Writing a resume is the kind of document that can get an employer interested or sent to the recycle garbage can in a matter of seconds. But to achieve the former, you need to know a few basic rules and tricks to make your resume stand out and appealing. Okay, you’ve got me, I’ll tell you about them now.
Start with a strong profile
Employers spend an average of 6-10 seconds on the first read of a resume. So the topmost block, the profile or personal information, should instantly pique interest. Here you should tell about yourself in a few sentences, emphasizing your key qualities, relevant experience and perhaps a special motivation. Feel free to be concise and confident. For example, “Experienced sales manager with five years of experience in e-commerce, specializing in increasing sales through building long-term customer relationships.” Sounds solid already, right?
Avoid generic phrases like “responsible” or “proactive” – these qualities are implied but rarely emphasized. It’s better to focus on specific accomplishments and experience. Emphasize that you are unique and know what it takes to get the job done.
Structure the text
The resume should be clear and structured, like an instruction manual for assembling furniture. Use basic blocks: contact information, work experience, education, skills, accomplishments. The employer should not search for the necessary information throughout the text. Everything should be clear at a glance.
Each block is specific data without “water”. For example, in the section “Work experience” do not just write the name of the company and position, but describe what you were responsible for and what you have achieved. A good example: “Product Manager, ABC Corp. – developed a go-to-market strategy for the product, increasing conversion rates by 25% in six months.”
A bulleted list can make text easy to read quickly. For example:
- Developed and implemented a digital marketing strategy, increasing website traffic by 30%.
- Organized training for the team, increasing efficiency by 20%.
- Worked with clients, resolving their queries 20% faster than average.
A bulleted list structures the text and draws attention to key points, helping to make the resume visually pleasing.
Describe accomplishments, not just responsibilities
It’s important to not just list what you were responsible for, but to show results. The goal of a resume is not only to make it clear that you skillfully performed the duties, but that you made a real contribution to the company. Instead of the boring “was responsible for sales”, you can write “increased sales by 15% in the first quarter of 2023 by developing personalized offers”.
Specific numbers and percentages are what will set you apart from other candidates. If you don’t have numbers, try focusing on qualitative results. For example: “Optimized department workflows, which reduced time on task and increased productivity.”
Make sure the skills match the position
Skills is the one section that often gets wasted when it lists too much or too little. First of all, read the job description and make sure your skills match the requirements. You don’t want to write about all of them if they have nothing to do with your job.
If you’re applying for a data analyst position, your “public speaking” or “social media” skills won’t help much. But Excel, Python, and the ability to work with large data sets are important. Pick three or four skills that are maximally relevant and emphasize them.
Emphasize visual appeal
Visual structure also plays a big role in the perception of a resume. Avoid text overload and strange fonts – employers prefer simplicity and brevity. It’s best if the text is in a standard font like Arial or Calibri, using bullet points and subheadings.
Add some air – leave margins and line spacing. Such a document is easier to read and easier to find the right points. If you want to stand out, use infographics or colored elements for sections, but without excess – everything should be strict and neat.
Don’t forget about the cover letter
A resume is all about dry facts, but a cover letter is an opportunity to show your more human side. In it, you can describe why you’re interested in this particular position and how you see yourself in the company. For example: “I have always enjoyed working with clients and achieving goals, especially when I see how our joint project brings concrete results. That’s why I was attracted to your position, because I believe I can bring a new perspective and possibly fresh ideas to the team.”
A cover letter can help you build rapport with the employer before the interview and show your interest and professional approach.