Craft the Perfect Resume with these Expert Resume Tips.
An excellent resume has the power to open doors. A strong resume also creates this first impression on behalf of you.
A good resume is important because it serves as the first point of contact between a job seeker and a potential employer. Recruiters and hiring managers receive numerous resumes for a single position, and your resume is essentially a marketing tool that's job is to increase the likelihood of you being selected for an interview.
A well-crafted resume can differentiate strong candidates from others, making a positive first impression on the hiring manager. It should highlight the most relevant information and achievements that match the requirements of the job, demonstrate the candidate's potential value to the organisation, and show their professionalism, attention to detail, and communication skills.
Below are several tips on how to create a strong resume.
Keep your cover letter specific: Address the key selection criteria listed in the job advertisement or position description and explain how you meet them. In addition, include a brief statement about your motivation for applying to the role. Keep your cover letter and resume separate to maintain a clear and organised presentation of your application.
Keep your resume to 2 - 3 pages: Emphasise your current or most recent position on the first page, followed by your previous employment history and aim for a clear and concise presentation of your qualifications and experience. Avoid irrelevant information and jargon that may detract from your message.
Tailor your resume to the job: Each job posting will have specific requirements, and it's essential to tailor your resume to showcase your relevant skills and experiences for that particular job. Take the time to understand the job requirements and highlight your achievements that align with them.
Profile summary & objectives: Keep this section brief and focused on your unique value proposition and how you can contribute to the organisation's success. Highlight your key strengths and areas of expertise that align with the job requirements. Avoid lengthy descriptions of past positions or generic statements that may not differentiate you from other applicants.
Brief is best; while you may have aced making milkshakes at the cafe you worked for in high school, it's time to get rid of that clutter if it's not related to the role you want to pursue now. Give more space to detail about your current or recent jobs and less about the past. If it doesn't fit on one to two pages - it's not worth writing about! Make sure you include specific skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for.
Take a pass on unnecessary info: Avoid including personal information such as age, marital status, religion, or nationality. Focus on presenting your qualifications and experience that match the job requirements and maintain a professional tone throughout your application.
Make it clear and straightforward; Use simple and concise language in a modern, standard font that is easy to read. As everything in your resume is about your experiences, avoid writing in first or third person. For example, instead of writing "I managed a team of three", or "Sarah managed a team of three" rather write "responsible for managing a team of 3" in concise bullet points below headlines where necessary. Bullet points makes it easier for the reader to scan your resume quickly to identify your key skills and experience. Also use them to highlight your accomplishments.
Quantify your achievements: Use numbers, percentages, and statistics to quantify your key achievements in each role. For example, instead of saying you increased sales, state that you increased sales by 25% over a particular period.
Avoid using cluttered or complicated layouts: Ensure that your resume is well-organised and formatted consistently and avoid using unnecessary design elements that may detract from your message. Check for spelling and grammar errors and make sure your resume looks professional and polished.
Be professional and discreet: you may still be using the same email address that you set up when Hotmail came about in the 90's, but if it's anything that looks unprofessional, it might be worth your while setting up a new one for the purpose of your job applications.
Facts to remember when writing your resume:
A recruiter spends an average of 6 - 8 seconds reviewing a CV before they decide whether you are suitable for a vacancy or not
1 spelling or grammar mistake can result in not being considered for a role, due to poor attention to detail
76% of CV’s are ignored due to an unprofessional email address
43% of CV’s are discarded if they are written in the third person!
Keeping your resume simple and concise will increase your chances of progressing in the process
By implementing these tips, you can create a strong, tailored, and professional resume that showcases your skills, achievements, and potential value to the organisation.
