With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, creating a standout resume has never been more important. Your resume is your chance to showcase your skills and experiences, and make a good first impression with potential employers. However, with so many conflicting opinions about what constitutes a great resume, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are the dos and don’ts of resume writing in 2023 to help you create a resume that will make you stand out from the crowd. Get the help from Resume Builderr.
Dos:
Customize your resume for each job application
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same resume for every job application. It’s important to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position. You should take the time to research the company and the job you’re applying for and incorporate keywords from the job description into your resume.
Use clear and concise language
Your resume should be easy to read and understand. Use clear and concise language to communicate your skills and experiences. Avoid using industry jargon or buzzwords that may not be familiar to everyone. Aim for a straightforward and professional tone, and keep your sentences short and to the point.
Highlight your achievements
Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight your achievements. This will give potential employers a better idea of what you bring to the table and how you can contribute to their organization. Use metrics and numbers to illustrate your achievements and make them more concrete. For example, instead of saying “managed a team,” say “managed a team of 10 people and increased productivity by 20%.”
Keep your resume concise
Your resume should be no longer than one or two pages. A concise resume is more likely to be read and will leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Focus on the most important information and prioritize your experiences based on their relevance to the job you’re applying for.
Utilize keywords
Keywords are critical to getting your resume past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and into the hands of hiring managers. Look for keywords in the job description and incorporate them into your resume where appropriate. This will increase your chances of being noticed and move you further up in the hiring process.
Don’ts:
Include irrelevant information
Your resume should be focused on your skills and experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Including irrelevant information can distract from the main points of your resume and weaken your overall application.
Use an unprofessional email address
Your email address is often the first thing a potential employer will see on your resume. Make sure to use a professional email address that includes your name. Avoid using personal email addresses that include nicknames or unprofessional words.
Use unprofessional language or fonts
Your resume should be professional and easy to read. Avoid using unprofessional language or fonts that can detract from the overall quality of your resume. Stick to traditional fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman and keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
Lie or exaggerate your experiences
Lying or exaggerating your experiences is never a good idea. Not only is it unethical, but it’s also likely to come back to haunt you during the interview process or after you’ve been hired. Be honest and truthful about your skills and experiences.
Neglect proofreading
Proofreading is critical to ensuring your resume is error-free. Typos and grammatical errors can quickly turn off potential employers and hurt your chances of landing the dream job.
