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Writing a resume can be a daunting task. Whether you’re trying to land your dream job or just get your foot in the door, a well-crafted resume can make a world of difference. So, if you’re looking to make your resume stand out from the competition, here are some tips for writing a better resume.
But first, some statistics to put things into perspective:
- Ideal resume length: 475 to 600 words
- Recruiters’s preference: 2-page resume
- 51% of resumes contain fluffy buzzwords
Now that you have these relevant statistics in mind, let’s dive in:
Crafting an Outstanding Resume
The key to crafting an outstanding resume is to make sure that it is clear, concise and professional. You should start by writing a clear summary of your skills and experience, highlighting the key things you can bring to the job. Make sure to include the most relevant information and avoid using jargon or too much detail.
Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities.
List any qualifications you have and make sure to include any relevant keywords that employers may be looking for.
Finally, check for mistakes and ensure that your resume is easy to read. You may use a tool like Grammarly for that. Taking the time to get your resume right can make a huge difference in getting noticed by employers.
Prioritizing Your Most Impressive Qualifications
If you’re looking to maximize the impact of your resume, it’s important to prioritize the content you include. Keep in mind that the average recruiter won’t spend an hour reviewing your resume, so it’s important to focus on relevant information that will help the recruiter understand why you’re the ideal candidate for the job.
On average, recruiters spend 6 seconds to review a resume
Highlight your most impressive qualifications, such as educational background, skills, and accomplishments. You may also make it clear when you’ve gone the extra length of working while studying, as it shows your ability to manage priorities and your self reliance.
Include only the most important and relevant details about your experience, as this will help you stand out from the competition. However, if you’ve decided to take a career break, you definitely need to highlight what you got out of it, so that your potential recruiter doesn’t think you took a full year of vacation (unless that was your plan!).
Furthermore, make sure the content is concise and easy to read. Don’t be afraid to use bullets, bolded text, and headings to make your resume easier to scan.
Formatting and Design to Make it Look Stunning
When it comes to formatting and design, the key is to make sure your resume is easy to read and looks professional. Choose a simple font, like Arial or Times New Roman, and use it consistently throughout the document. Break up your resume into sections, such as Education, Work Experience, and Skills, to help recruiters and hiring managers quickly find the information they need. If you are applying for a C-suite role but don’t have an MBA, you may start by highlighting the Work Experience you have that make up for it.
As the statistics show, recruiters prefer 2-page resume, but if you have just a few years of experience, a 1-page resume may be enough. You don’t want to fill your resume with useless infos.
Finally, make sure your resume is up-to-date and error-free by checking it for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Tailoring your Resume for the Role
Writing a tailored resume for each role you apply for is important. You want to show potential employers that you have the right skills and experience for the job, and you shouldn’t expect to wait for the job interview to show it.
For example, if you are a nurse, you should mention whether you’ve done Patient Care, Maternity or Infant Care. If you are trying to find a job as a teacher, you’ll have to emphasize your mentoring skills as well as your ability to stay patient. You’ll also need to mention how many weekly lesson plans you developed and how many students you instructed.
To tailor your resume, start by reading the job description and making a list of key skills and requirements. Then, look through your resume and identify how your experience and skills match up. Highlight specific tasks or accomplishments that show you have the qualifications for that job.
Finally, revise your resume to make sure it’s easy to read and highlights your best qualifications for the role. Doing this for each role you apply for will help ensure you’re putting your best foot forward and increasing your chances of getting the job.
Showcasing Achievements & Certifications
Including your achievements in your resume is a great way to show potential employers what you’ve accomplished. Make sure you highlight your accomplishments in a way that is relevant to the job or industry you’re applying for. You should also include any awards or recognition you received for your accomplishments. To go back to our example for a Teacher resume, and let’s say you’re based in California, you definitely want to mention the certifications you’ve received such as the California Educator Credentialing Examinations (CBEST) and the California Subject Matter Exam (CSET).
Additionally, if you had any leadership or project management roles, include those too. Finally, if you had any impact or results from your work, include those numbers as well. This will give employers a good idea of the value you can bring to their organization.
If you have none of these, you may also include some references from your former employers.
Proofreading and Editing
Proofreading and editing your resume is essential to make sure it is as professional and error-free as possible. Read through your resume several times, both out loud and silently, to ensure you haven’t missed any typos or errors. You can also ask a family member or friend to review your resume with a fresh eye. They may spot any mistakes you have overlooked and offer constructive feedback.
Make sure to update the resume with any changes before sending it to potential employers.
