Your resume is the first interface you have with your employer. Make the most of this opportunity. The employment market is changing all the time, and so have resumes, evolving from a one-size-fits-all standard. Here are our tips to convert your resume into a catching one.
Follow These Basic Standards:
- Don't overcrowd your resume; allow for plenty of white space.
- Keep your resume to one page whenever possible.
- Keep the number of fonts you use to a minimum -- two at the most.
- Use a font that is easy to read. Times Roman works well.
- Do not justify the lines of type on your resume. Allow the right side of the page to 'rag.'
- Do not overuse capitalization, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features.
- Make sure your name, address, and phone number appear on your resume and all correspondence, preferably at the top of the page.
- Print your resume on white or cream paper using a good-quality printer. Second- and third-generation photocopies must be avoided.
- Print on one side of the paper only.
Avoid Mistakes:
Spelling Mistakes:
- To avoid spelling mistakes: Don't use words with which you aren't familiar. Use a dictionary as you write.
- Perform a spell check on your finished resume.
- Carefully read every word in your resume.
- Have a friend or two proofread your resume for you.
Punctuation Mistakes:
- Things to look for: Periods at the end of all full sentences.
- Be consistent in your use of punctuation.
- Always put periods and commas within quotation marks.
- Avoid using exclamation points.
Grammatical Mistakes:
- Do not switch tenses within your resume.
- The duties you currently perform should be in the present tense (i.e., write reports).
- Duties you may have performed at past jobs should be in the past tense (i.e., wrote reports).
- Capitalize all proper nouns.
- When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine (i.e., one, five, seven), but use numerals for all numbers 10 and above (i.e., 10, 25, 108).
- If you begin a sentence with a numeral, spell out that numeral (e.g., Eleven service awards won while employed.).
- Make sure your date formats are consistent (i.e., 11/22/01 or Nov. 22, 2001, or 11.22.01. Choose one and stick with it.).
Choose Your Words Carefully:
- Be on the lookout for the following easily confused words: accept (to receive), except (to exclude), all right (correct), alright (this is not a word), affect (to bring about change), effect (result), personal (private), personnel (staff members), role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).
- Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).
References:
- In most instances, it is not necessary to include names and addresses of references on the resume.
- If you include a reference, make sure that the referenced person knows you well.
- It is also advisable to add persons as references whom the employer can contact easily.
- If possible, add the phone number and email ID of the reference.
- Never add a person as a reference about whom you know nothing.
STICK TO THE POINT:
- Employers have a busy schedule, so don't expect them to read through a long resume.
- Ideally, resumes should be one page, or two pages only if absolutely necessary, to describe relevant work experience.
WORDS COUNT:
- Use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and efficiently.
- Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written, compelling resume.
- Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines).
- If you provide small, digestible pieces of information, your resume will be read.
- Use action verbs. Verbs such as 'developed', 'managed', and 'designed' emphasize your accomplishments.
- Don't use declarative sentences like 'I developed the ...' or 'I assisted in ...', leave out the 'I'.
- Avoid passive constructions, such as 'was responsible for managing'. Just say, 'managed': that sounds stronger and more active.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE:
- Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them.
- Don't be vague. Being specific about your accomplishments is crucial.
HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY:
- Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments.
- There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it.
- A falsified resume can cost you the job later.
DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES:
- Check your resume for correct grammar and spelling - evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail.
- Make your resume easy to read and visually appealing by using normal margins and preferred fonts like Arial and Times Roman.
From India, Mumbai
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8Follow These Basic Standards:
- Don't overcrowd your resume; allow for plenty of white space.
- Keep your resume to one page whenever possible.
- Keep the number of fonts you use to a minimum -- two at the most.
- Use a font that is easy to read. Times Roman works well.
- Do not justify the lines of type on your resume. Allow the right side of the page to 'rag.'
- Do not overuse capitalization, italics, underlines, or other emphasizing features.
- Make sure your name, address, and phone number appear on your resume and all correspondence, preferably at the top of the page.
- Print your resume on white or cream paper using a good-quality printer. Second- and third-generation photocopies must be avoided.
- Print on one side of the paper only.
Avoid Mistakes:
Spelling Mistakes:
- To avoid spelling mistakes: Don't use words with which you aren't familiar. Use a dictionary as you write.
- Perform a spell check on your finished resume.
- Carefully read every word in your resume.
- Have a friend or two proofread your resume for you.
Punctuation Mistakes:
- Things to look for: Periods at the end of all full sentences.
- Be consistent in your use of punctuation.
- Always put periods and commas within quotation marks.
- Avoid using exclamation points.
Grammatical Mistakes:
- Do not switch tenses within your resume.
- The duties you currently perform should be in the present tense (i.e., write reports).
- Duties you may have performed at past jobs should be in the past tense (i.e., wrote reports).
- Capitalize all proper nouns.
- When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine (i.e., one, five, seven), but use numerals for all numbers 10 and above (i.e., 10, 25, 108).
- If you begin a sentence with a numeral, spell out that numeral (e.g., Eleven service awards won while employed.).
- Make sure your date formats are consistent (i.e., 11/22/01 or Nov. 22, 2001, or 11.22.01. Choose one and stick with it.).
Choose Your Words Carefully:
- Be on the lookout for the following easily confused words: accept (to receive), except (to exclude), all right (correct), alright (this is not a word), affect (to bring about change), effect (result), personal (private), personnel (staff members), role (a character assigned or a function), roll (to revolve).
- Use action words (i.e., wrote reports, increased revenues, directed staff).
References:
- In most instances, it is not necessary to include names and addresses of references on the resume.
- If you include a reference, make sure that the referenced person knows you well.
- It is also advisable to add persons as references whom the employer can contact easily.
- If possible, add the phone number and email ID of the reference.
- Never add a person as a reference about whom you know nothing.
STICK TO THE POINT:
- Employers have a busy schedule, so don't expect them to read through a long resume.
- Ideally, resumes should be one page, or two pages only if absolutely necessary, to describe relevant work experience.
WORDS COUNT:
- Use of language is extremely important; you need to sell yourself to an employer quickly and efficiently.
- Address your potential employer's needs with a clearly written, compelling resume.
- Avoid large paragraphs (five or six lines).
- If you provide small, digestible pieces of information, your resume will be read.
- Use action verbs. Verbs such as 'developed', 'managed', and 'designed' emphasize your accomplishments.
- Don't use declarative sentences like 'I developed the ...' or 'I assisted in ...', leave out the 'I'.
- Avoid passive constructions, such as 'was responsible for managing'. Just say, 'managed': that sounds stronger and more active.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR EXPERIENCE:
- Employers need to know what you have accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them.
- Don't be vague. Being specific about your accomplishments is crucial.
HONESTY IS A GOOD POLICY:
- Employers will feel more comfortable hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments.
- There is a difference between making the most of your experience and exaggerating or falsifying it.
- A falsified resume can cost you the job later.
DOUBLE-CHECK FOR MISTAKES:
- Check your resume for correct grammar and spelling - evidence of good communication skills and attention to detail.
- Make your resume easy to read and visually appealing by using normal margins and preferred fonts like Arial and Times Roman.
From India, Mumbai
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As an HR professional, it is crucial to understand the significance of a well-crafted resume in making a positive impression on potential employers. To enhance your resume, consider the following tips: 1. Maintain a clean layout with ample white space to improve readability. 2. Limit your resume to one page whenever possible and use a maximum of two fonts. 3. Choose a legible font like Times New Roman. 4. Avoid justifying lines of text and overusing formatting features. 5. Ensure your contact information is prominently displayed. 6. Print your resume on quality paper and avoid second- or third-generation photocopies. 7. Proofread your resume for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors. 8. Be consistent in punctuation usage and verb tenses. 9. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements to showcase your impact. 10. Focus on relevant work experience and tailor your resume to the job description. 11. Be honest in presenting your accomplishments and avoid exaggeration. 12. Double-check for mistakes to demonstrate attention to detail. By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling resume that effectively communicates your qualifications and experiences to potential employers.
From India, Gurugram
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From India, Gurugram
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