Before you even look at this post’s content, it is important to note that a well-written resume will not land you a job. A well-written resume is essential, but it is only one piece of the puzzle.
There is no point in spending a lot of time and money writing a resume if you don’t have the right experience and training. It’s like trying to design the body of a car before having an engine.
Most people face the major problem when they get started with their resumes because they don’t know what to write about and how to start. Some people even get stuck on their resume format, which is a big mistake because it takes your attention away from what really matters – your skills and achievements.
In this post, I have compiled 10 resume writing guidelines to provide resume assistance for you to get started and create a resume that employers will notice and read.
1. Get The Basics Right
The basics include a well-written heading, objective statement, on-target summary, and solid information regarding your education and work experience. Get these more general items right, and you can then use them as a foundation for the rest of your resume.
2. Make Your Resume Specific To The Position You Want
Your resume needs to be specific to a job you want. Obviously, this requires that you have done your research and know what the job is about. You may then want to include things about the job in your resume specific to that job (such as qualifications and skills), but otherwise, you should focus on what you have done and where you want to go. To put this another way, focus on your specific skills and activities. Don’t waste space describing a job that isn’t for you.
3. Use An Easy-to-read Font
Make sure you use a legible font so that your resume can be read clearly. According to Portman, you should choose an easy-to-read font such as Arial for a general resume or Times Roman for one that will go on the internet. Use fonts no smaller than 10 point sizes.
4. Remove Any Information That Is Irrelevant
Remove irrelevant information, such as the date you wrote the resume, your middle name, or even your birth date. There is no need to put these things on a resume. In fact, most employers tend to dislike resumes that have this type of information. Instead, focus on relevancy and make those items relevant by including them in separate sections of your resume.
5. Leave A Lot Of Empty Space
Don’t try to fill up every inch of space with text. Employers may not like reading resumes that are filled with fluff, and extra white space is a good way to make your resume easy to read. On the other hand, don’t leave so much blank space that the page looks bare.
6. Use White Space In Between Items, But Don’t Leave Too Much Blank Space
White space can be effective in drawing the reader’s attention to certain sections of the resume. For example, a section might need extra white space on both sides if it is longer than the other ones or if it has a lot of text. Likewise, you could add space between different items on the resume or end each item with an extra line. However, be aware that excessive use of white space may make your paper look a bit bare and unprofessional.
7. Specify Company Names And Job Titles For Each Position
It can be helpful to put the name of the company with each position, especially if you have had multiple jobs with a single employer. Also include job titles in your resume, even if the title is general (such as “Administrative Assistant” or “Project Coordinator”). This shows exactly what you were doing in those positions.
8. Include All Employment Dates And Salary Information
This may seem obvious, but too many people leave out this kind of information. Be sure to include all employment dates and salaries with each position on your resume.
9. Mention Your Accomplishments In The Past
Keep your resume focused on what you are doing in the present, but it is also a good idea to include any accomplishments that you have had in the past. For example, if you were involved with community service or charitable organizations, mention this accomplishment on your resume so an employer can see that side of you.
10. Use Strong Action Verbs And Short Sentences
This is the type of advice that may seem obvious but that a lot of people overlook. Take care to use strong action verbs. These are some common action verbs: formed, created, contacted, coordinated, completed, developed, implemented, managed.
Be sure to think about whether you should use a verb in its past tense or present tense. Some jobs require that you describe how you will do something in the future — e.g., “Completed new customer service record book. “This is a perfect job for past tense verbs, but it may not work for some jobs. So choose your verb based on the position you are applying for.
In addition to providing action verbs, also be sure to choose short sentences. Keep your sentences clear and to the point. This will help to improve the readability of your resume and make it easier to scan.
The main purpose of a resume is to give employers a chance to get interested in you as a candidate for the job. It should perform this function clearly and concisely.
Is it important to select one good and reputable professional resume writing service provider to write your resume?
A well-written resume is the most important part of the job-hunting process.
a good professional faster, clearer, more explicit, and more persuasive way to present yourself than in person.
