{"id":31683,"date":"2018-05-04T13:04:04","date_gmt":"2018-05-04T20:04:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=31683"},"modified":"2018-05-04T13:04:04","modified_gmt":"2018-05-04T20:04:04","slug":"3-reasons-to-ditch-your-resume-template","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/career-advice\/3-reasons-to-ditch-your-resume-template\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Reasons to Ditch Your Resume Template"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.2″ background_image=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/ditchresume1.jpg” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ padding_mobile=”off”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” height=”200″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”3.2″][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.2″ text_font=”PT Sans||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”72″ text_font_size_tablet=”52″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_line_height=”1.1em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”620px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|”]<\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 3 Reasons to\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ditch Your Resume Template<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ padding_mobile=”off”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” custom_padding=”20px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/03\/American-Public-University-System_200px.png” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ animation=”off” sticky=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#02b875″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.2em” header_text_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||0px|”] AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY SYSTEM\u00a0<\/span><\/a> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10px||60px|”] Recognized Leader in Online Education [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.2″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”720px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|”]<\/p>\n

By Leia O\u2019Connell, MSW, GCDF<\/span>
\n<\/span>Contributor, Career Coach<\/span><\/h4>\n

Resume templates can seem like a great idea if you\u2019ve never written a resume before. They provide general direction on how you can format your information and guidance on what needs to be included. When I was first starting out in my professional career, I was lucky enough to stumble across a resume template which helped me land my first few jobs and promotions. The thing is, not all resume templates are created equally. Some may not be appropriate for the position you\u2019re seeking (or frankly, for any position). <\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my recommendation right up front: start from scratch in a blank Word document. Use a <\/span>resume sample you trust<\/a> as a guide and start typing up your information. I know, a pain! But, you can do it and will be thanking yourself later for these reasons:<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_color=”#f7f7f4″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”680px” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” make_equal=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” background_color_2=”#efefe9″ parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/thankyou2.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”3.2″ animation=”off” sticky=”on”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” background_color=”#efefe9″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/ditchresume3.jpg” show_bottom_space=”off” _builder_version=”3.2″ animation=”off” sticky=”on”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”3.2″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#818178″ text_font_size=”24″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20%|10%||10%” custom_margin_tablet=”|10%||10%” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop”]Researching the best type of resume <\/span>for you<\/span><\/i> is the right way to start.<\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.76″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#888888″ text_font_size=”12″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20%|” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet”] LEIA O’CONNELL, MSW [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|”][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ custom_padding=”3px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” parallax_method_1=”off” parallax_method_2=”off” parallax_method_3=”off” parallax_method_4=”off” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.2″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”60px||0px|” custom_margin_tablet=”40px||0px|” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet”]<\/p>\n

Resume Style<\/span><\/h4>\n

Some resume templates available have graphics or styles that are not recommended for any job seeker. Resumes with flowery graphics should be avoided. I\u2019ve seen templates which have the user\u2019s contact information at the bottom \u2013 you don\u2019t want this. Some resumes have boxes where you place your information; the boxes themselves can be seen by a hiring manager and detract from your content. These templates can be tempting, as you want your resume to stand out, but you don\u2019t want it to stand out in the wrong way! <\/span><\/p>\n

Editing<\/span><\/h4>\n

Editing a preset template is a challenge \u2013 it\u2019s made that way on purpose. The template creator WANTS you to stay in the template format. This can be restrictive (and frustrating!) when making edits. With a blank Word document, you\u2019re in control and can easily update your resume. Your resume should be a flexible document, changing as your career ebbs and flows. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Right Template<\/span><\/h4>\n

Depending on your circumstances, a different resume format may better showcase your qualifications. A traditional chronological resume is great for many individuals. But, it\u2019s not right for every person and every situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Have you been out of the workforce for a lengthy period of time or have older experience which better relates to a position you\u2019re applying for? A functional resume style may be better for you. <\/span><\/p>\n

Applying for a federal position? <\/span>USAJOBS<\/span><\/a> has a specific format they want you to use, where you need to list additional details not found on the two types of resumes just listed. What\u2019s the bottom line? Researching the best type of resume <\/span>for you<\/span><\/i> is the right way to start. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve retyped your resume in a Word format, you will start to see what a BIG positive difference this makes. Your next step? \u00a0Have it reviewed by an individual you trust. The more time you put into your resume, the easier it will be to miss small mistakes. By starting from scratch, you will truly be the author of your resume. Like every author, a trusted editor is a key piece of the process! <\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”780px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|73.90625px|0px” column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax_method_1=”off” _builder_version=”3.0.47″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ column_padding_mobile=”on” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”off”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.47″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”36″ text_font_size_tablet=”26″ text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||70px|”] Want new articles before they get published? Subscribe to our Awesome Newsletter. 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When I was first starting out in my professional career, I was lucky enough to stumble across a resume template which helped me land my first few jobs and promotions. The thing is, not all resume templates are created equally. 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