When in doubt, thin it out!
Aravind has the qualifications employers
seek, but they’ll have to hunt to find them. For starters, Aravind
should set the margins at one-inch all around and forgo fancy headings
and sections; they take up precious space and add little. Next, select
fonts at no smaller than 11-point so employers can read the text. Set
text to use the full page; with five years of experience, the resume
should be just two pages.
It’s easier to reduce content than add. Aravind can start by eliminating
the areas of responsibility because they read like a job description.
Instead, use the achievement sections and focus on what was delivered
and problems solved. Beware of redundancies; instead of implemented and
executed, try delivered, launched, completed, achieved, attained or
accomplished. It may be helpful to reverse sentences to state the
achievement first, for example: Reduced turn around time for Ford
European markets and improved process efficiency by implementing 6-sigma
projects.
Choose one style of bullet and be consistent. And avoid using desktop publishing features, such as the arrow, that make resumes look more like a report. Remember the rule of numbers; spell out numbers one through ten and use figures for numbers 11 and over. Lastly, anything that does not make you a more qualified candidate is clutter; clutter won’t help you get the job.
