In today’s competitive employment market, an amazing resume is required to stand out and land that dream job. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to change jobs or a rookie just entering the industry, these suggestions will help you create a resume that will catch the attention of employers.
Put the best, most relevant information first
Make a strong summary statement at the top of your resume that summarizes your main skills and career goals. This should be a brief paragraph—no more than a few sentences—that provides a quick overview of your qualifications to potential employers. Make sure it relates to the position you are looking for so that you can highlight your relevance right away.
Tailor Your Resume for Each Application
It’s crucial to customize your resume for each job application. Study the job description carefully and amend your resume to mirror the language and specific requirements mentioned. Highlight the skills and experiences that directly match the job criteria. This not only demonstrates your genuine interest in the role but also makes it easier for hiring managers to see the connection between your background and the position.
Quantify Achievements
Whenever possible, use numbers and metrics to illustrate your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying you “managed a team,” specify that you “led a team of 10 employees to achieve a 20% increase in sales over six months.” Quantifying your achievements provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and effectiveness in previous roles.
Keep It Concise and Relevant
Keep your resume brief and precise so that you receive the respect that they deserve. It is recommended ideally to limit your resume to 1-3 pages for a position in a specific job field.
Eliminate all irrelevant information that does not affect your chances of gaining this job. It is highly recommended to include your past positions but exclude irrelevant details for this post.
Stand out with ATS-friendly design elements
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they even reach a human recruiter. To ensure your resume passes these systems, use a clean, simple design without complex graphics or unusual fonts. Stick to standard sections like Contact Information, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
Write strong, achievement-focused bullet points
The bullets in each position are one of the key parts of your resume. It tells whoever reads it what skill you have, how you use it, and how you have worked for an employer. Tell them how you helped your employer e.g. “I incorporated an update in the Employee Database that ensured smooth operations and a 35% increase in efficiency.”
Use important keywords from the job description
Take a look at the job descriptions. Find out which words are used most of the time and ensure you include these words. The self-check helps you target your resume towards a specific job but is also helpful when searching in ATS. Find keywords on the Resumes that will help you pass through to the recruiter and be accepted by the ATS.
And proofread, proofread, proofread!
You may have heard it before, but it is worth repeating: proofread your resume. And don’t forget to proofread everything. Grammar and spelling mistakes can significantly hurt your chances of being hired. Spend some time going over your resume several times to check for errors or typos. Another option is to have a friend or family member proofread it; they could see mistakes that you missed.
