Don’t start your job search without giving due thought to your resume as a strong resume does wonders for your chances of making it to the interview stage. Additionally, it can work wonders for your job search in general. Here’s how to make sure yours ends up in the ‘yes’ tray.
1. Keep it brief - usually two pages maximum.
2. Avoid unnecessary personal detail such as age, religion, and sex.
3. Don’t write in the first person – start sentences with verbs.
4. List your career history in reverse chronological order. Don’t forget to include a short note to explain any gaps.
5. Use bullet points for achievements and responsibilities – include more detail on recent roles and less on older ones, unless they are particularly relevant to the job you are applying for.
6. List educational institutions and qualifications in reverse chronological order.
7. Include computer skills, language skills, and any relevant training.
8. Keep your hobbies and interest section short.
9. References can be provided on request – you don’t need to include their contact details on your resume.
10. Check for typos. Even if you think your resume is error-free, it’s worth asking a friend to read it through.
For more important tips on what to include in your resume, check out nine things recruiters and employers look for in a resume.
