Quite often people underestimate the importance and impact of a resume. However, it is a very important document when you need to apply for a job. A professional resume is a written summary of your educational qualifications, professional experience, credentials, and other achievements. Most formal job openings require applicants to submit a resume and a cover letter as an application.

A key thing to understand is the difference between cv and resume. A resume is a short single or two-page document, highlighting the key details of your professional and educational expertise. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is a more detailed document that narrates the entire career trajectory of the person. You need a ATS resume template to apply for a job whereas a CV is more suitable for an academic reference.

Generally, the resume is the first document that a hiring manager looks at while going through the job applications. Thus, it is the first non-verbal communication from the applicant. It also serves as proof of your writing skills and language command. Hence, you need to be very careful while creating or updating your professional resume.

Having understood the importance of a resume, it is time now to take a look at various resume writing tips which will help you create a resume that can impress the recruiters.

Consider the purpose of the resume – A resume is basically a single-page sales pitch for your own services and expertise. There are various types of resumes that suit different application purposes. While the primary objective is to outline one’s experience, qualifications, and skills, purpose-based customization can create a more favorable opinion of you.

Think of a resume as “self-advertisement” that sums up your experience on one page. Your resume is one of the most important pieces of your job application. It gives the hiring manager an overview of the qualifications you have for the job for which you’re applying. The common types of resume are:

•     Fresher’s resume (no job experience)
•     Entry-level Resume (up to 2 years of experience)
•     Student resume (for internship or scholarships etc)
•     Resume for a part-time/freelancing job
•     Army resume
•     Mid-level resume
•     Senior professional’s resume

Now that we have observed the difference between different resume types, let’s take a look at some of the tips which will help in writing an effective professional resume:

1.Simple language –

Unless you are applying for a literary job, the resume need not be full of decorative words and style. There are just four clearly outlined sections needed for most jobs: Qualifications, Work experience, Technical/additional skills, and personal information.

2.Create an identity –

Don’t go for the templates or copy the resume of your friend/colleague. Everyone claims to be a ‘hardworking’, ‘team player’ and ‘perform to the best of one’s potential’. Your resume should highlight your sincerity and individuality to the hiring manager.

3.Display your trophies –

Highlighting detailed information about your ‘big achievements is a highly impactful technique. Words and phrases like ‘conceptualized and executed’, ‘led to revenue growth of 300%’ etc., are going to make the recruiters notice you as a good potential hire.

4.Keep the tables off –

Adding information in tabular form is not only complicated but also ruins the formatting in most cases. Write in bullet points wherever needed and avoid tables.

5.Brevity –

With piles of resumes to review, the recruitment managers usually look for specific keywords and glance over the details. Hence, it is better to keep the resume as concise as possible. Leave the stories for the in-person discussion. However, if you are applying for a technology role in the IT industry, then you must write long resumes that highlight all technologies and projects you have worked on and other important details.

6.Don’t add irrelevant experience –

Let’s say you worked as a personal secretary 20 years ago, but, today you are applying for the position of marketing head. Will the 2-decade old secretarial experience be of any importance to the hiring manager? Unless and until, it is a highly reputed brand or a special achievement of yours, leave out experiences beyond the last 3 jobs held, even if you have worked with 12 companies over the course of your career.

7.Don’t fake it –

Falsehood or claiming experience that you don’t possess is a big no at all times.

8.Bonus Tip:

This is the digital age and hiring managers are likely to look you up on networking platforms. Hence, it is better to add a hyperlink of your resume on your accounts on networking platforms. In fact, if your job requires creativity and social media skills then linking other active social media profiles is a great idea.

We hope that these tips will help you write a compelling resume that will land you the job that you seek! Good luck!