In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is crucial to stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing your dream job. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best tips for writing a resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers and highlight your qualifications in an effective way.
Include a Strong LinkedIn Profile
Research has shown that candidates with compelling LinkedIn profiles have a higher chance of securing job positions. Hiring managers are looking for detailed work experiences and job descriptions, rather than the “bare-bones” profiles that can be set up in five minutes. This component is particularly relevant for candidates seeking entry-level positions.
Utilize Keywords
Applicant tracking systems often scan resumes for keywords to filter out potential candidates. Shockingly, most applicants only include around 51% of the necessary keywords. To overcome this issue, you can use online word cloud generators. These tools help identify key words in a job description and enable you to incorporate them more naturally into your resume for a specific role.
Highlight Relevant Skills
Research indicates that candidates typically include only 60% of the required hard skills and 28% of the necessary soft skills. To address this problem, refer to resources such as CNBC's "10 Most In-Demand Soft Skills" to identify the relevant skills that match the job description. Emphasizing both hard and soft skills will showcase your suitability for the role. Check out these five tips on how to highlight your experience on your resume.
Include Measurable Results
Including quantifiable data in your resume can significantly enhance its impact. Surprisingly, 36% of resumes lack any measurable results, while only 26% include five or more quantitative results. To stand out, utilize the X-Y-Z Resume Bullet Point Formula:
Resume Bullet Point Formula
This formula allows hiring managers to differentiate your achievements from those of other applicants.
Optimal Resume Length
The ideal resume length falls between 475-600 words. To ensure your resume is concise and to the point, use a word count tool and focus on relevant keywords specific to the job you are applying for. In the case that you have extensive experience and accolades, you may exceed the word count slightly, but only include the most relevant details and experiences.
Avoid Cliches and Buzzwords
Overused phrases and buzzwords like "creative" and "open-minded" add little value to your resume. Instead, focus on selling your experiences and qualifications. To avoid these common mistakes, search for examples of cliches online and compare them to your resume. Remove any matching terms if necessary.
Proofread Meticulously
To ensure your resume is polished and error-free, meticulously proofread it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Choose a clean and easy-to-read font like Times New Roman or Arial for optimal readability. Additionally, consider asking a friend, mentor, or career counselor to review your resume for a fresh perspective and valuable feedback.
Use a Strong Design and Formatting
To create a visually appealing and easy-to-read resume, prioritize a strong design and formatting. Employ clear headings to structure your content and improve navigation. Avoid cluttering your resume by incorporating ample white space, allowing your key information to stand out. Maintain a consistent and professional appearance by utilizing a uniform font, font size, and spacing throughout your document.
Get a Head Start with REMSYS
Did you know that REMSYS can help you put these resume tips into action? You can create your free account here to get started. You will be able to add your skills and experiences to your resume with AI generative formatting!
Writing an effective resume requires careful attention to detail and strategic planning. By incorporating these best tips, such as including a strong LinkedIn profile, utilizing keywords, highlighting relevant skills, including measurable results, optimizing resume length, and avoiding cliches and buzzwords, you can create a resume that stands out to hiring managers. Remember, your resume is your first impression, so make it count!