7 best resume tips for job seekers

Sprucing up your resume should be the first step to a successful job hunt. Whether you are writing a tailored resume or a master resume, there are a few resume-writing tips to keep in mind. An impressive resume might be your ticket to a prestigious opportunity in your dream company. Here are 7 tips for avoiding common resume mistakes and creating a winning resume for yourself.

1. Understand that your resume gives the first impression

Just like you wouldn’t walk into a job interview with mismatched clothes, you shouldn’t apply for a job with a haphazardly compiled resume. Everything from the resume formatting to the content must have a good flow so that it is easy for a hiring manager to read. Ensure that there is consistency throughout your resume so that it gives a professional vibe.

2. Remove the irrelevant details

Every little detail that goes into your resume must be relevant to the job for which you are applying. Always keep in mind to tailor your resume’s work experience section to suit the needs of the employer. Remove past work experiences that don’t align with the requirements of the employer so that you can make space for the qualifications that will make the biggest impact.

3. Refer to job descriptions when you describe your experience

Sometimes, you tend to go off track when you are describing qualifications on a resume. Some candidates give too much information, costing them valuable resume space while other candidates describe their experience in the wrong words, completely missing the keywords. Reviewing job descriptions before writing your resume will help you identify the keywords that will help you tailor your resume for a particular job.

4. Less is more, but not too much

Don’t get carried away while making your resume short to fit the one-page resume rule. Your resume needs to be brief and concise. But that doesn’t mean that you must write phrases instead of full sentences. When you are writing the bullet points of your career summary, always use full sentences. You can limit your bullet points to one line by still being descriptive. Create a STAR method resume to narrate your qualifications in detail while still being concise.

5. Use action words wisely

Action words make your resume interesting. Sentences that begin with action words have been proven to grab the reader's attention more than others. Descriptive action words make your resume more compelling and portray you as a strong candidate for the role. Also, remember to use powerful adjectives alongside action verbs when creating your resume.

6. Add value to your resume using numbers

Numbers on your resume make accomplishments more impressive. Quantify your experiences whenever possible for a strong resume that gets hiring managers excited. Be specific when you describe your achievements. However, you must be careful not to reveal sensitive company data when adding metrics to your resume.

7. Create a strong skills section for your resume

Your skills are just as important as your experience when you want to win an interview. A strong key skills section will add value to any resume. The skills section also helps you optimize your resume for the ATS. Note the requirements the employer has mentioned in the job description. You can then use the same terms to describe your skills on the resume. Incorporate your skills into the career summary section as well for better impact.