Are you knocking on your dream employer’s door? Then, you need to know how to write an appealing resume. In general, there are a few golden rules always to follow:
- Use a concise, simple one-page design.
- List your experience in reverse-chronological order.
- Customize for each position
In this article, we will run you through the top 10 tips for good resume writing, so you can start implementing these strategies right away.
Always Use a CV Builder
It doesn’t matter how much you know about resumes. Why reinvent the wheel when someone else has done the work for you? We always recommend you use an online builder to establish your resume’s skeleton and framework. Nowadays, these free generators frequently update their template database, and they are compatible with most online hiring systems.
Keep it Concise
Hiring managers receive tons of applications every day. Keep your writing concise so they can skim through your application quickly. Use short paragraphs, line breaks and highlighted or bolded text to emphasize anything you want them to focus on.
Use a Reverse-Chronological Format
The reverse-chronological order is by far the most effective resume format. It allows you to prioritize relevancy and pictures you as someone dedicated to their career and able to hold long-term responsibility.
Utilize the Summary
The summary section is your mini cover letter. Put your strongest advantages and your career goals in this section to show a recruiter that you’re a good match for the job and the company.
Include at Least Three References
References make you more trustworthy. After all, nothing says more when other professionals are willing to endorse you. A recruiter’s favorite references are:
- your colleague
- team members you’ve managed
- your previous supervisor
Unless you’re a new grad, avoid using your instructors in school as references. Similarly, avoid asking your families and friends to vouch for your professionalism.
Keep Your Design Clean and Readable
As we mentioned earlier, hiring managers rarely read applications in detail. Therefore, you need to help them identify your most competitive traits. Choose a simple design where the core items stand out from the supportive texts. Avoid elements that will destress the eyes, like neon colors and tiny fonts.
List Both Hard and Soft Skills
Make sure you cover both hard and soft skills. Hard skills make you qualify on the technical aspect, but soft skills will prove that you can fit into the company’s culture.
Add Your Contact Info
Remember always to have your contact information on your resume! Most recruiters prefer to reach out without having to go back into the application system. You can also link your email address to make the process even easier.
Conclusion
Most of these best practices are automatically implemented when you use a CV builder. Chose the right design and format based on the amount of information you have, then copy each item into its place. You should always customize your resume based on the position and company you’re applying for. Try to find experiences, skills, and references that matter the most.
