Resume Series: Part One - Heading

This week kicks off the start of a three week series on resume, cover letter, and interview tips.  This week we will focus on your resume.

Today we talk about what your resume heading should include:

• Name - you will want your name to appear first on your resume.  Use your full legal name and format it to be a slightly bigger font than the rest of your document.
• Address - always use your mailing address on your resume.  Some of the more rural towns require you to have a post office box for your mail, use that address.  Some companies will send out a post card or letter to acknowledge receiving your information so you'll want to make sure you receive this communication from them.
• Phone number - it's usually best to use a cell phone as your contact number.  That way if an employer is trying to reach you, you can get back to them right away.  Whatever phone you decide to use, make sure that young children aren't answering it and that your voice mail is in a professional tone.
• Email address - use a professional sounding email for your resume.  In other words, if you have an email that's something like partygirl@yahoo.com, don't use it on your resume.  There are a lot free email options out there to choose from, use one that doesn't make you sound unprofessional. 

 All of these items should be included at the top of your resume.  Make sure all of the information is current so that employers have the best possible way to get in touch with you.

Tomorrow we will talk about the most overlooked component of a resume: the objective.

Do you have a question about your resume and what you should include and/or leave out?  Let us know in the comments below.