Crafting an effective resume is essential for capturing a recruiter’s attention and securing opportunities in today’s competitive job market. Follow these do’s and don’ts to optimize your resume and increase your chances of success.

Resume Writing Do’s:

1. Keep it Clear and Concise:

• Employers spend around 30 seconds scanning a resume, so make it easy for them to see your qualifications quickly.

1. Proofread Thoroughly:

• Eliminate spelling and grammar errors, as even a simple mistake can create a negative impression. Have someone else review your resume as well.

1. Limit to Two Pages:

• Prioritize recent experiences and keep the resume focused by excluding or minimizing roles from over 15 years ago.

1. Tailor to the Position:

• Align your resume with the job by emphasizing relevant work experiences and achievements. Review the job description for guidance.

1. Highlight Achievements:

• Showcase examples of your skills and accomplishments in the “Work Experience” section to demonstrate your value as an employee.

1. Be Honest:

• Avoid exaggeration and be truthful about your skills and accomplishments. Authenticity builds trust with employers.

1. Quantify Achievements:

• Use specific numbers to illustrate your impact, such as the number of people supervised or the percentage of sales increase.

1. Use Simple Language and Action Verbs:

• Employ clear, persuasive language with action verbs like managed, led, developed, and accomplished.

1. Include Relevant Unpaid Work:

• Incorporate volunteer experiences that highlight your skills, placing them under “Work Experience” or “Volunteer Work.”

1. Double-Check Contact Information:

• Ensure accurate contact details are prominently placed at the top of the first page for easy employer access.

Resume Writing Don’ts:

1. Avoid Inappropriate Email Addresses:

• Choose a professional, easy-to-read email address based on your name, excluding nicknames or special characters.

1. Omit Unnecessary Personal Information:

• Steer clear of personal details like age, weight, or social insurance numbers. Focus on qualifications relevant to the job.

1. Skip the Photo:

• In Canada, omitting a photo keeps the focus on your skills and experience rather than your appearance.

1. Limit Bullet Points:

• Maintain readability by restricting each section to 5-7 concise bullet points, aiding employers in quickly grasping your potential.

Avoid Personal Pronouns:

• Write in the third person, crafting your resume as if it’s authored by someone else to maintain a professional tone.

1. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties:

• Instead of listing job responsibilities, emphasize your achievements and provide specific examples.

1. Avoid General Statements:

• Personalize your experience by steering clear of vague statements that lack specific contributions to your previous roles.

1. Don’t Provide Reasons for Leaving Jobs:

• Keep your resume positive by excluding reasons for leaving previous positions, focusing solely on your skills and accomplishments.

1. Hold Off on References:

• Save references for when they are specifically requested, keeping them on a separate sheet.

1. Skip Hobbies and Interests:
   • While generally discouraged, include hobbies only if they directly relate to the position, showcasing why you’re an ideal fit for the job.