After seeing so many layoffs over the last year or so, I started offering free resume reviews to help those struggling to secure interviews. Since then, I’ve read countless of them, and the same issues keep coming up. The feedback I give is often the same, which inspired me to share these tips. Consider this your first stop before sending your resume out for review:
- Avoid Overused Clichés: Including phrases like “hardworking,” “passionate,” or “ambitious” can make you seem unoriginal. Instead of telling recruiters who you are, show them. Use concrete examples to show your strengths and character through your achievements.
- Write an Impactful Summary: Your resume needs to grab a recruiter’s attention within six seconds. The summary at the top should offer a clear snapshot of your value, not your life story. As someone with hiring experience, I can tell you that an uninspiring summary often meant the resume went straight into the bin.
- Showcase Measurable Achievements: Highlight your accomplishments in each role, focusing on measurable results. For example: “Implemented a new inventory management system that reduced stock discrepancies by 30% and saved the company ￡50,000 annually.” This not only shows your responsibilities but also demonstrates the tangible value you brought to the organisation.
- Customise Your Resume for Each Role: A generic resume won’t do you any favours. Tailor your skills, experiences, and achievements to the job description. I know this can feel tedious, especially when applying for dozens of jobs, but focusing on quality over quantity can make all the difference. Spending more time tailoring your resume for one application than sending out ten generic ones can lead to better results. This shows recruiters you’ve taken the time to understand the role and position yourself as the ideal candidate.
- Keep It Concise:?Aim for a 1–2 pages long resume with plenty of white space. A crowded, text-heavy document is overwhelming and likely to be overlooked. A clean, well-structured resume creates a positive first impression.
- Make It Easy to Read: Use bullet points and start each with a strong action verb. For example:
- “Led a cross-functional team to deliver a ￡1M software project three weeks ahead of schedule.”
This approach keeps your content clear and easy to follow, showcasing your ability to take initiative and deliver results.
By following these tips, you’ll create a resume highlighting your unique strengths and making a lasting impression on recruiters. Remember, a well-crafted resume isn’t just a formality; it’s your first step toward landing that dream job interview.
One of the biggest challenges I see many people face is identifying relevant achievements. Some people find it hard to see their accomplishments and believe they were just ‘part of the job.’ If you’d like some help, we can discuss your achievements during a coaching session and tailor them to the job you're aiming for. Alternatively, if you're happy with your resume but just need a fresh perspective, feel free to send me a Word copy for a free review.
