Resume writing is one of the key elements of making your job search successful. The information you include can make or break your chances of capturing hiring managers' attention. Give your resume a boost with these tips to ensure you're including the experience and skills that are most relevant to the position while displaying your professionalism.
Pay Close Attention to Format
Avoid letting the format take away from your resume writing skills when submitting application materials. Focus on readability by choosing a font that is professional and legible, such as Times New Roman, and pay close attention to consistency with the design of the document. Format your headings consistently and use graphics and images sparingly to keep the focus on the bullet points, skills and experience you have listed. Avoid using decorative fonts or bright colors that can distract the hiring manager from your list of qualifications.
Provide a Uniform Structure
Resume writing can be tricky when you have a vast amount of experience. Instead of listing every single job duty, highlight the most important and relevant experience first. Scour through the job description during your job search and highlight desired and required qualifications you possess so you can make these elements primary during your resume writing session. Maintain a clear and concise order of information so that your most impressive skills are not buried in the fifth or sixth bullet.
Utilize Industry Keywords
Your resume writing should focus on creating a document that is easy for hiring managers to scan. Include keywords from the job description or those that are used commonly in your field so that potential employers can identify your strengths with ease. Compare your skills and qualifications to the experience that the company is seeking, and use some of the same phrases or keywords listed in the job description to capture attention right away.
Provide Evidence of Your Skills
Your resume should offer a snapshot of how you have succeeded in previous positions. Back up your claims and prove that you are a valuable candidate by including numbers and figures that can be verified. For example, instead of noting that you exceeded sales goals, provide hard evidence of this accomplishment by detailing the amount of revenue in client sales you secured for firms you have worked for in the past. Outline the number of clients you serviced and provide production rates to show your successes on the job.
Show your professionalism by concentrating on producing a clean and well-edited finished product. Resume writing involves offering a snapshot of your skills and experience, but your tone and credibility are on the line. Read your resume aloud, ask for input from mentors and polish off this piece to put your professional skills on display.
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