As veterans of the staffing industry, we’ve reviewed thousands of resumes and we’ve seen it all – the good, the bad, and the ugly. When it comes down to it, having a well-written #resume is a necessity when it comes to searching and applying for jobs, and this is true whether you’re applying to roles directly, or working with a third-party agency. A resume that is clear, concise, organized, and targeted will greatly increase your odds of getting a call back for your dream job. Here are our top tips for writing your best resume:
Be concise. No one wants to read through a 9-page resume to figure out whether you’re a good fit for the role. Target 1-3 pages for resume length but try not to go over 4.
Use key words. Recruiters and hiring managers are often doing a key word search to see how well you match up with the job role. If you are a Java Developer, make sure “Java” appears in your resume several times.
Get organized. Your resume should be clear and well organized, meaning someone should be able to find key information easily and the layout should be visually appealing. Best practices include putting the most important and relevant information at the top – this could be education, technical skills, or work experience, depending on the job and requirements.
Example: if a job requires a master’s degree in Chemistry, and the role is academically focused, you should put your education at the top of your resume.
When listing work history, we recommend starting with your most recent job at the top and working backwards. This keeps your most recent and relevant experience closer to the top.
Read the job description. Understand what is required for each job you’re applying for and figure out how your skills align. When applying for a job, your resume should match the job description as closely as possible. If you have experience with a technology, tool, or skill is listed in the job description, that item should be included on your resume.
Example: if a job requires written and verbal communication skills, your resume should include your experience / expertise in written and verbal communication (think: Toastmasters classes, experience writing blogs / articles, experience providing verbal assistance as a customer service representative).
You should view your resume as an extension of yourself and treat it as your best sales tool when it comes to generating interest from recruiters and hiring managers. Put your best foot forward by staying clear, concise, organized, and by clearly articulating why you’re a great fit for that particular open position.
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