TAILOR YOUR RESUME - KEPPING IT SHORT & SIMPLE

As workplaces become more innovative and skill set requirements change swiftly, job seekers need to upgrade their skills, and more importantly present themselves accordingly.

A resume is any job seeker’s first impression, and this too needs to be changed – rather revamped timely –when applying for a job.

With the workplace strategies evolving, it’s important to refurbish our resumes also. Knowing what to include in your resume is just as important, as it is to know what to exclude. Hiring managers and recruiters don’t have time to read through every resume minutely.  

The word “Resume” or “Curriculum Vitae” or “CV” at the top of the resume 

When you are applying for a job it goes without saying that you are including your resume. So do you really have to spell it out for them? Including this in heading adds no value to your application. So, first thing first, delete the heading which reads “Resume” and replace it with your name. 

Secondly set your font size to 10-12 points.

Objective statements 

Give your selections simple subject headings. It will help proper tracking. Your resume does NOT require to have a generic objective statement or a rambling quote on top of it? While you think that it will add depth to your resume, the reality is that the recruiters are very well aware that your resume is written to target their jobs and that you have the skills and experience for that particular role. Stand out of the crowd by replacing the objective statement with a qualifications-based statement or introduction that highlights to the reader what you have to offer to their organisation. 

Read the job description and then read it again. 

Reading the job description may sound like one of the most obvious resume-building tips that I promote every time to job seekers and its importance in nailing the job. 

Of course, you’ve read the job description. Right? 

In fact, most people spend an average of less than a minute to read a job description. And that’s why hiring managers find that 50% or more of applicants do not fit in the requirements for the job. 

You’ve got to make sure you have the skills necessary for the job in the first place.

Read the job description. Make sure you’re qualified. Read it again. Mine it for keywords. Put it through a cloud generator. Your resume needs to target the skills required for the job and not the skills you feel you posess.

Its your that is your best friend when it comes to building a great resume. 

Hobbies 

mmmm.... ?? A big no to this one! Don’t mention your interest and hobbies if it has no relevance to your applied job. Space on a resume is at premium, so save the space for pertinent information and use it wisely. 

Work gaps 

A gap in work history creates a negative reflection about your work – at least in Asia & Middle East. While there may be valid reasons for the gap, the tendency is to think otherwise. A shorter work gap can always be discussed during the course of face-to-face interview. It’s always safe, to be honest during a one-on-one conversation. 

Avoid mentioning Every job you have ever had 

The past experiences of your career can be collated with one line per job showing employer name, job title and dates. Try not to display every job you have ever you have done. There are chances that the last five work experiences may only be considered while shortlisting your resume. Remember, not the quantity but the quality of work done is all that matters. 

Consider choosing to place your Education Qualifications first.

Salary expectations 

A pre-hand salary demand or expectation on the resume can be seen as too pesky by the employer and could be rejected on that basis. Some things can always be done off the record with smart communication. 

Too much contact information 

You need not display a lot of personal information. The recruiter has nothing to do with your marital status, number of kids, religion, race, country of birth, passport details etc. Your name, email address, contact number and address is all you need to share initially. For a better understanding of your professional profile, you can share the LinkedIn profile link OR better create a professional e-mail address. 

References 

No need to write the phrase "References Available Upon Request" 

It is no longer necessary to place this phrase at the bottom of your resume, as hiring managers know that they can request your list of references.

It’s important to have references from your previous job and these are checked only after you have been shortlisted for an interview. The business references do not belong on the resume unless specifically asked by the employer.

Adding it only takes up valuable space that you could use for something else.

Finally a Few Good Winning Tips :

• Update your contact information.
• Use Reverse chronological order.
• Align your content to the left.
• Make strategic use of bold, caps or italics.
• Choose a readable font. Avoid fancy or hard to read fonts.
• Try to include URLs. personal websites, and or any other social media profiles.
• Use a well formated professionally designed template.
• Make sure of the margins.
• Keep a good balance of text and blank space.
• Naming your file properly is very important, Avoid being funny.
• Keep the resume not more than two pages.
• Delete the fluff in your experience section. Avoid redundancy.
• Write in presnet form using action verbs where ever possible.
• Do away with jargon and abbreviations.
• Add achievements and promotions, awards of your work to your experience.
• Mention your career progression with professional titles without being flashy.
• Add numbers and details only where possible. Do not provide your past employers sales or profit margins in th eresume. This can be discussed one on one if asked for.
• Use proof reading and spell checks. Have a friend read your resume to avoid any mistakes or repetitions.
• Match your cover letter to your resume.
• Clean up your online presence.
• Trim any unnecessary words or sentences from your resume.
• Do not input false information in your resume.
• Avoid using fancy or color papers.
• Follow up always with a thank you email.

I hope the above tips help you write a great winning resume and wish you Good Luck in finding your dream job .

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