5 Tips on How To Write An Outstanding Resume

In this day and age, where people’s attention span is getting shorter every day, you really have to think of something unique to be outstanding.  Therefore, if you want to catch an employer or recruiter’s attention, you MUST write an impressive resume.

Work experience is one the few reasons why employers don’t hire applicants.

Surprisingly, according to my friend, who works in the HR department, a seasoned recruiter can make a decision within 10-25 seconds!

So, if you are looking for a career change or applying for a job, roll up your sleeves and start writing these great tips on how to write an impressive resume.

5. Format Your Resume Correctly

Back in the day, when I was still working in the recruitment department, I like simple resumes. They keep it sweet and simple. Adding too much information would defeat its purpose.

Follow these guidelines shared by Asme.org:

• Clean type, clear headings, and use logical format and wide margins.
• Apply the bold and italic typeface accordingly. Use it as a guide to a reader’s eye.
• Use bullet points to emphasize content.

4. Focus on Achievements NOT just Job descriptions

While recruiters acknowledge your job descriptions and work experiences, highlighting your achievements would be more appropriate.

Remember:

• Focus on what you did in the job.
• I suggest including two sentences to introduce your job description and then focus on showcasing your accomplishments.
• Lastly, be unique with your accomplishments by stating what strategies you’ve done to succeed in a certain project, etc.

3. Write a Genuine Career Summary (or Objective)

A compelling career summary is a reflection of who you are and what you can do for the company. Therefore, show some ingenuity and positivity. Remember, they only have 25 seconds or less to decide whether to call you or not, so make it count!

2. Social Media Presence

Social Media has made recruitment process easier and more relevant. According to Nancy Range Anderson of Blackbird Learning Associates, adding a link to your portfolio or website and/or social media presence such as LinkedIn can easily determine if you are fit for the job or not. Consequently, recruiters would have a feel of your previous clients, even if they were not familiar with the companies you have worked for.

1. Be Concise

As I have mentioned, 25 seconds is all a recruiter need to determine whether or not you are fit for the job. Hence, make your resume concise, structured, and specific.   An impressive resume should only be two pages. If you have too many achievements in your career life, I suggest putting it on LinkedIn and mentioning it in your resume – seeing tip no. 2.

Writing an impressive resume is absolutely hard. It takes time and perseverance to come up with one. Make sure to proofread your resume gazillion time before sending it to companies. When in doubt, seek your family and mentor’s advice on what to do. After all, your family and friends are the best critiques if you want some tough love!

Did I miss anything? Share your tips by commenting below.