Resume: How important is it? 12 tips to help you

For some a resume is just a 1-2-3 page document but my ‘2 cents’ is it is not and this is why? 10 useful tips to help you prepare a wining resume:

1. Select a resume template that best describes the work you do:

You will find many resume templates on a click of a button but choosing the correct resume template is important.

• It should describe the work you do- just by a glance.
• Don’t be too experimental with the template.
• Its best to opt for a simple template unless you know for sure being experimental will give you the edge.

• Customize the resume template as per your requirement:

You could use the template as a structure but customize it as this is a product by you and not some stranger. Your resume should talk volumes about you (without you being in the same room).

• Make a list of key notes to cover in your resume:

Every often we get so consumed with the entire job application process we forget to include key information which was essential to be included.

• Prepare notes of key career landmarks
• Prepare notes of achievements
• Create a structure of presentation of information

• Let the resume talk for itself:

The resume is the first thing a recruiter gets to see before actually meeting you. With multiple prospective candidates and their resumes to review, how does your document stand out:

• Template you choose
• How you present the information
• Completeness
• Simple and easy to read
• No errors, No grammatic mistakes, No spelling mistakes
• The font you choose should be readable and as per business standard requirement.
• Keep it as brief as possible without eliminating key information

• Be Honest, Be Precise and Be Correct:

It is very easy to create a resume on the basis of what the recruiter expects but my ‘2 cents’ would be to be honest, be precise and be correct in the information mentioned in the resume. It’s the best policy and worth living up to.

• Add key words from the job description:

It is often noted that many recruiters while shortlisting the multiple job applications opt for filtering the resumes by a list of key words from the resume which match the job description. By adding these key words in your job application, it will definitely increase your probability of getting short-listed so long as the key words you have added are things you have actually worked upon and you are not just adding this information for the heck of it.

• Use data points:

If you are a marketing or sales professional who wants to show off some good numbers on your resume, then go ahead going so. Remember the person interviewing you is interested in data points and can get a quick glimpse of your many accomplishments.

• Maintain confidentiality:

This may seem obvious but quite often I have seen candidates mentioning confidential information in their resumes. This may seem trivial to you but could involve huge ramifications to the company you work for/ worked for. The information you mention on your resume needs to be public information and not something you will regret being published in the press the next day.

• Limit your use of jargons:

Although you may be tempted to use jargons to display your intellect but use it wisely. Don’t over do it and include jargons which are common knowledge otherwise the recruiter may perceive it incorrectly.

1. Full words/ Full sentences/ No short forms:

With technology taking a toll on our writing skills, this needs to be avoided while preparing a resume as you will only be perceived by the recruiter as being causal and dis-interested.

1. File specifications:

Submit the resume in the file specifications mentioned. If there are no specifications, then make sure you do the following:

• Correctly name the file with your full name.
• Convert the file into PDF if it’s a word file.

1. Digital resume

With the growing use of technology, many candidates are opting for the new way of resume. You could opt for a digital resume or a traditional resume, it is completely your choice but keep the above listed tips in mind.