There are different resume styles but all styles should reflect your relevant skills, your education, and experience. Your resume should have multiple versions that are tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Below are our top tips for writing a winning resume.
1. Review Resume Examples For Your Industry
You might need to research and study the different examples of your industry’s resumes in order to get inspiration. On the samples, there are three things you are likely to notice;
- Easy to read resumes: You will note the resumes are simple and easy to read. Employers have little amount of time to go through resumes and so, it should be easy to read.
- Make it brief: Every section of the resume, including the experience and summary descriptions. Don’t leave out any key information that will help the employer understand more about you.
- Include numbers: Metrics are often used in the experience section. They help indicate a measurable proven value. Employers are able to understand the value you may bring to the position by checking the numbers.
Do not copy and paste the samples exactly but just use them as examples for high-quality resumes.
2. Use a Clear and Professional Font
Your resume should be clear and therefore you should use a clear font style for example Times New Roman or Arial. Your font size should also be readable, between sizes 10 and 12. A clear and readable font will help your resume look professional.
Reduce the blank spaces because they make the resume look sparse, causing distractions. Reducing the blank spaces on your resume makes it simpler for the interviewer to focus on the content of the resume rather than focusing on the white spaces. The blank spaces can be reduced by either increasing the font size to around 12 or adding an additional section for example “Awards and achievements.”
3. Avoid the Irrelevant Information
It is important to keep the resume as brief as possible without leaving any key information. The recruiters don’t have a lot of time to spend reading the resume. Try to omit old and irrelevant information. You should include only the skills, experience, and achievements that are relevant to the employer. The most relevant things can be found in the job description.
4. Use of Active Language
The use of active language means, the use of words such as “completed”, “achieved”, and “earned”. You should write your resume using active language and it should not be too long or difficult to read.
You could select the top four most relevant achievements in each role instead of listing all your job duties under the experience section. Include numbers as a measure of success for that particular achievement.
5. Proofread and Edit
It is always important to proofread your resume before sending it. This is to ensure that there are no spelling mistakes or grammar errors. There are several online proofreading tools you can use or you can ask an educated friend, relative, or colleague to help you proofread the work. It is important for a third party to review your resume as a recruiter and find ways to improve it.
