Writing a good Resume can be one of the toughest challenges of job hunting. Most employers spend just a few seconds scanning each Resume before sticking it in the 'Yes' or 'No' pile.
We've compiled a list of the Top 10 hints on how to show the world 'this is me!' and get that all-important interview.
1. Keep it real Usually a Resume should be no more than two pages – and that's two pages of A4 paper. Employers spend, an average, just 8 seconds looking at any one resume, and a surefire way of landing yourself on the no pile is to send them your entire life story. Keep it punchy, to the point, and save those niggle little details for the interview.
2. Tailor it
We've all done it. Whizzed the same Resume out to lots of employers to save time... Stop! Take the time to change your Resume for each role that you apply for. Research the company and use the job advert to work out EXACTLY what skills you should point out to them. They will appreciate the obvious effort.
3. Include a personal statement
Don’t just assume an employer will see how your experience relates to their job. Instead, use a short personal statement to explain why you are the best person for the job. This should be reflected in your cover letter as well see our tips to the perfect cover letter
4. Don't leave gaps
We are a cynical bunch and leaving obvious gaps on your Resume immediately makes employers suspicious – and they won't give you the benefit of the doubt. If you’ve been out of work it can be a worry but just put a positive spin on it. Did you do a course, volunteer work or develop soft skills such as communication, teamwork or project management? If so, shout about it!
5. Keep it current
You should keep your Resume up-to-date whether you’re looking for a job or not. Every time something significant occurs in your career, record it so you don't later forget something that could be important.
6. The error of your ways
Employers DO look for mistakes on Resumes and if they find them, it makes you look really bad. If you're unsure then use a spellchecker and ask someone else to double-check what you've written. Make sure you don't make the mistake of not including simple things like your name, contact telephone number, e-mail address so that if you're the right candidate employers or recruiters can get in contact with you.
7. Tell the truth
Everyone lies on their Resume, right? NO! Blatant lies on your Resume can land you in a whole heap of trouble when it comes to employers checking your background and references. The last thing you want is to start work and then lose your new job for lying. You also may get caught out at the interview stage when you suddenly can't answer questions on what you claim to know. And that can be VERY awkward.
8. The maths
This may sound dull but by backing up your achievements with numbers it makes selling yourself much easier. When writing your work history, don’t just say that you increased sales; tell them you increased sales by 70% over a six month period. Get it? Big numbers are especially good (although don't forget point 7 of our list).
9. Make it look good
We live in a world where image is everything, and that also goes for your Resume. Take some time to pretty it up... Use bullet points and keep sentences short. Use the graphic design trick of leaving plenty of white space around text and between categories to make the layout easy on the eye. Alternatively, get creative with your job application.
10. Make it keyword friendly
If you’ve uploaded your Resume to a job site so recruiters can find you, keywords are very important. Job titles and job buzzwords will help a search engine pick out your Resume from the pile. Confused? Don't be. If you're not sure, have a search online and see what words are commonly mentioned when you input your job title.
If you have followed these 10 simple steps whilst writing or updating your Resume, hopefully you should be on your way to the next step in your job hunt or career.
Good Luck!!