Creating a good resume is not as easy as it seems.
While you cannot do much about your education or experience, there are lots of different things when it comes to resume form helping you increase your chances of succeeding. Today, lots of companies are even using automated software that helps them sift through numerous CVs that they’re receiving. As a result, your file might not even be read by a person.
Although there are lots of companies offering resume writing services, you might try and create an amazing CV yourself. Here are some tips that will help you accomplish just that.
- Get a proper template
The resume template is the first hurdle in the process. Depending on where you’re living, there will be certain formats that are more desirable than the others. If you’re proficient enough and have good design skills, you might even create a template yourself. If you’re not, there are lots of great free resume templates out there.
2. Make sure to prioritize
People who have worked within a particular industry for years usually have lots of accolades under their belt. But that doesn’t mean you should include all of them. Recruiters will often check a resume for 5 to 10 seconds before deciding whether to use it or toss it away. Make sure to prioritize when it comes to information and omit data that will not help you get a job. Otherwise, you’re risking of diluting important information.
3. Don’t get too personal
While it’s good to mention your hobbies, you should give too much personal data about yourself. Good examples would be marital status, army status, number of children, religion and so on. These things, in particular, are really tricky as it can work against you. Most employers are looking for people free of any obligation, ready to invest themselves 100% in a company.
4. Font is crucial
In terms of font, make sure to use one that is completely bland and uninteresting. You should get cute with it as font should help, not distract the reader. Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri font will usually do the trick.
5. Adapt your CV according to a job
As already mentioned, you shouldn’t add every possible information to your resume. There are certain things that should be omitted. Basically, your resume needs to be tailor-made for a position and company you’re applying for. Add information that will be interesting to a reader while avoiding those that are unimportant.
6. Use numbers whenever you can
While using words instead of numbers may seem more grammatically correct, numbers are much more readable. Furthermore, they avert attention to certain information and points in your resume. So, whenever you can, use them. You can also rely on bullet points as a way of formatting your curriculum.
7. Check other resumes on the internet
If you’re not certain what to do, the best approach is checking successful resumes that landed jobs for other people. Focus on individuals working in your industry and if possible, those who have gotten a job in the company you’re applying for.
8. Don’t lie
Providing false information is a common downfall for candidates. Make sure to be authentic and credible. Nowadays, most data can easily be checked with a click of a button so this approach doesn’t really serve any purpose. Furthermore, you shouldn’t perform a job you’re not qualified for.
9. Rely on recommendations
Recommendations are perhaps the most important section of a resume. Most employers are timid when it comes to including a new team member. They are looking for guarantees that will confirm their choice is the right one. The best way to assure them of your professional qualities is via good recommendation given by your previous employers or professor.
10. Think about resume software
As initially mentioned, most big companies nowadays use software that helps them with resumes. They usually focus on particular keywords. So, if you don’t have these phrases in your CV, you will instantly get downgraded and removed from the list. Of course, the required phrases depend on the industry. So for example, if you’re a banker, it’s expected that your resume has phrases such as
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