Dos
1. Tailor Your Resume According To The Employer
In recent times, more recruiters have emphasised the fact that “one-size-fits-all” resumes are no longer effective. Employers are looking for candidates who fit exactly what they are looking for. It may sound tempting to list all your achievements but as long as they have nothing to do with the role in question, it’s a waste of time.
2. Make It Easy To Read With A Clean Format
Focus on making your resume easy to read for the employer. When you do this, you capture the reader’s attention and encourage them to keep reading. Use a modern font, subtle design elements, bullet points, and organise all sections neatly with relevant information.
3. Quantify Your Achievements
The common saying goes “Numbers speak louder than words.” Employers look out for candidates who can prove that they can deliver tangible outcomes. They want examples that show that you have experience in performing the tasks required. This is why it’s important to quantify your accomplishments with specific metrics or percentages.
4. Highlight Your Skills
Lead with your strengths. Create a dedicated skills section prominently positioned at the top of your resume. List both technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job. This showcases your ability to thrive in various environments.
Don’ts
1. Don’t Make It Wordy
In resume writing, less is more. Focus on including only the most relevant information. Exclude outdated skills, irrelevant work experiences, and personal details that don’t add value to your candidacy for the role in question. Doing this demonstrates that you understand what the employer is looking for.
2. Forget To Proofread
Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors can make employers doubt your eligibility for a role. This is why you must proofread to make sure every word and sentence presents your candidacy in the best light possible.
3. Don’t Overload Keywords
You have to communicate your skills and experiences in a concise and impactful manner. Even though some recruiters use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to review resumes, stuffing your CV with keywords does more harm than good.
4. Don’t lie or exaggerate
Honesty is the best policy when it comes to resume writing. Resist the temptation to embellish your accomplishments or qualifications. It may be tempting to do this to present yourself as the greatest candidate. However, this can damage your reputation and jeopardise your chances of landing the job.
Works Cited
David, Ian. “Mastering the Art of Resume Writing: Dos and Don’ts for 2024.” Jobillico, 4 March 2024, https://www.jobillico.com/blog/en/mastering-the-art-of-resume-writing-dos-and-donts-for-2024/. Accessed 30 April 2024.
Forbes. Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/chriswestfall/2024/01/23/top-5-resume-trends-for-2024-with-ai-prompts-to-reshape-your-cv/?sh=4e36ec4867bb. Accessed 30 April 2024.
NICMAR University. “Resume Writing: The Do’s and Don’ts of Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Resume.” NICMAR, https://www.nicmar.ac.in/news/article/resume-writing-dos-and-donts. Accessed 30 April 2024.