Follow these resume writing tips to ensure your are shortlisted for the job
Writing a good resume is more than just compiling a list of the schools you attended, companies you worked for, the positions you held and the skills you possess. Your resume isn’t necessarily flawless simply because you wrote it; you need a unique set of lenses to see its flaws and imperfections and then fine-tune it accordingly. Use the following dos and don’ts to increase your chances of making a good impression and show that you’re the perfect fit.
Do customize your resume for each application
This rule cannot be overemphasized as most recruiters can spot a generic resume from a mile away. A customized resume shows that you took time to read the job listing and that you pay attention to details.
Do highlight your most impressive achievements first
Rather than list your achievements in the order which they happened, reference your impressive achievements in a ‘Highlight’ section as this will help catch the eye of the hiring manager and make a strong impression. It will help the hiring manager see straight away that you’re the right choice. Be sure, however, that all the achievement you list are related to the new job.
Do optimize for applicant tracking systems
Most recruiters have applicant tracking systems to help them deal with an overwhelming number of applications. It weeds out unqualified candidates based on the presence (or absence) of certain keywords. You can easily identify what keywords to use by taking a close look at the job listing and then weaving these into your resume or CV.
Do include soft skills
Apart from hard skills which are needed for the job, employers also look out for intangible assets in candidates. Some good examples of soft skills to include are teamwork, communication, multitasking, problem-solving, organizational skills, etc. Although it isn’t necessary to have a section dedicated to soft skills; it is a good idea to use these keywords in your resume to show that you possess them. Remember it is always good practice to show an example of each skill rather than to just list them off. Show the employer HOW you have demonstrated that skill in the past.
Don’t make your resume any more than two pages in length
Studies show that most recruiters spend less than 7 seconds perusing each resume which is why it is not a good idea to have a resume longer than two pages. If you have less than 5 years work experience it is likely that you only need a one-page resume. Always remember to be specific by including only critical details in your resume. The goal of your resume is to provide enough information to pique their curiosity and invite you to an interview. This is where you would dive into more detail of your accomplishments.
Don’t get too personal
There’s no need to include personal or confidential information in your resume such as social security number, marital status or religious affiliation. To protect your identify it is a good idea to avoid including this information. Many job seekers also make the mistake of including their birthday as well. This is often done in a job seekers personal email address. As a rule, this information if too personal and is best to be avoided. If you are unsure whether to included information or not - a good rule of thumb is to not insert anything you wouldn’t want published on the front page of a national newspaper.
Don’t use weak action verbs
How you use verbs can hold the attention of a recruiter. Rather than use weak verbs like led, managed, handled, helped and assisted, opt for strong verbs like spearheaded, charted, maximized, spiked, and so on. It is good practice to start each skill statement with an engaging, past tense verb.
Don’t experiment with a crazy format
Don’t waste your time with an overly complex resume format as this will distract the hiring manager. The best format to use is a basic format with a clean, easy-to-read layout. It is always best to grab the recruiter’s attention with your experience and not fonts, colors, or complex design schemes.
Conclusion
Hiring managers have to sift through hundreds or resume and cv’s for each job opening. For this reason, it is best to make their job easier by sticking to the dos and don’ts listed above which will help polish your resume and make it compelling.
If you are wanting help to design a professional resume – please have a look at our resume writing service options. We have a package for everyone!
Comments