Julien Doherty-Bigara • 2023-07-27
Follow these top tips to create a powerful and effective resume that will make you stand out from the competition.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Job: Avoid sending out a generic resume for every application. Instead, customize your resume to match the specific job requirements. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job description. Tailoring your resume shows employers that you've done your research and are genuinely interested in the position.
Keep it Clear and Concise: Recruiters and hiring managers receive countless resumes, so they prefer clear and concise ones. Use bullet points to present your accomplishments and skills in an easy-to-read format. Avoid long paragraphs and unnecessary details. Remember, your resume should be a snapshot of your qualifications, not your life story.
Showcase Your Achievements: Rather than merely listing your job responsibilities, focus on your achievements and contributions. Quantify your accomplishments with specific numbers and metrics when possible. This will demonstrate your impact and provide tangible evidence of your capabilities.
Use an ATS-Friendly Format: Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To ensure your resume gets through the initial screening, use an ATS-friendly format. Stick to standard fonts, avoid elaborate designs, and save your resume in a compatible file format (e.g., PDF or Word).
Include Relevant Keywords: Scan the job posting for keywords and phrases related to the desired skills and qualifications. Incorporate these keywords into your resume, especially in the skills and work experience sections. Keywords can help your resume rank higher in ATS searches and catch the attention of recruiters.
Highlight Soft and Technical Skills: In addition to technical skills, emphasize your soft skills. Employers value attributes like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Soft skills complement technical expertise and showcase your ability to work well with others.
Mind the Length: As a general rule, keep your resume to one or two pages. Focus on the most recent and relevant experiences. If you have an extensive work history, you can summarize older roles or remove them altogether to maintain brevity.
Include a Professional Summary/Objective: Start your resume with a brief professional summary or objective statement. This section should highlight your key qualifications and career goals. A well-crafted summary can pique the employer's interest and encourage them to read further.
Proofread Thoroughly: Spelling and grammar errors can create a negative impression. Proofread your resume meticulously and ask a friend or family member to review it as well. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might have overlooked.
Update Your Contact Information: Ensure your contact information is up-to-date and prominently displayed. Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL (if applicable). Double-check that the information is accurate before sending out your resume.
Remember, your resume is a dynamic document that should evolve as your career progresses. Regularly update it with new skills, accomplishments, and experiences. With a well-crafted resume in hand, you'll be well on your way to landing the job you've always wanted. Good luck!