dos and donts of resume

Guri Bee

2 min read

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19-10-2024

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Dos and Don'ts of Resume Writing: A Guide to Stand Out from the Crowd

Landing your dream job starts with a compelling resume. This document is your first impression, showcasing your skills and experience. But crafting a winning resume requires more than just listing your work history. It's about strategically highlighting your strengths and avoiding common pitfalls.

Dos

1. Tailor your resume for each job: This is the single most important rule. Don't send out a generic resume. Analyze the job description and tailor your skills and experience to match the specific requirements.

Example: If the job description emphasizes project management skills, highlight projects where you led teams and successfully delivered results.

2. Use keywords: Recruiters often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To ensure your resume gets through, incorporate keywords from the job description.

Example: If the job description mentions "data analysis," include terms like "SQL," "Excel," or "statistical analysis" in your skills section.

3. Quantify your achievements: Don't just state what you did; quantify your accomplishments to show the impact of your work.

Example: Instead of "Managed social media accounts," write "Increased social media engagement by 20% through targeted campaigns."

4. Use clear and concise language: Avoid jargon and technical terms that might confuse recruiters. Write in short, clear sentences and use action verbs to describe your accomplishments.

5. Proofread thoroughly: Typos and grammatical errors create a negative impression. Carefully proofread your resume before submitting it. Consider having a friend or colleague review it as well.

Don'ts

1. Don't use a generic template: While templates can provide structure, avoid using overly generic designs that make your resume look like everyone else's.

2. Don't include irrelevant information: Focus on the skills and experiences that are relevant to the job you're applying for. Don't include personal details like your hobbies unless they directly relate to the position.

3. Don't lie or exaggerate: Be truthful about your experience and skills. Inflating your qualifications can backfire when you're asked about it in an interview.

4. Don't include a photo: Unless specifically requested by the employer, avoid including a photo on your resume. It's not standard practice in most industries.

5. Don't use unprofessional email addresses: Use a professional email address, like your name or a combination of your name and initials. Avoid using email addresses that are inappropriate or reflect your hobbies.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your resume concise: Ideally, one page is enough.
• Use a clean and easy-to-read font: Times New Roman, Arial, and Calibri are good options.
• Highlight your most relevant achievements: Put your most important skills and experiences at the top of your resume.

Resources:

• GitHub: https://github.com/ (Check out the numerous open-source resume templates and projects on GitHub for inspiration)
• Resume builder tools: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/resume-builder (Explore online resume builder tools to help you create a professional-looking resume)

Remember: Your resume is your first chance to make a good impression. By following these dos and don'ts, you can craft a resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.