A resume is the key to getting a job interview. But it’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. A well-presented, well-written resume will entice the employer to invite you in for an interview. Here’s some examples of what your resume should contain for you to get notice. Use these as a reference point when writing your own resume and focus on presenting your skills and experience in an organized and concise way.
Make The Layout Simple
The best resumes are easy to read. Whether you’re emailing it, uploading it online, or handing it over in person, your resume should be formatted so that a recruiter can quickly scan the page and glean your experience, education, and accomplishments. Make sure your layout is simple and clear at a glance–avoid distracting colors, text boxes, and graphics that may lessen its impact.
Use Strong Action Words
Action words are verbs that describe what you did. When writing your resume, make sure to use strong action words. These words will show the hiring manager or recruiter what you accomplished in your past positions.
For example, if you were a management consultant and helped increase productivity by 10%, then you would write this as “Increased productivity by 10%” under your previous experience section. This powerful sentence tells the reader that they can expect success from this worker.
Be Specific About Your Experience
When crafting your resume, it’s important to be specific about your experience. Focus on the skills and qualifications that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. Don’t overwhelm your resume with irrelevant information. When you show an employer that you’re a qualified candidate, they will be more likely to select you for a face-to-face interview. If you’re still unsure you can check out some resume examples as a guide.
Include A Professional Email Address
The first thing potential employers see in your resume is your email address. It’s important to put your full name and professional email address. This will make it much easier for the reader to contact you about your application. If you use Gmail, make sure that your email address ends with “@gmail.com.”
Keep It Short And Sweet
Your resume should be no longer than one page and include an introduction, your work experience, and a list of your skills. This will help employers quickly assess whether you are a fit for the position they have open. You should also avoid using jargon and abbreviations in your resume to ensure that it is readable.
Less Is More
Resume templates might seem like a helpful way to get your resume up and running in minutes, but they’re often less effective than starting from scratch. Putting too much information on your resume can be overwhelming to the reader, which is the last thing you want when it comes to securing an interview.
You don’t need to list every extracurricular or volunteer experience you’ve had or every skill you possess. If you do have a few skills that are relevant to the position you applied for, make sure they are highlighted at the top of your resume and simple enough for the employer to understand quickly.