When was the last time you updated your resume? If it’s been… awhile (no shame!), making updates may feel daunting. Even if you’re happy in your current role, it’s always a good idea to have an updated resume. After all, you never know when an awesome internal or other opportunity could arise!

 

Never fear – Candice Webb, Senior Learning & Development Specialist, and Cory Craig, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, are here! Resume creation is an art, not a science, so we tapped two of our in-house experts for their take on some of the most common resume questions, True or False style.

Without further ado, let’s get into it.

True or false…

Your resume is dynamic and changes with time.

True! “Your resume is a living document,” explains Candice. “It should evolve as you and your career evolve. It’s not static – you’ve got to reboot it!”

Your resume should include all your previous work experience.

False. “It should include experience that is relevant and timely – it doesn’t need to be an exhaustive list,” shares Candice. “If a position that you held 10 years ago is relevant to the role you’re applying for today, it’s OK to include it. But if you’re applying to a Sr. Data Science role, your college gig in retail probably isn’t relevant or timely.”

Your resume has to fit on one page.

False! If you have the experience, aim for a two-page resume. “Don’t add fluff, but consider how you can use the space to translate your resume into a story about your career,” Candice explains.

You must add an objective or personal statement.

This one’s false too. “It’s not a must, but it may be a useful addition to your resume,” says Candice. “Focus on what you’ve accomplished and the skills, experiences and perspectives that make you unique.”

What’s your score? Check out these bonus tips and tricks for making your resume the best it can be:

Do…

• Begin each bullet with an action word. Need some inspiration? Here’s a list of 300.
• Be consistent. Details matter! Formatting errors and inconsistencies, typos and other errors stand out, but not in a good way. A bonus tip from Cory: “Double-check to ensure tenses are correct when speaking about past or present roles.”
• List the month and year for your dates of employment and be prepared to discuss resume gaps. “Reverse chronological resumes are easiest for recruiters to read,” shares Cory.

Don’t…

• Embellish your resume with colors or photos. Unless you’re applying to a creative role or field, it’s probably too much.
• Feel the need to share “references available upon request” – it’s dated.
• List your high school diploma if you have a bachelor’s degree.
• Include your college GPA.

And perhaps the most important tips of all? “Always have someone else review your resume,” Cory says. “What may be clear to you may be less clear to someone else. Another set of eyes is always a good idea.”

What are our best resume tips or tricks? Let us know in the comments. And if you're interested in a role at SAS, check out open jobs at sas.com/careers.