“First impression is the best impression”
Resumes are used to make a favorable impression on a prospective employer. For this reason, it is often referred to as one of the most crucial steps taken during a job search. It gives all the important information about you. According to me, a resume has to be like a platter full of yummy dishes, as per the requirement of the customer ( in this case employer).
Employers use resumes throughout the hiring process to learn more about applicants and whether they might be a good fit. Your resume should be easy to read, summarize your accomplishments and skills and highlight relevant experience.You might consider having multiple versions of your resume tailored to the jobs you’re applying for. Here are a few key resume writing tips that will help you organize and design your resume.
1. Be Honest
According to me, this is the most important tip in writing a good resume,hence putting this at number 1. If there are any gap years in your education or career,don’t hesitate to mention it. Just be prepared and be confident to answer about it when asked. So, be honest as this will highlight the greatest big quality of you.
2. Look for keywords in the job postings
As you apply for different jobs, you should study each job description for keywords that show what the employer is looking for in an ideal candidate. Include those keywords in your resume where relevant.
For example, if you’re applying for a job as a HR-Recruiter, an employer might list keywords such as “hiring ”, “screening ,” “cold calling,” or “ITES recruitment” in the job description. Pay particular attention to anything listed in the sections labeled “Requirements” or “Qualifications” or “Desired candidate profile”. If you have the skills that employers are looking for, you can add these same terms to your resume in the experience or skills sections.
3. Review resume examples for your industry
When crafting your resume, you might study examples of resumes from your industry for inspiration and best practices. While there are many ways you can use resume samples, there are three main takeaways you should look for:
Make it simple and easy to read. When formatting your resume, use a basic font that is easy to read, both for hiring managers and for applicant management systems. Google also favors the simple over the complex. Many fonts make your resume clear and easy to read while retaining your individual style.
- Make it brief. You’ll notice that each section of the resume sample is short and to-the-point, including the summary and experience descriptions. Including only the most key and relevant information means employers are able to consume more information about you, and more quickly understand your fitness for the role.
- Include numbers. Employers are highly responsive to measurable proven value. Numbers allow them to better understand the value you may bring to the position.
When using resume samples, you should keep in mind that these are not meant to be copied exactly.
4. Put the Most Important and Relevant Accomplishments First
Research has shown that hiring managers tend to spend only 6 seconds per resume. If your resume includes old or irrelevant information, such as jobs held over 10 years ago or minor degrees and achievements, it may distract from key information.
Try to include only work experience, achievements, education and skills most relevant to the employer. Try and opt for the reverse-chronological format. Prioritize the content of your resume so that your most important and relevant experiences are listed first.
5. Use active language
Your resume should be written using active language without extraneous words. This means using power words, such as “achieved”, “earned”, “completed” or “accomplished”. If your resume is too long , you might consider making sentences shorter or ideas more concise.
For example, you may have a job description that reads:
“During my time at Infosys, I ran multiple team-based projects and helped each team member with various tasks associated with each project.”
This example could be shortened and strengthened in the following way:
“Led multiple team-based projects and effectively coordinated group tasks.”
6. Only include subheadings and sections you need
For example, you may need a resume summary or a resume objective, but you should not include both. You may also find it useful to combine sections if you are having trouble filling a section with more than two bullet points.
7. Proofread and edit
Before sending your resume, you should undergo several rounds of proofreading to ensure there are no spelling or grammar errors. While there are several proofreading programs and tools you can use, it is also helpful to ask trusted friends or colleagues to review your resume and make changes.
8. Use your hobbies to show your personality
“People make hiring decisions based 60% on skills and talents and 40% on likability. They want to know that they’re going to get along with you and that you’re going to get along with others.”
Candidates commonly have a section on the bottom of their resume to describe what they like to do in their free time. Instead of using that space to just list some of your part-time hobbies, use it to show more about who you are rather than what you do.
If you volunteer or have another important part of your life, describe it and say why you’re motivated to spend your time on that activity. This will give a better picture of you as an employee by describing your personality.
9. Include Contact Information
Include all your contact information so that employers can easily get in touch with you. Give your full name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address. If you have a Linked In profile or professional website, include those links as well.
10. Send Resumes Properly and With the Correct Attachments
When sending an email resume, follow the employer’s instructions on how to submit your CV. The employer may want your resume attached to the email message and sent in a specific format, typically as a Word document or a PDF. Always follow what the employer specifies.
I hope above resume writing tips are helpful to you ladies!
About the author:
Vasudha has a post graduate degree in management and has three plus years of experience in the field of Human Resources. She has been a part time Yoga instructor. She is currently employed as a home maker and enjoys to spend quality time with her kids. She likes to explore new areas of learning.
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