Resumes Dos and Don'ts
It's no secret that the art of resume writing has grown more complex over time. If you're applying to a traditional field, certain criteria must be met. If you're applying to a non-traditional role, your resume needs to stand out and showcase your creative persona.
Reading a resume and being able to consume all of the relevant information takes as much energy as writing a resume. Therefore, it’s important to keep your resume clear and concise with a layout that highlights the most important information. From entry level to C-Suite, here are some timeless resumes Dos and Don'ts that every candidate should consider.
Do:
Lead With a Professional Summary or Objective
An objective should read like a headline; one sentence that is specific to your needs as a reflection of the role that you’re applying for. You can alter this for each application but should stay consistent overall. This is your opportunity to let the recruiter or hiring manager know exactly what your expectations are in terms of responsibility, location, industry, and/or title.
Place an Emphasis on Job Tasks
Your resume should reflect the job’s responsibilities and required skillset throughout your previous roles. Your resume should outline how your previous roles have shaped you to be the ideal candidate for this position through direct experience, accolades, and transferable skills. You should use keywords from the job description and responsibilities within your work experience whenever possible.
Acknowledge Your Relevant Accomplishments
Day-to-day task descriptions from your previous roles should be supported by at least one relevant accomplishment for each job listed. Most roles require a combination of technical skills and soft skills. Your accomplishments related to the role you held can help the recipient of your resume identify some of your more qualitative skills.
Highlight Key Information
On average, a one-page resume with a well-written cover letter is enough space to highlight your most relevant information. Depending on the seniority of your role, it can be longer, but should not exceed 3 pages.
Breaking your resume down into sections prompts the reader to specific important pieces of information:
Always list your most recent experience first, and your oldest experience last.
Have Multiple Versions of Your Resume
In a world where everything is digital, recruiters and hiring managers often work with different types of software. Ensure that your resume is accessible in all of the following formats:
领英推荐
Don't:
Ignore Formatting
A poor first impression can get your resume thrown out without consideration for the position, so proper formatting is a must. Some of the top mistakes that we’ve seen (that you should be sure to avoid) are:
List Your Full Address
Including contact information and general location is important (Ex. City, State). You can choose to add your professional email and phone number, but never put your full address for personal security reasons.
Include Unrelated Skills
Unfortunately, your ability to balance 10 spinning plates at once is not a skill that should make it onto a resume (unless you are applying for a position in the entertainment industry). Your skills should be directly related to your previous roles and the skills required for the job you’re applying to.
Assume a One-Size-Fits-All Mentality
Don’t assume you can send the same resume to every job on your list. You should have small introductory elements tailored to each position, company, industry, level of seniority, etc… For example, it might be useful to update your objective, related skills, volunteer work, or certifications for higher-skilled positions or specialized industries.
Lie Or Exaggerate Your Skills or Qualifications
This one should go without saying, however, it is unfortunately one of the top reasons that we see candidates turned down for roles that they were a perfect fit for. If a company is serious about sending you an offer, they will do their homework. This includes reaching out to your references, doing their due diligence, and fact-checking your claims against public records.
If your recruiter or hiring manager finds out your resume contains dishonest information, it will break the bond of trust before you even have a change to establish it. Working with one of our recruiters includes resume guidance, interview prep, and training that teaches you how to navigate hard-to-answer questions, including when asked about your weaknesses or qualifications that you may lack.
?
Overall, remember that reading a resume takes as much effort as writing a resume. Be sure to keep your main points clear and concise with key information highlighted in focus areas to capture and retain your recruiter or hiring manager’s attention.