Having a great professional resume is perhaps one of the most important things you will need. It will either set you up for failure or success before even walking into an interview. The following points will help you to be the latter!
You Should:
1. Be Precise
Get to the point, make it simple, and don’t be long-winded.
2. Use Bullet Points When Practical
You should use bullet points when outlining previous job details and for other parts where you can be more concise.
3. Use a Resume Template
Give your resume a more professional look by using a modern template. The layout of the resume is often the first impression.
4. Tailor It
Make sure your resume reflects a response to the specific job listing you are answering.
5. Have a Clear Header
Recruiters and interviewers need to know your name, but more importantly, they need to know how to contact you. Make it easy for them.
6. Add a Cover Letter
In addition to tailoring the resume, adding a cover letter for that specific job will definitely help you stand out.
7. Describe Accomplishments Instead of Responsibilities
Responsibilities of past jobs were things you were supposed to do and can be found in any job description. Instead, say how you did them.
You Should NOT:
1. Be Too General
Being general will not help you stand out from the rest. It will only tell the employer that you are as the next man.
2. Have Inaccurate Information
False information in your resume can be a felony depending on what it is. Even if it’s a small lie, if you are caught you will be fired. It’s always better to be honest and real.
3. Spelling and Grammar Errors
These errors won’t get you anywhere except for the not interviewing pile. Edit carefully!
4. Use Fancy Fonts and Different Colors
You have to stand out but in a good way. Using crazy fonts and bright colors will get you noticed, but not in the way you want. Better stick to Times New Roman or Cambria.
5. Make It More Than One Page
Although every country is different, if you are writing in the US style, limit your resume to one page. A resume is to show what you have done, not to tell your life story.
6. Sound Too Generic
Using tons of keywords and phrases that everyone else does to make themselves sound more professional doesn’t describe who you really are and what you are capable of.
7. Include Irrelevant Information
The last thing the human resources department wants to know or cares about are things that have nothing to do with the job you are trying to get. Keep the extras to yourself or share them with your new colleagues after you have gotten the job.
Job searching and going through interviews is stressful and hard work. We wish you the best of luck on your journey to finding something you truly love. Using these do’s and don’ts will help to get you there, so don’t ignore them.
