Your resume
When a printed resume is needed – Tasks pertaining to job searches and job applications by many of today’s professionals are performed primarily with the aid of Internet locations (websites of potential employers and headhunters) and email (for cover letters and other communicative formats); and as such resumes and cover letters are created to fit these electronic formats; so it is no surprise that having to print out a resume can result in errors of both the human and machine variety.
So let’s take a closer look at, and discuss circumstances when, a printed resume is needed; because although a job seeker may complete a number of job applications online, s/he still needs to have a printed resume to bring along to an interview. If, for example, you are that job seeker, it is important to keep in mind that it is very likely your potential employer will print out your resume from a job search website or from the message you sent expressing your interest in the job.
With that in mind, it is therefore very important that you print out a test copy of your resume before submitting it to employers. This way you’ll be assured that the layout is what you want it to be. As a rule, when printing out your resume, make sure to use white or ivory paper; and since you can get a stack of resume paper at any office supplies store, it should be rather easy to make your resume look as clean and professional as it can be.
Professional you!
Your neat, clean resume – What you should not do it use color paper, or change the font color in order to make your resume stand out; because your employer is more likely than not to find this unprofessional and childish, which is not the first impression you want to make. If your resume is longer than one page, print out multiple pages; but do not print on both sides of a single page. Instead, you should include headings in your resume file indicating page numbers and print each page on its own sheet of paper.
Additionally, you should not have any handwriting on your resume; but make sure that page numbers are in fact printed along with the rest of the resume content. Be mindful that you don’t grab the document off your printer in too immediately a fashion, since this could cause smudging of the ink and create a mess, especially if you are using an Ink Jet printer.
You certainly don’t want smudging any more than you’d want stains, creases or crumpling when you are handing it to your potential employer. First impressions are important and you difinitely don’t want yours to be that of someone who is sloppy and careless.
Intact
Interviewee, resume and references – Of course it doesn’t hurt to bring multiple copies of your resume when going in for the all important interview. Some people think this is not necessary because your potential employer already has a copy of your resume. But this is a common misconception because after all, it is your resume and not the potential employer’s; therefore you should always have several copies of your resume printed out and with you when at an interview.
Often times, the hiring manager may ask another associate to meet you during the interviewing process, and s/he may not have a copy of your resume. Having extras will make you look professional, prepared and organized, which ultimately helps you set a positive, confident tone and put your best foot forward.
Additionally, it is helpful that the copy of your resume you brought along for any interview has a complete list of references. You can include the references directly on your resume (typically at the bottom of the page), or you can include a separate sheet of paper with that particular reference list. The first option is preferred, because it provides potential employers with all of the critical information about you in one place.
Take the initiative… resume style
Including your references preempts a potential employer from asking you for this information; this also shows that you are seriously interested in the available position. Having a well-formatted, clean and professional resume will go a long way in helping you make that very important first impression a great one, and help you get the job you are truly interested in. Good luck!
