Resume formatting: More is not more.

A quick tip on resume formatting -- One that I think will surprise more than a few of you who pride yourself on an uber-fancy resume formats.

In general? Just don't.

That's right:

Do.

Not.

Overformat.

Why? Because most reasonably sized corporations and recruiting agencies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to store and sort resumes that come into the organization.  And these databases, especially the older ones, can be quite touchy.

Thusly... when you flower up the resume with such things as charts, photos (didn't I already tell you no photos on the resume?), logos or text boxes? The database often spits back a bunch of garbley goo that we HR and recruiter types need to go in and manually decipher and fix.

As you can imagine, this does little for your "first impression quotient" and may, in fact, rule you out for future opportunities within that organization if the recruiter doesn't actually go in and do the above-mentioned fixes.

So, yes. You are awesome. Just, please, on the resume...

Illustrate this via excellent text, a clean format and your stellar track record.

Not with a line drawing of your family crest.

And, while we're on the subject of resumes...

For those who have not yet signed up for the latest news from JobJenny via email, yesterday I officially launched the test run of my new resume writing service, Ridiculously Awesome Resumes. I'm launching the service because I just know in my heart I can help those of you who need a little kick-in-the-pants (er, encouragement) to spruce up or overhaul your resume. And I can give you this kick at an amazing price.

Especially while I work out the deets.

Until August 15, you are welcome to partake in my Riculously Awesome $99 Resume trial. Yep, you read correctly. 99 dollahs. The introductory price only lasts until August 15, though. It'll all still be extremely affordable once I get all the bells and whistles in order here, but now's the time if you want to take major advantage of JobJenny's wisdom (and insanity).

You want in? Just click the link at the top of this page, aptly entitled Ridiculously Awesome Resumes.

Your finished product will make both you, and applicant tracking systems alll over the globe, smile real big. I promise.