Terminal punctuation in resume writing refers to the usage of intervals on the finish of sentences or phrases in bullet factors and different descriptive sections. For instance, a bullet level would possibly learn, “Managed a crew of 5 gross sales representatives.” or “Managed a crew of 5 gross sales representatives reaching a 15% improve in gross sales.” The selection between utilizing or omitting the interval illustrates the central query relating to this stylistic aspect.
Consistency and a clear visible presentation are paramount in efficient resume writing. A constant method to punctuation, whether or not selecting to make use of intervals or not, contributes to a refined {and professional} look. Traditionally, full sentences with terminal punctuation had been the usual. Nevertheless, the fashionable development, significantly with the rise of applicant monitoring techniques (ATS), typically favors concise, impactful phrasing, typically resulting in the omission of terminal punctuation for a extra streamlined look. Readability stays the last word purpose, and the chosen type shouldn’t hinder readability.
This text will discover the arguments for and towards utilizing terminal punctuation in resumes, providing sensible steering for reaching a visually interesting and ATS-friendly doc. Totally different stylistic decisions might be examined, alongside greatest practices for sustaining consistency and maximizing influence on potential employers.
1. Consistency
Consistency in resume punctuation considerably impacts readability and professionalism. A doc with fluctuating punctuation stylesperiods in some sentences and bullet factors, however not othersappears visually disorganized and probably displays a scarcity of consideration to element. This inconsistency can distract recruiters and diminish the general impression of the candidate’s {qualifications}. For instance, a resume with a abstract part utilizing full sentences ending in intervals, adopted by a expertise part with fragmented phrases missing terminal punctuation, creates a jarring visible expertise. Sustaining a uniform method, whether or not utilizing intervals all through or omitting them constantly, presents a refined and regarded doc.
The selection of punctuation type itself, whether or not to make use of intervals or not, is much less important than making use of that selection constantly all through your entire resume. Each approaches are acceptable; nevertheless, erratic software diminishes the doc’s readability and professionalism. A constant method demonstrates cautious modifying and an understanding {of professional} doc presentation. This meticulousness can subtly sign broader organizational expertise and a focus to detailqualities valued in any skilled setting. Adopting a mode information or using grammar-checking instruments can help in sustaining uniformity.
In the end, consistency in punctuation, like different elements of resume formatting, contributes to a doc’s total effectiveness. It aids in conveying data clearly and professionally, permitting the candidate’s {qualifications} to take heart stage. By avoiding distracting inconsistencies, candidates can guarantee their resumes make a constructive and impactful first impression. Selecting a mode and adhering to it rigorously all through the doc is an easy but efficient strategy to improve professionalism and readability.
2. Visible Enchantment
Visible enchantment performs a vital function in resume effectiveness. A well-structured and visually balanced doc enhances readability and professionalism, growing the probability of capturing recruiters’ consideration. Punctuation, together with the usage of intervals, contributes considerably to this visible presentation.
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Whitespace and Steadiness
Ample whitespace ensures a clear, uncluttered look, making the resume simpler to scan and digest. Extreme intervals, significantly briefly bullet factors, can create a visually dense doc. Strategic use of whitespace, mixed with constant punctuation decisions, improves readability and permits key data to face out. Think about a bullet level like “Led venture crew.” The interval, whereas grammatically appropriate in a standard sense, will be omitted to create a cleaner, extra fashionable look, enhancing the general visible steadiness.
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Emphasis and Hierarchy
Visible cues information the reader’s eye by means of the doc, highlighting key accomplishments and expertise. Constant punctuation contributes to this visible hierarchy. For instance, utilizing intervals for full sentences in a abstract part helps distinguish this space visually from concise, period-less bullet factors within the expertise part, establishing clear sections and emphasizing completely different content material varieties. This distinction enhances the general presentation and guides the reader’s focus.
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Fashionable Design Tendencies
Up to date resume design typically favors a cleaner, minimalist aesthetic, continuously omitting intervals in bullet factors to create a extra streamlined look. This development aligns with the necessity for fast, impactful communication in as we speak’s fast-paced hiring atmosphere. Recruiters typically spend mere seconds scanning every resume; a visually uncluttered doc will increase the possibility of key data being observed. A resume adhering to fashionable design ideas improves its possibilities of making a constructive first impression.
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ATS Compatibility
Applicant Monitoring Techniques (ATS) parse resumes for key phrases and formatting. Whereas intervals themselves do not sometimes trigger ATS points, inconsistent formatting or overly dense textual content can hinder readability for each human reviewers and ATS algorithms. A clear, well-structured doc with constant punctuation, whether or not utilizing or omitting intervals, improves ATS compatibility by making certain clear and environment friendly knowledge extraction. Visible readability interprets to improved ATS efficiency.
Visible enchantment in a resume is immediately influenced by punctuation decisions. A constant method to intervals contributes to a clear, skilled doc that enhances readability and ATS compatibility, growing the probability of creating a constructive impression on recruiters and advancing within the hiring course of.
3. ATS Compatibility
Applicant Monitoring Techniques (ATS) play a important function in fashionable recruitment, filtering resumes primarily based on key phrases and formatting earlier than human assessment. Whereas the presence or absence of intervals would not immediately disqualify a resume, formatting decisions can influence ATS readability and, consequently, the resume’s success in navigating these techniques. Understanding how punctuation decisions have an effect on ATS interpretation is important for maximizing software visibility.
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Parsing and Key phrase Recognition
ATS algorithms parse resume content material, extracting key phrases and knowledge primarily based on formatting and construction. Whereas intervals themselves usually are not sometimes problematic, inconsistent or unconventional punctuation can intervene with correct parsing. For instance, utilizing intervals mid-sentence inside bullet factors, as a substitute of on the finish, might disrupt key phrase identification. Sustaining constant, commonplace punctuation practices ensures optimum parsing accuracy and maximizes the possibilities of related key phrases being acknowledged.
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Readability and Knowledge Extraction
ATS software program extracts knowledge from resumes to populate fields in databases and generate searchable profiles. Inconsistent or extreme punctuation can hinder this knowledge extraction course of. A cluttered visible presentation, probably arising from overuse of intervals, could make it tough for the ATS to precisely establish and categorize data. Clear, constant formatting, no matter particular punctuation decisions, promotes correct knowledge extraction and facilitates efficient search and retrieval throughout the ATS.
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Formatting Consistency and Errors
ATS algorithms are delicate to formatting inconsistencies and errors. Whereas intervals themselves usually are not sometimes flagged as errors, inconsistencies of their utilization or deviations from commonplace punctuation practices can set off ATS flags, probably resulting in misinterpretation or rejection of the appliance. Constant formatting and adherence to plain punctuation norms reveal consideration to element and enhance the possibilities of the resume being processed accurately by the ATS.
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Affect of Visible Density
Extreme punctuation, significantly along side restricted whitespace, can create a visually dense doc that hinders each human readability and ATS parsing. ATS algorithms could wrestle to interpret overly dense textual content blocks, impacting key phrase recognition and knowledge extraction. A balanced method to punctuation, favoring conciseness and readability, mixed with ample whitespace, improves each ATS compatibility and total readability.
Whereas the presence or absence of intervals just isn’t the first determinant of ATS compatibility, constant formatting and a clear visible presentation are essential. Adhering to plain punctuation practices and avoiding extreme or unconventional punctuation ensures optimum ATS efficiency, maximizing the probability of the resume reaching human reviewers. In the end, a transparent, concise, and constantly formatted resume, no matter particular punctuation decisions, optimizes ATS compatibility and will increase software visibility.
4. Fashionable Tendencies
Fashionable resume tendencies prioritize conciseness, visible enchantment, and Applicant Monitoring System (ATS) compatibility. These components affect punctuation decisions, together with the usage of intervals. Present practices typically favor a streamlined, minimalist aesthetic, continuously omitting intervals in bullet factors and quick phrases to scale back visible muddle and improve readability. This shift aligns with the necessity for fast and environment friendly communication in as we speak’s fast-paced hiring atmosphere, the place recruiters typically spend restricted time reviewing every software. For instance, a bullet level like “Managed a funds of $1 million” is taken into account extra impactful and visually interesting than “Managed a funds of $1 million.” in up to date resume design. This development displays a transfer in direction of brevity and influence over strict adherence to conventional grammatical guidelines.
The growing prevalence of ATS software program additional reinforces this development. Whereas intervals themselves don’t sometimes trigger ATS points, overly dense textual content or inconsistent formatting can hinder parsing and key phrase recognition. A clear, uncluttered resume with constant punctuation, or an entire lack thereof, improves ATS readability and ensures correct knowledge extraction. This concentrate on ATS optimization displays the rising significance of expertise in recruitment processes. Moreover, the rise of on-line skilled networking platforms, the place concise summaries and profiles are favored, has additionally contributed to the choice for brevity in resume writing. These platforms prioritize impactful communication and fast comprehension, influencing resume design tendencies in direction of shorter, period-less phrases.
In conclusion, the development of omitting intervals on resumes stems from the necessity for visually interesting, ATS-friendly, and concise communication in fashionable recruitment. This observe displays a shift in direction of prioritizing fast comprehension and influence over conventional grammatical formalities. Whereas grammatical accuracy stays vital, the emphasis has shifted in direction of balancing conventional guidelines with the sensible issues of as we speak’s hiring panorama. Adapting to those fashionable tendencies can improve a resume’s effectiveness and enhance its possibilities of success within the aggressive job market.
5. Readability
Readability is a vital consider resume effectiveness. A simply digestible resume ensures key data is shortly absorbed by recruiters, maximizing influence and growing the probability of additional consideration. Punctuation decisions, together with the strategic use or omission of intervals, immediately affect readability.
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Visible Litter
Extreme punctuation can create visible muddle, hindering speedy comprehension. A resume dense with intervals, significantly briefly phrases or bullet factors, can seem overwhelming and discourage detailed assessment. Conversely, a clear, balanced method to punctuation, or the constant omission of intervals, can considerably improve visible readability and enhance readability. As an illustration, a bullet level like “Negotiated contracts.” advantages from the absence of a interval, showing much less cluttered and extra impactful.
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Scannability
Recruiters typically scan resumes shortly, trying to find related key phrases and expertise. Improved scannability, facilitated by clear formatting and concise phrasing, will increase the possibilities of important data being observed. Constant punctuation contributes to scannability by making a predictable visible rhythm. Whether or not intervals are used or omitted, sustaining consistency permits the reader’s eye to stream easily throughout the doc, enhancing fast comprehension. A much less cluttered resume with a constant method to intervals helps environment friendly scanning.
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Cognitive Load
Cognitive load refers back to the psychological effort required to course of data. A resume with inconsistent or extreme punctuation will increase cognitive load, making it tougher for the reader to extract key particulars. A streamlined method to punctuation, whether or not utilizing intervals constantly or omitting them fully, reduces cognitive load and permits the reader to concentrate on the content material itself. Simplifying the visible presentation by means of constant punctuation decisions permits for extra environment friendly data processing.
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Info Hierarchy
Clear visible hierarchy guides the reader’s eye to crucial data. Strategic punctuation decisions contribute to this hierarchy. For instance, utilizing intervals in full sentences inside a abstract or skilled profile part can visually distinguish this space from the expertise part, which can make the most of concise, period-less bullet factors. This distinction helps set up clear sections and emphasizes completely different content material varieties, bettering total comprehension. A thought of method to punctuation enhances data hierarchy and guides the reader’s focus.
Readability immediately impacts a resume’s effectiveness. By rigorously contemplating the usage of intervals and different punctuation, candidates can create a visually interesting, simply digestible doc that maximizes influence and will increase the probability of attracting recruiter consideration. A constant and strategic method to punctuation considerably enhances readability, contributing to a more practical and impactful resume.
6. Conciseness
Conciseness in resume writing is essential for maximizing influence and accommodating fashionable recruitment practices. It immediately pertains to the query of interval utilization, as eliminating pointless punctuation contributes to a extra streamlined and environment friendly presentation. Brevity ensures key data is shortly conveyed, catering to recruiters’ restricted assessment time and optimizing Applicant Monitoring System (ATS) compatibility. This part explores the sides of conciseness and their connection to punctuation decisions on a resume.
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Impactful Phrasing
Impactful phrasing prioritizes robust verbs and quantifiable achievements, minimizing extraneous phrases. Omitting intervals in bullet factors can improve this influence by making a visually streamlined presentation. For instance, “Elevated gross sales by 15%” is extra impactful than “Elevated gross sales by 15%.” The absence of the interval reinforces the directness and concentrate on the quantifiable achievement. This method aligns with the necessity for fast and environment friendly communication in fashionable recruitment.
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Eliminating Redundancy
Redundancy hinders conciseness and readability. In bullet factors, intervals can typically really feel redundant, particularly when phrases are already concise. Eradicating them streamlines the presentation and reduces visible muddle. As an illustration, “Managed a crew of 5.” is ample with no interval, conveying the important data successfully. This aligns with the precept of minimizing pointless parts for improved readability and influence.
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ATS Optimization
Concise language and formatting enhance ATS compatibility. Whereas intervals do not sometimes trigger direct points, extreme punctuation can contribute to visible density, probably hindering parsing and key phrase recognition. A streamlined method to punctuation, typically omitting intervals in bullet factors, improves ATS readability. For instance, “Proficient in venture administration” is extra ATS-friendly than “Proficient in venture administration.” because it avoids potential parsing points associated to extreme punctuation and enhances key phrase recognition.
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Fashionable Resume Design
Fashionable resume design favors a clear, minimalist aesthetic. Omitting intervals in bullet factors and quick phrases aligns with this development, enhancing visible enchantment and reflecting present greatest practices. This method emphasizes impactful communication and fast comprehension, catering to the fast-paced nature of contemporary recruitment. For instance, “Developed advertising methods” displays a up to date design choice for concise, period-less phrasing, bettering visible enchantment and aligning with fashionable recruiter expectations.
Conciseness, achieved by means of impactful phrasing, redundancy elimination, and streamlined punctuation, is a trademark of efficient fashionable resume writing. The strategic omission of intervals, significantly in bullet factors, contributes to this conciseness, enhancing visible enchantment, bettering ATS compatibility, and making certain key data is shortly and successfully conveyed to recruiters. This method displays the evolving panorama of recruitment, prioritizing impactful communication and environment friendly data supply in a aggressive job market.
7. Professionalism
Professionalism in resume writing encompasses extra than simply itemizing {qualifications}; it displays consideration to element, consistency, and adherence to conventions that sign a candidate’s competence and meticulousness. The seemingly minor element of whether or not to incorporate intervals on a resume performs a major function in projecting this professionalism. Whereas each utilizing and omitting intervals will be acceptable, the essential aspect lies in constant software and alignment with fashionable greatest practices. This part explores the sides of professionalism related to this stylistic selection.
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Consistency and Consideration to Element
A constantly formatted resume demonstrates a meticulous method, reflecting positively on a candidate’s organizational expertise and a focus to element. Erratic punctuation, switching between intervals and no intervals, suggests a scarcity of care and probably undermines the credibility of the offered data. Constant software of chosen punctuation type, whether or not utilizing or omitting intervals, alerts professionalism and strengthens the general impression. For instance, a resume with constant interval utilization all through demonstrates a dedication to element, enhancing the notion of professionalism.
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Fashionable Conventions and Greatest Practices
Whereas conventional grammar dictates the usage of intervals, fashionable resume writing typically prioritizes conciseness and visible enchantment. Omitting intervals in bullet factors and quick phrases has change into more and more frequent, aligning with present tendencies and ATS compatibility. Adhering to those fashionable conventions alerts an consciousness of present greatest practices and demonstrates adaptability, each thought of skilled attributes. A resume reflecting these present tendencies by means of constant omission of intervals, for instance, positions the candidate as up-to-date and adaptable.
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Goal Viewers and Trade Requirements
Resume conventions can fluctuate throughout industries. Sure professions, significantly these with a robust emphasis on conventional communication, should favor formal punctuation. Researching industry-specific expectations demonstrates professionalism and permits candidates to tailor their resumes accordingly. Understanding these nuances and making knowledgeable decisions relating to punctuation can considerably improve a resume’s effectiveness and perceived professionalism. Submitting a resume with conventional punctuation to a conservative {industry}, for instance, demonstrates an understanding of and respect for established norms.
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Balancing Conventional Grammar and Fashionable Design
Navigating the steadiness between conventional grammatical guidelines and up to date resume design requires cautious consideration. Whereas strict adherence to conventional punctuation would possibly seem overly formal in some contexts, full disregard for grammar can sign a scarcity of professionalism. Hanging a steadiness, corresponding to utilizing intervals in full sentences inside a abstract part whereas omitting them in concise bullet factors, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of each grammar and fashionable design ideas. This balanced method contributes to a refined {and professional} presentation. Demonstrating this adaptability, corresponding to utilizing intervals in formal sections whereas embracing fashionable conciseness elsewhere, enhances the general impression of professionalism.
Professionalism in resume writing hinges on meticulousness, consistency, and an understanding of present conventions. The selection relating to intervals displays these sides of professionalism. A constant and knowledgeable method, whether or not utilizing or omitting intervals, contributes to a refined, skilled doc that successfully communicates a candidate’s {qualifications} and a focus to element. In the end, a well-crafted resume that considers each grammatical correctness and fashionable design tendencies greatest displays professionalism and enhances a candidate’s possibilities of success.
Often Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent questions relating to the usage of intervals on resumes, providing readability and steering for creating knowledgeable and efficient doc.
Query 1: Does omitting intervals on a resume seem grammatically incorrect?
Whereas conventional grammar guidelines dictate the usage of intervals, fashionable resume writing typically prioritizes conciseness and visible enchantment. Omitting intervals in bullet factors and quick phrases has change into a extensively accepted observe, significantly in up to date resume designs. Consistency is vital; select a mode and apply it all through the doc.
Query 2: Will the absence of intervals negatively influence an applicant monitoring system (ATS) scan?
Durations themselves not often trigger points with ATS software program. Nevertheless, inconsistent formatting or extreme punctuation can hinder readability and parsing. A clear, well-structured doc, whether or not utilizing or omitting intervals constantly, usually improves ATS compatibility.
Query 3: Do completely different industries have completely different expectations relating to resume punctuation?
Whereas fashionable tendencies favor conciseness, some industries, significantly these with a robust emphasis on formal communication, would possibly nonetheless desire conventional punctuation. Researching industry-specific expectations is really useful for tailoring a resume successfully.
Query 4: How does punctuation selection have an effect on the general notion of professionalism on a resume?
Consistency is vital to projecting professionalism. Erratic punctuation suggests a scarcity of consideration to element, whereas a constantly utilized type, whether or not utilizing or omitting intervals, demonstrates care and professionalism.
Query 5: Is it acceptable to make use of intervals in some sections of a resume however not others?
Whereas usually discouraged, utilizing intervals in sure sections, corresponding to a proper abstract, whereas omitting them in concise bullet factors, will be acceptable if executed constantly and thoughtfully to boost visible hierarchy and readability.
Query 6: What assets might help guarantee constant and proper punctuation on a resume?
Fashion guides, grammar-checking instruments, {and professional} resume reviewers can present useful help in making certain constant and correct punctuation, contributing to a refined {and professional} doc.
Cautious consideration of punctuation contributes to a refined {and professional} resume. Consistency and adherence to fashionable greatest practices improve readability, ATS compatibility, and total influence.
The next part will provide concrete examples of efficient resume formatting with and with out intervals, offering sensible steering for implementing these ideas.
Optimizing Resume Punctuation for Most Affect
Strategic punctuation decisions improve resume readability, professionalism, and Applicant Monitoring System (ATS) compatibility. The next suggestions present sensible steering for optimizing punctuation to create a compelling and efficient doc.
Tip 1: Prioritize Consistency Above All
Sustaining a uniform punctuation type all through your entire resume is paramount. Whether or not selecting to make use of intervals or omit them, constant software demonstrates professionalism and a focus to element. Inconsistent punctuation can create a visually disorganized and unprofessional impression. A unified method enhances readability and permits the content material to shine.
Tip 2: Embrace Fashionable Tendencies for a Streamlined Look
Up to date resume design favors conciseness and visible readability. Omitting intervals in bullet factors and quick phrases creates a cleaner, extra fashionable aesthetic, aligning with present tendencies and bettering ATS compatibility. This streamlined method enhances scannability and permits recruiters to shortly grasp key data.
Tip 3: Improve Readability By way of Whitespace and Steadiness
Strategic use of whitespace and balanced formatting improves readability. Extreme punctuation can create visible muddle. Think about omitting intervals briefly phrases or bullet factors to create a cleaner, extra digestible presentation. Ample whitespace between strains and sections additional enhances readability and visible enchantment.
Tip 4: Optimize for ATS Compatibility with Clear Formatting
Whereas intervals themselves not often trigger ATS points, inconsistent formatting and extreme punctuation can hinder parsing and key phrase recognition. A clear, constantly formatted doc, no matter interval utilization, optimizes ATS compatibility and ensures data is precisely extracted.
Tip 5: Tailor Punctuation Selections to Trade Requirements
Resume conventions can fluctuate throughout industries. Researching goal industries and tailoring punctuation decisions accordingly demonstrates professionalism and an understanding of particular expectations. Sure sectors should desire conventional punctuation, whereas others favor a extra fashionable, streamlined method.
Tip 6: Steadiness Conventional Grammar with Fashionable Design
Think about a balanced method, utilizing intervals in formal sections, corresponding to knowledgeable abstract with full sentences, whereas omitting them in concise bullet factors throughout the expertise part. This balanced method can improve visible hierarchy and readability whereas sustaining a level of ritual.
Tip 7: Make the most of Sources for Consistency and Accuracy
Leverage type guides, grammar-checking instruments, {and professional} resume assessment companies to make sure constant and correct punctuation all through the doc. These assets can establish inconsistencies and guarantee adherence to chosen type pointers, enhancing professionalism and total presentation.
By implementing these methods, candidates can optimize resume punctuation for max influence, creating knowledgeable, readable, and ATS-friendly doc that successfully communicates {qualifications} and captures recruiter consideration.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing takeaways and reinforces the significance of strategic punctuation decisions in resume writing.
Conclusion
The query of whether or not to incorporate intervals on a resume encompasses issues of readability, visible enchantment, ATS compatibility, fashionable tendencies, conciseness, and professionalism. Whereas conventional grammar dictates their use, up to date greatest practices typically favor a extra streamlined method, continuously omitting intervals in bullet factors and quick phrases for enhanced visible readability and conciseness. Consistency stays paramount; a uniform method, whether or not utilizing or omitting intervals, demonstrates professionalism and a focus to element. Balancing conventional grammar with fashionable design ideas, knowledgeable by {industry} requirements and ATS greatest practices, yields the best outcomes.
Strategic punctuation decisions empower job seekers to current their {qualifications} with most influence. A meticulously crafted resume, optimized for each human readers and ATS software program, considerably enhances visibility and will increase the probability of securing coveted interview alternatives. In the end, cautious consideration to this seemingly minor element could make a considerable distinction in a aggressive job market.
