| I challenge you to a little exercise. | | | | with a resounding "yes," then maybe it's time to think |
| Print a copy of your current resume. Now set page 2 | | | | about adjustments you can make to be sure that top |
| (and page 3, if there is one) aside. Take page one and | | | | half of the first page is doing its job. |
| fold it in half horizontally. | | | | That 5 1/2 x 8 1/2 inch space is fairly small (and |
| Orient it so that the top half of the page (which | | | | probably looks even smaller to you now) - but critically |
| includes your name) is visible. | | | | significant. |
| What do you see? (Be honest.)o Is it visually | | | | If it isn't painting a dynamic, vibrant picture...if it fails to |
| appealing?o Does it sum up who you are, and what's | | | | convey a compelling, persuasive message...then there's |
| unique about you?o Is it so compelling that it makes it | | | | a chance the reader isn't going to look beyond it and |
| almost impossible to resist the urge to flip the paper | | | | read the rest of the document. |
| over and read on?o Is it easy to grasp the most | | | | Best case scenario: the reader continues, but you |
| pertinent information with just a glance? | | | | squandered your best opportunity to make a strong |
| If you're unsure, ask a friend to have a look. It can be | | | | first impression. |
| difficult to view your resume objectively; after all, | | | | Start strong. There are no do-overs or second |
| you're intimately familiar with the subject matter. | | | | chances. You've got one shot with the reader. Make it |
| After your review, if you (or your friend) can't answer | | | | count. |