A well-prepared resume is your entry into the job race. It is your chance to sing your own praises and make an employer sit up and take notice of your credentials. So, it's worth taking some time to perfect it.
Content
Your aim is to convince the employer that you have the necessary experience, knowledge and drive to do the job. Many resumes do nothing more than provide a stark list of job titles and duties. All companies are results-orientated, you must emphasise what you have achieved within a role, how you added value or made a difference to a company.
Structure
Personal Details - start with your personal details (name, address, phone number). List a brief summary of your personal profile such as skills, experience, knowledge and career aspirations. It's the perfect way to give the employer an overview of your suitability for the job.
Career History - if you have been in employment, focus on your career history first and then move on to your academic qualifications. If you are a school-leaver or still in education, start with details of your education and academic achievements. For each role, list your job title, company name and length of employment. Follow this with a description of your role, key responsibilities and remember to highlight your achievements. For previous jobs keep the details brief, unless they are significant in terms of the role that you are applying for.
Qualifications & Education - when it comes to qualifications and professional training, take the same approach as with your employment history. Begin with your most recent qualifications. If you have a degree or higher qualification, there's no need to include an extensive list of your results.
Interests - you should aim to relate your interests to the job selection criteria, for example, demonstrate you are a team player by sharing your involvement in team sports. If you are entering the job market for the first time, give evidence to demonstrate initiative or practical skills such as voluntary work, elected office in a society or contributor to a college magazine.
Key Guidelines
Two to three pages is an ideal length.
Use subheadings wherever possible. They assist the reader to locate specific information with ease e.g. Career History.
Use simple and clear typefaces.
Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and highlights your qualifications.
Keep the language formal with short and crisp sentences. Your personality will become evident during the interview.
Avoid using jargon and abbreviations. Take great care with spelling and grammar.
Personal pictures, marital status, date of birth are not necessary. You will be assessed on the talent and experience you bring to the role.
Tips for Writing an Effective Resume
Be Clear and Concise: Consider your CV as your elevator pitch. Limit it to a maximum of two pages, with each bullet point ideally confined to a single line. Conciseness is essential; aim to capture the employer's interest without overwhelming them. Remember, sometimes less is more, and this approach can effectively showcase your experiences and abilities.
Highlight Your Skills and Achievements: This section is your opportunity to showcase your strengths in a positive manner. What distinguishes you from other candidates? What achievements are you particularly proud of? For instance, have you increased sales by 30% or streamlined a process that saved time? Including statistics and quantifiable results provides concrete evidence of your capabilities.
Include Relevant Keywords: In today's digital landscape, there is a significant likelihood that your CV will first be assessed by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it reaches a human reviewer. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate relevant keywords from the job description seamlessly. These keywords act as indicators, guiding employers toward your qualifications and suitability for the role.
Use a Basic Design: Maintain a classy and professional appearance in your CV design. A simple layout ensures that the focus remains on you and your qualifications. While elaborate graphics may appear attractive, they can confuse the software and distract the reader. Opt for a clean design that allows your words to take centre stage.
Include Essential Components: These elements constitute the foundation of your CV. Ensure your name, contact information, professional summary, work experience, education, skills, and certifications (if applicable) are included. Think of it as introducing yourself to a new acquaintance; you want to provide them with the key details that define who you are. Ensure that all essential information is present and easily accessible.
Tailor It for the Job: Avoid submitting the same CV for every position. Instead, customise it for each application. Carefully review the job description and consider how your background positions you for success in that specific role. Tailoring your CV demonstrates your commitment and effort, signalling to employers that you are genuinely interested in the position. Tools like JobScan can assist you in this process, helping you enhance your chances of securing the job you desire.
Now that your resume is ready, don’t forget to prepare your cover letter - this is your opportunity to let your personality and enthusiasm shine through.
Good Luck!