In today’s job market a standout resume is key. Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers so make sure it shows off your skills, experiences and achievements. Here are some top tips to help you build a resume that grabs attention:
1. Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application
One of the best ways to make your resume stand out is to tailor it to the job you are applying for. This means adjusting your skills and experiences to match the job description. Highlight relevant achievements and qualifications to show why you are the best fit for the role.
Key Points:
- Use Keywords: Use keywords from the job posting to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
- Focus on Relevant Experience: Only include experience that is relevant to the job.
2. Keep it Simple and Short
Employers only spend a few seconds scanning each resume. So keep it simple and short. One page if you have less than 10 years experience. Use bullet points to present information in bite size chunks.
Clarity Tips:
- Limit Bullet Points: Keep each section to 5-7 bullet points to not overwhelm the reader.
- Use Simple Language: Don’t use jargon or complex terms that will confuse the reader.
3. Achievements Not Responsibilities
Instead of listing job responsibilities, focus on what you achieved in each role. Use numbers to show your impact. For example instead of “managed a team” you could say “led a team of 10, increased productivity by 20%.
Examples:
- Sales: “Increased sales by 30% in 1 year.”
- Project Management: “Saved company $50,000 on a project.”
4. Professional Format
The format of your resume matters. Use a clean professional layout with clear headings and consistent font styles. Make sure your contact info is at the top of the resume.
Formatting:
- Standard Font: Use Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman.
- Headings and Subheadings: Label sections like “Experience”, “Education” and “Skills”
5. Proof and Edit
A resume with typos or grammatical errors will make a bad impression on employers. Always proofread your resume multiple times and have someone else review it too.
Final Checks:
- Read Aloud: This will help you catch awkward phrasing or errors.
- Use Tools: Consider using grammar-checking tools to catch mistakes.
6. Include Relevant Skills
Make sure to include a skills section that lists both hard and soft skills relevant to the job. Hard skills are technical skills and soft skills are teamwork, communication and problem solving.
Skills:
- Technical Skills: Software, programming languages, tools.
- Interpersonal Skills: Communication, teamwork, adaptability.
7. Save and Send Your Resume
When you’re ready to submit your resume, save it in a standard format like PDF or Word. Name the file clearly, with your name and the job title (e.g. “Jane_Smith_Marketing_Resume.pdf”).
Submission:
- Follow Instructions: Always follow the application instructions for file format and naming conventions.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure your resume can be opened on different devices.
Done
A great resume takes time and effort. Tailor your resume for each application, keep it simple and concise, achievements not responsibilities and professional format. Proof and submit correctly to get that interview.
