Labor Day weekend: sun, fun and a bittersweet goodbye to summer. A new season marks a fresh start, and this is the perfect time to give your resume some TLC. Don’t worry - we’re here to help you work smarter, not harder. Revamp your resume with these quick, time saving tips and you’ll have plenty of time to spare for cornhole and a cocktail this weekend.

1. Left & right-align on the same line
This is a tip that can literally save you hours. Many people (Career Productions included) love the way dates look right-aligned on a resume, but trying to achieve this clean style has resulted in one too many painful formatting disasters (cue sirens in the distance). Our quick aligning trick will maintain your aesthetically pleasing resume and keep it editable for future revisions.

2. Bookend your document
Keep your resume sleek and professional by ending it with a smaller section that allows you to summarize and tie the document up neatly. Add a section such as skills, additional experience, certifications or education at the end to add a personal touch. Connect with Career Productions for personalized advice on what you should include.
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3. Simplify your contact info
Make it easy for the recruiter by including these things in your header: your name, one phone number (your personal line), a professional email (not your work email) and your current city and state. Providing too many contact details is confusing for the recruiter and for you when you’re trying to remember which communications to check regarding your job search. This also keeps some of your more personal information (like street address) from getting into the wrong hands. If the recruiter needs more information, they will follow up.

4. Keep it consistent
A *DJ Khaled voice* major key to a clean resume is consistency, regardless of how you decide to organize the information. Take a look at your document with fresh eyes. Is your work history formatted consistently? Do all of your bullet points align? Are you using the same font throughout? Keep the same format across your resume and avoid straying from your layout. It’s easier for the recruiter to follow along and makes it easy for you to update as your gain more experience.