Resume building can be challenging, no matter where you are in your career.
From entry-level job seekers to experienced professionals, everyone faces the challenge of creating a compelling resume. Whether you’re refining your resume for a job application or simply looking to refresh its format and design, understanding the nuances of resume writing can significantly impact your chances of success. In today’s digital age, crafting an ATS-friendly resume with the right resume format and design can make all the difference in catching the eye of recruiters and automated systems alike.
In this blog post, we’ll address these common challenges by highlighting the essential do’s and don’ts of resume writing. Our goal is to guide you in building a resume that not only shows your unique strengths but also grabs the attention of potential employers.
Don’t: Use the same generic resume for every job. Hiring managers can spot a one-size-fits-all resume from a mile away.
Do: Tailor your resume to each job application. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description.
Why? Tailoring your resume shows employers that you’ve taken the time to understand their needs.
How? When tailoring your resume, carefully review the job posting. Identify keywords and phrases that describe the desired qualifications and skills. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your resume, especially in the skills and experience sections. This not only helps your resume pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) but also shows the employer that you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Don’t: Overload your resume with irrelevant details such as age, marital status, photos and family situation, address, hobbies, personal interests, or unrelated job experiences.
Do: Keep your resume concise and to the point, and maximise the space to highlight why you are the right candidate for the role.
Why? Recruiters and hiring managers often have limited time to review resumes. It also wastes valuable space that could be used to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
How? Before adding any information to your resume, ask yourself if it directly contributes to demonstrating your qualifications for the job you’re applying for. Aim for a one-page resume for entry-level positions and two pages max for experienced professionals.
Don’t: Use buzzwords or verbs that could potentially be viewed as overused like “team player,” “detail-oriented,” or “results-driven” without backing them up with concrete examples.
Do: Use action verbs to describe your experiences. If you need more examples read the 10 words to avoid in your resume and what to use instead.
Why? Action verbs make your accomplishments more dynamic and engaging. Hiring managers seek evidence of your skills and accomplishments, not just generic responsabilities.
How? Start bullet points with strong verbs like “achieved,” “implemented,” “managed,” etc., to describe your experiences.
Examples:
❎Team player
✅Describe a project where you collaborated effectively with a diverse team to achieve a specific goal
❎Detail-oriented
✅ Give examples of how your attention to detail contributed to catching errors or improving processes
Don’t: List job duties without showing your accomplishments.
Do: Highlight your your accomplishments and quantifiable achievements. Use numbers and percentages to demonstrate your impact.
Why? Duties alone don’t differentiate you from other candidates; your achievements demonstrate your impact and contributions in previous roles. Employers want to see results
How? Use bullet points to describe specific accomplishments, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or completing projects ahead of schedule.
Example:
❎Managed a team of sales associates,” you could say
✅Led a team of 10 sales associates to exceed monthly sales targets by 20% consistently over a year.
Don’t: Overcomplicate your resume with fancy fonts, colors, or excessive design elements. It should be professional and easy to scan quickly.
Do: Keep your resume format clean, organised, and easy to read. Use bullet points, headings, and white space to improve readability.
Why? Flashy designs can distract from your content and may not be ATS-friendly. Your resume should be visually appealing and easy to navigate.
How?
Don’t: Stuff your resume with irrelevant or excessive keywords. ATS can detect keyword stuffing, which may harm your chances.
Do: Incorporate industry-specific keywords and phrases from the job description. This helps your resume get past ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter.
Why? Flashy designs can distract from your content and may not be ATS-friendly. Your resume should be visually appealing and easy to navigate.
How? Carefully review the job description and identify key skills, qualifications, and industry-specific terms mentioned. Integrate these keywords naturally throughout your resume, especially in the skills, experience, and summary sections. Avoid overloading your resume with keywords—focus on relevant terms that accurately reflect your qualifications and align with the job requirements.
Your resume is your personal marketing tool in the job search journey. By implementing these six easy resume writing changes, you can significantly increase your chances of standing out to potential employers. Remember, your resume should not only showcase your skills and experiences but also convey your enthusiasm and suitability for the role. With these tips, you’re one step closer to landing your next job opportunity.
Don’t you know where to start? Consider our professional resume building services. We specialise in creating resumes that not only pass through automated systems but also impress hiring managers. Whether you’re starting in your career or looking to make a career change, our experienced team is here to assist.