The Art of the Resume: Dos and Don’ts for Active Jobseekers
Recruiters are resume pros. We screen hundreds of resumes every week and can spot a well crafted, thoughtfully planned resume a mile away. Since your resume serves as your ticket for entry, it’s crucial to highlight your qualifications, in a concise and easy to read format. To help you navigate the world of resume writing effectively, follow these DOS and DON'TS. Take it from me, a well written resume can be your ticket to an interview and ultimately a new job.
The Dos of Resume Writing
Do Tailor Your Resume to the Job
This is worth the extra effort! Often I see resumes that have no connection to the job description. Tell the reader you are qualified by connecting your skills and accomplishments to the job you are applying to. Tip: read the job description!Do Use a Professional Format
Ensure your resume is well-organized. Use consistent formatting, headings, and bullet points to create a visually appealing document. Utilize a professional font, such as Arial or Calibri, and maintain a clean and balanced layout. Keep the format simple, fancy graphics, pictures and black backgrounds with white font do not display well.Do Highlight Achievements and Impact
Instead of solely listing job responsibilities, (i.e.: sold cell phones) emphasize your accomplishments (i.e.: exceeded sales quotas) and the impact you made. Quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or specific results whenever possible. This showcases your ability to deliver tangible results.Do Proofread and Edit
This should be a no brainer! Avoid spelling and grammatical errors by proofreading your resume thoroughly. Mistakes can suggest a lack of attention to detail. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review your resume for feedback and additional proofreading.
The Don’ts of Resume Writing
Don’t Use Unnecessary Jargon or Acronyms
Using excessive industry jargon or acronyms that those outside your industry aren't familiar with should be avoided. Remember that hiring managers and recruiters may come from various backgrounds, so make your resume accessible to a broader audience.Don’t Exaggerate or Lie
Honesty is crucial when writing your resume. Never embellish your qualifications or invent experiences. Employers value integrity and can easily verify the accuracy of your claims through references and background checks.Don’t Include Irrelevant Information
Focus on including relevant information that showcases your skills and experiences related to the job. Exclude unrelated hobbies, personal details like pictures or GPA’s (unless it’s over 3.8 and you’re a recent grad), or outdated experiences that do not add value to your application. For example, if you graduated from college, there’s no need to list your High School.Don’t Neglect the Power of Action Verbs
Start each bullet point in your work experience section with a past tense action verb to convey your responsibilities and achievements effectively. Words like "achieved," "developed," "led," or "implemented" add impact and demonstrate your proactive approach.Don’t Make Your Resume Too Long
A concise and targeted resume is more likely to grab attention. Stick to a maximum of two pages unless you have extensive experience or are applying for an academic or research position.
By following the dos and don'ts outlined above, you can create a compelling and effective resume that stands out from the competition. Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool, so invest time in tailoring it to each job, showcasing your achievements, and presenting yourself as the ideal candidate. Good luck in your job search!
Meet the Author
Jill Salmon
Talent Consultant, Talent Solutions
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