Your resume is your first chance to catch potential employers’ interest. It needs to be formatted and designed in a way that’s clear, professional, and easy to read. The way you present your professional information can make or break your chances of landing an interview. So here are some dos and don’t’s to keep in mind when writing your resume.
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Do #1: Use a Clean and Simple Design
Your resume should be visually appealing but also readable. The best option is a clean design with a legible font and enough white space. On average, recruiters spend only about 10 seconds scanning each resume. That’s why you want to ensure they can quickly scan through yours and find the necessary information.
Don’t #1: Use Too Many Colors or Graphics
While everyone appreciates a pretty resume, using too many colors or graphics can be overwhelming and distracting. Stick to a simple color scheme that’s easy on the eyes and doesn’t detract from the content of your resume. Avoid using graphics that aren’t relevant to your experience or that take up too much space on the page.
Do #2: Use Bullet Points
Bullet points are an effective way to break up large blocks of text and make your resume easier to read. Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities, and organize your information in a way that’s easy to follow. And make sure to use the same bullet style throughout your resume.
Stay Away From Paragraphs
Using paragraphs can make your resume difficult to read and overwhelming. Instead, break up your information into short, concise bullet points that are easy to scan. You want to do everything to help the recruiter or hiring manager see the information they need instantly.
Don’t #2: Include Irrelevant Information
Avoid including irrelevant information on your resume. This includes personal information, such as your age, marital status, or hobbies. Unless otherwise stated in the job description, those things don’t affect how good of a fit you are for the position.
Keep It Concise
Your resume should be no more than two pages in length. Keep your information concise and relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities, and ensure you only include information pertinent to the job.
Do #3: Use Keywords
Large companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes for relevant keywords. Resumes without enough of them (75% of all resumes) are automatically filtered out. Use industry-specific terms and keywords from the job description. This will increase your chances of getting through the initial screening process.
Don’t #3: Use Buzzwords
While using keywords is essential, avoid using too many buzzwords or phrases that don’t add value to your resume. For example, phrases like “team player” or “detail-oriented” are overused and don’t provide specific information about your skills or experience. Instead, save some space for specific examples of your accomplishments.
Do #4: Use a Consistent Format
Consistency is key when it comes to resume formatting. Use the same font, font size, and formatting throughout. This will make your resume look professional and organized. Also, write bold headings and double-check if your dates are formatted consistently.
Avoid Mixing Up Your Formatting
Don’t mix up your formatting. Using different font sizes or styles within the same section is a no-go. This can make your resume look unprofessional and disorganized. Stick to a consistent format that’s easy to read and visually appealing.
To Sum Up
How you format and design your resume affects your chances of landing an interview. Keep your resume clean and simple, and use bullet points and relevant keywords. Also, keep it concise no matter how many accomplishments you’d like to show off. Avoid using too many colors, graphics, paragraphs, buzzwords, or irrelevant information.
Consistency is key in formatting, and a visually appealing, easy-to-read design can make a positive impression on potential employers. Your resume reflects your professionalism and attention to detail, so take the time to format and design it properly.