Guys before reading this, remember that we do not have any specific rules for writing a resume. You can unveil your creativity in writing your resume but, I hope these little things will help you out in writing a resume in a better way.
1. Streamline Your Resume Header
To avoid confusion and keep your resume header clean, include just one contact number – the one you’re most accessible and will frequently check the voicemail for – typically your mobile phone.
Get a new email address if you are currently using a unprofessional one. I’ve seen some downright offensive email addresses. Don’t turn people off before you give them the chance to consider you. And a silly, unprofessional email address may land your email message and resume in a spam filter. Set up a designated job hunting email account with an address using your first and last names.
2. Objective Statements Are So Yesterday
Don't use a time-worn objective statement at the top of your resume. Employers don’t care that you want a “growth position that will utilize your skills and experience in XYZ. They want to know what you’ll do for them. All of the content on your resume should be focused on your potential value to your target employers and the growth of the organisation.
3. Pack a Punch on the First Page
Brand your value "above the fold" and design the entire first page to stand on it’s own. Assume that readers will go no further than your first page, because that could easily be the case. Subsequent pages are there to provide supporting evidence, and include earlier relevant career highlights and education/professional development and achievements. An interest-grabbing first page will lead readers to move beyond it, to the following pages.
4. Tell the Truth!
Your resume must be 100% truthful. Stretching the truth or outright lies will catch up with you, and damage your credibility and their belief on you. Even a little white lie can result in your being suddenly out of the running, or subsequent immediate termination, if you’ve managed to squeak through and get hired.
5. Avoid Blah Resume-speak
Replace stale, overused phrases like “responsible for” with robust action verbs, like accelerated, pioneered, launched, advanced, optimized, etc.
Write your resume from your own voice. You’re not like everyone else try something different. Find the precise words that describe what makes you unique and valuable. Keep the content interesting and don’t fall back on dull phrases that don’t differentiate you, such as results-oriented, visionary leader, excellent communication skills, hard working, proven track record of success, etc.
6. Don't Include Irrelevant Information
These items should be left off your resume:
- Personal information – marital status, health etc.
- Hobbies – Which don't have any relation with the kind of profession you are entering into like watching movies, playing games on Facebook etc.
- Personal references
- Irrelevant certifications, awards, etc. i.e., do not include the certifications which do not add any value to you in getting placed in XYZ company.
7. Formatting Should Be Attractive and Easy To Read
Keep the formatting consistent and clean. Don’t use frilly fronts, or more than two different fonts, and don’t use underlining. This kind of formatting can be woozy to readers and turn them off.
Concise on-brand statements of value, surrounded by enough white space to make them pop, look best. If you’ve done your homework correctly, these statements will provide clear evidence of your success impacting bottom line, and position you as the best-fit candidate for the job. Use bullets or points for better impact.
Break up long chunks of information into no more than about 3-4 lines (max of 5 lines).
8. Your Resume Must Be Flawless
Grammatical errors and inconsistencies, typing errors, and misspellings are unacceptable as you being entering into a professional job, and they reflect badly on you. Don’t rely entirely on Spell Check. Print out the document and review it several times. Ask others to check it as well.
9. What About Resume Length?
Try to make your resume 1-2 pages and a maximum of 3 pages. Include only relevant information that is required in fetching you a good job. Do not include all your activities and personal information in the resume, that information you can share with the interviewer.
10. Don’t Worry About Having Too Much Information
You’ll be gathering a lot of information for your resume. Initially, don’t worry that you won’t be able to fit it all into 2 or 3 pages. Nothing will go to waste. Excess information can be used for collateral supporting documents and/or interviews, and the entire personal branding and resume development process serves as a terrific confidence-builder and energizer to prep you for your executive job search. The hard work you’ll be doing will set you up to succeed.
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