativity are welcome, but familiar business protocol still rules.

© Copyright Eva Del Rio