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:
- Keep it Clear and Concise:
- Employers spend around 30 seconds scanning a resume, so make it easy for them to see your qualifications quickly.
- 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.
- Limit to Two Pages:
- Prioritize recent experiences and keep the resume focused by excluding or minimizing roles from over 15 years ago.
- Tailor to the Position:
- Align your resume with the job by emphasizing relevant work experiences and achievements. Review the job description for guidance.
- Highlight Achievements:
- Showcase examples of your skills and accomplishments in the “Work Experience” section to demonstrate your value as an employee.
- Be Honest:
- Avoid exaggeration and be truthful about your skills and accomplishments. Authenticity builds trust with employers.
- Quantify Achievements:
- Use specific numbers to illustrate your impact, such as the number of people supervised or the percentage of sales increase.
- Use Simple Language and Action Verbs:
- Employ clear, persuasive language with action verbs like managed, led, developed, and accomplished.
- Include Relevant Unpaid Work:
- Incorporate volunteer experiences that highlight your skills, placing them under “Work Experience” or “Volunteer Work.”
- 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:
- Avoid Inappropriate Email Addresses:
- Choose a professional, easy-to-read email address based on your name, excluding nicknames or special characters.
- Omit Unnecessary Personal Information:
- Steer clear of personal details like age, weight, or social insurance numbers. Focus on qualifications relevant to the job.
- Skip the Photo:
- In Canada, omitting a photo keeps the focus on your skills and experience rather than your appearance.
- 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.
- Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties:
- Instead of listing job responsibilities, emphasize your achievements and provide specific examples.
- Avoid General Statements:
- Personalize your experience by steering clear of vague statements that lack specific contributions to your previous roles.
- 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.
- Hold Off on References:
- Save references for when they are specifically requested, keeping them on a separate sheet.
- 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.