A good resume grabs the reader’s attention with a strong demonstration of the candidate’s qualifications and achievements. It helps the reader quickly get a sense of who the candidate is.
Follow these 6 tips to create a top resume:
- Keep your resume well organized. Use a chronological format, this standard format makes it easy for the reader to find the pertinent information they are looking for. Resumes with images and graphics may look nice but they will not get through the ATS (Automatic Tracking Systems), and often require more time from recruiters.
Read the blog: Why Recruiters Hate Functional Resumes.
- Have a strong headline – what is it that you do? Are you a Project Manager? HR Coordinator? State it in large font at the top of your resume, under your personal details.
- Beneath your headline, add a brief summary detailing your top skills and giving a sense of who you are. If you are transitioning from one career to another, or a woman returning to the workforce after a career break, this can be a good space to explain your career gap, or highlight your transferrable skills.
Read the blog: The 6 Details You Must Have at the Top of Your Resume.
- Showcase your achievements. Do not list your responsibilities under each title in your work experience. Rather, talk about results. Recruiters usually only read the first 2 bullet points under each heading. Make sure these are your strongest achievements.
- Use numbers. They attract the reader’s attention and can easily showcase your success. Hired x new employees in 12 months. Exceeded sales quota, reaching 145% of goal, etc.
- Make sure to use key words from the job description in your resume. It will get your resume through the ATS and help a human reader quickly find the key requirements they are looking for.