Resume Design Resume and Cover Letter 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended file format when submitting a resume electronically, unless otherwise specified?
- Microsoft Word .docx only
- PDF (Correct answer)
- Google Docs link
- Plain text .txt
Correct answer: PDF
PDF preserves your formatting across all devices and prevents accidental edits, making it the safest default choice.
Question 2: Which of the following should you AVOID including in the contact information section of a US resume?
- LinkedIn profile URL
- Professional email address
- Date of birth (Correct answer)
- City and state
Correct answer: Date of birth
Date of birth is personal information that can lead to age discrimination and is not required on US resumes.
Question 3: A hybrid (combination) resume format is best suited for candidates who:
- Have no work experience at all
- Want to highlight both relevant skills and a solid work history (Correct answer)
- Are applying exclusively to academic positions
- Have only one job in their career
Correct answer: Want to highlight both relevant skills and a solid work history
The hybrid format opens with a skills summary and then lists chronological experience, giving both functional and traditional benefits.
Question 4: What is the most effective way to demonstrate impact in a resume bullet point?
- Start with 'I was responsible for…'
- Use the format: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result (Correct answer)
- Write in full paragraph sentences
- List duties without mentioning outcomes
Correct answer: Use the format: Action Verb + Task + Quantified Result
The action-task-result formula gives recruiters a clear picture of what you did and why it mattered.
Question 5: Which of the following is an appropriate way to handle references on a modern resume?
- List three references with full contact details at the bottom
- Write 'References available upon request' at the bottom
- Omit references entirely; provide them when asked (Correct answer)
- Include at least one character reference from a family member
Correct answer: Omit references entirely; provide them when asked
The phrase 'References available upon request' is considered outdated; simply omit them and provide a separate list when the employer asks.
Question 6: When emailing a cover letter, where should the cover letter content appear?
- Only as a PDF attachment labeled 'cover letter'
- As the body of the email itself, with the resume attached separately (Correct answer)
- Pasted inside the resume PDF
- As a separate Word document attachment
Correct answer: As the body of the email itself, with the resume attached separately
Using the email body as your cover letter ensures it is read immediately, while the resume PDF is kept as a clean attachment.
Question 7: What does it mean to 'mirror the language' of a job posting in your resume?
- Copy the job posting word-for-word into your resume
- Incorporate the same keywords and phrases the employer used to describe the role (Correct answer)
- Use the same font as the company's website
- Match the tone and formality of the company's social media
Correct answer: Incorporate the same keywords and phrases the employer used to describe the role
Using the employer's own terminology helps your resume pass ATS screening and signals you understand the role's requirements.
Resume Design Resume and Cover Letter 5
What is the recommended file format when submitting a resume electronically, unless otherwise specified?