Ask any hiring manager from any industry, and I guarantee you that they’ll have a handful of resumes that they’ll never forget. Maybe it’s one that yielded them the company’s newest CEO, or perhaps it’s the one that forever smelled of peppermint. It’s okay to be memorable, it’s even desirable, but you want to make sure your resume is memorable for the right reasons.

For me, there are two resumes that really stick out in my head.

RESUME 1

Barely legible handwriting covers an old-school rainbow printer page (you know the one), outlining this individual’s extensive qualifications.

Impression: This individual is qualified, but is potentially resistant to use technology, which may pose a problem at our firm.

RESUME 2

A typed resume with three different fonts, littered with grammatical errors, and scratched out bits with handwritten portions.

Impression: This individual couldn’t even take the time to look over his resume to check for simple errors, or even a matching font. His/her ability to pay attention to small details is likely under developed.

If you were the hiring manager, what would be your first impression of these applicants? Would you give them an interview?

THE POINT

Your resume is a critical tool towards getting a job. It’s one of the first opportunities your prospective employer has to get to know you. Use this chance wisely! Make sure you’re making your finest impression and putting your best foot forward!

Tips to Make Your Resume Memorable (In a Good Way)

• Get someone (or three) to look over your resume. Spelling and grammatical errors are frowned upon
• Print your resume onto plain white paper in black ink
• Use a font that’s easy to read in print and on the web (think Arial, Verdana, or Georgia)
• Keep it concise. List relevant skills and experience, including soft skills (i.e. strategic planning, supervising, decision making, negotiation, and troubleshooting)
• Lay your resume out in an easy-to-read format
• List your references (“references available upon request” makes you look unprepared)