Tips for Writing a Resume
There is a lot of competition in the job market, and an effective resume can be your ticket to landing an interview for your dream job. However, writing a resume can be daunting, especially if you have little experience. We’ll take a look at how to make your resume stand out among the pool of applicants.
Tips for Writing a Resume
Use Professional Font
Sometimes a simple fix can be the difference between an archived resume or one selected for an interview. For example, avoid using playful or unique fonts if you want to look professional. Instead, use a clean and classic font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. This will make your resume easy to read and ensure that it looks polished.
Include Keywords
When employers receive resumes, they often scan them for keywords related to the position they are looking to fill. As you write your resume, use language that mirrors the job listing. This will help ensure that your resume makes it past any automated screening processes and into the hands of a human recruiter.
Include Actional Verbs
If you have a lot of cliché words in your resume that are more task-oriented than results-oriented, it’s likely to get archived. Instead, use measurable words such as completed, developed, created, appointed, assigned, etc. You’ll demonstrate great value to the prospective employer and immediately set your resume apart from the rest.
Quantify Your Experiences
When possible, include numbers and data to support your claims about your skills and experience. This will show employers that you have a track record of achieving results in your previous roles. For example, rather than saying, "I increased sales at my previous company," try "I increased sales by 20% in my previous role."
Keep It Simple
Your resume should be easy to read and free of any unnecessary frills. Avoid using too many colors or unique layouts, as this can make your resume difficult to read. Instead, stick to a simple, professional design that will allow employers to quickly find the information they are looking for.
Proofread
Be sure to proofread your resume before you submit it. You might be able to get away with one grammatical error, but multiple will get your resume archived for sure. What will that say about your future work if you can’t put enough effort into turning in an error-free resume?
Keep It to One Page
If you give the hiring team a book to read, they will not bother. Keep your resume to one page, and only include information relevant to the job you are applying for. This will help ensure that your resume is read and that the essential information is not lost.
The resume is your foot in the door to securing an interview with an employer. Follow the tips above, and you should get many more responses from your resume.
Categorised in: Resume