A resume is actually a marketing manuscript intended to sell one’s strengths and unique skills rather than representing a bio-data of an aspirant.

 

In the professional space, it is our resume which creates our first impression. And it is an age-old belief that the first impression is the last impression. In the current job market reality where jobs are fast becoming difficult to get, it is critical for aspirants to create a flawless resume to create that impeccable first impression.

 

However, drafting an outstanding CV or resume today is a daunting task with millions of samples and suggestions doing the rounds on the digital space. Everybody seems to have an opinion or two, and most of them look promising. Many believe that it to be beneficial to seek professional help writing creating a resume as by doing it one can attain an extra edge.

 

Here we have tried to include a comprehensive list for writing the perfect resume to showcase one’s unique potentials and skills:

 

1. Format Your Resume Wisely

 

Even the best written resumes do not get a comprehensive evaluation the first time. The standard timing of scanning a resume is for 25 seconds, and if the scanner gets hiccups in reading the document because it is poorly organized or goes beyond two pages, he loses interest instantly.

 

Here is what is required to avoid this-

 

A coherent format and broad margins, uncluttered typing and distinct headlines

 

Careful use of bold and italics to steer the scanner’s eye

 

Bullets to highlight vital points like – awards and other accomplishments

 

Except for advertising and design fields, where there are larger creative license in designing resumes, other industry sectors are not generally impressed by too much design. A candid detailing of accomplishments, flawless writing which must always be grammatically-correct, and crisp typing is what is necessary to make the desired impression.

 

Before embarking on writing the resume, go over samples that fit into an array of employment positions. Once done, opt for a method and format that best portrays your skills, strengths and accomplishments.

 

Another good way to approach resume writing is to use a resume template. Doing this as an initial approach helps in personal customization on a predesigned platform. You can add your information to the resume template and subsequently amend it to underscore your skills and capabilities.

 

Resumes are now screened by a machine before a human gets to see it. Some easy alternations will make the difference between being deleted or read.

 

2. Quantify Accomplishments

 

Recruiters mostly look for professionals who can solve problems or meet a requirement in the organisation. To make you a potential choice your resume must state how you have solved existing problems in the organisations you previously worked.

 

Here is how to do it –

 

Highlight on what you did in your previous job-role

 

State a couple of top-line job description followed by your accomplishments

 

Your deeds and achievements in the professional space must be exclusive to you and not a record of others did

 

Do not include common descriptions of jobs you applied for or did

 

Quantifying achievements – ones that can act as potential tools in salary negotiations – clearly demonstrates your professional expertise.

 

3. What’s the most common resume mistake?

 

Making a lot of broad claims and including excessive industry jargon do not help one market his or her candidature. It is critical to incorporate and emphasize on specific accomplishments that portray a broad depiction of the candidate’s marketability.

 

Quantifying attainments guarantees greater assurance in the recruiter and in that way creates interest. Take time to enumerate your accomplishments.

 

4. Replace Objective” with “Career Summary”

 

Career Summary offers a succinct synopsis of your identity and professional profile. Often Objectives sound very clichéd – looking for a challenging role in your company where my skills are explored and successfully implemented. Nor very effective!!

 

The aim is to grasp a recruiter’s attention right from the beginning, and one has only 25 few seconds to make the right kind of notion. Be meticulous in drafting a synopsis that immediately catches the hiring manager’s interest, and precisely and effectively describes you as a potential answer to their problems.

 

5. Go For Best Resume Format

 

Certain basic styles of resumes are perfect for particular job openings. Based on personal and professional status, select a sequential, well-designed, combination or targeted resume format. Zero down on the best fit that perfectly depicts your work experience, educational background and skill set. Be painstaking in customizing your resume as it must not appear to be an imitation. Here are a few resume templates for reference.

 

6. Choose a Basic Font

 

The resume format must be in a basic font, one which is easy to read, for recruiters as well as for applicant management systems. Industry experts and HR leaders prefer the simple over the complex. Choose a font that makes the resume unambiguous and easy to read while preserving your characteristic style.

 

7. Include Contact Information, With a Caveat

 

Mentioning all contact information helps the hiring manager get in touch with you easily. Include your full name, street address, city, state, zip code, phone number, and email address. Social media profiles are a must today, do mention your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter profiles, professional website addresses.

 

8. Put the Most Important and Relevant Accomplishments First

 

Prioritize the text of your resume in a way that the most significant and appropriate experiences are mentioned first. Portray the chief accomplishments at the top of each job role and quantify them duly.

9. Include Commonly Parsed Keywords

 

Resumes must carry the same keywords that are mentioned in job descriptions. This augments the chances of the resume finding suitable positions and getting selected for interviews. Be careful to mention the keywords in your cover letter as well, as this part of your communication will also be scrutinized. Keywords are every-changing, stay updated about your industry.

10. Send Resumes Properly

 

Writing a resume is one thing and sending it properly is another. A perfect CV sent erroneously will create no impact. Hence it is important to remember certain things while sending an email resume. Follow the employer’s instructions on submitting the resume; the recruiter may ask you to send the CV as an attachment to the email message in a definite format, e.g. word document, PDF or JPEG. Never ignore the specifications laid down on the job advert.

 

A resume is as good as the information it carries; make sure you have included all your talents and skills effectively. Gather the following details ahead of time to craft a powerful document that effectively tells your story and markets your qualifications to help you land your dream job.