A well made resume says a lot about the candidate. It is important to have a resume that is attractive yet professional because in most cases, whether you make it to the next round of the interview process or not usually depends on the overall appeal of your resume. That is because most HR professionals these days have a huge number of resumes to go through when short listing candidates for a job. They have the liberty of spending not more than a minute on each resume. The only way to stand out amidst such intense competition is to create a resume with substance and appeal. Here are a few tips on how to create a winning resume:
1. Never underestimate the importance of a cover letter
A cover letter gives a hiring manager a gist of what to expect in the next few pages. Formal language, proper grammar and punctuation helps you come across as candidate who is serious about the job.
2. Keep your resume short, sweet and professional
Many candidates make the mistake of assuming that all hiring managers want a resume that is at least ten pages long. On the other hand, hiring managers really do not have the time to read each and every word in your resume- so it makes sense to say what you want in as few pages as possible without making it look like you don’t have anything much to talk about. Also bear in mind that a resume should look professional and that’s why it’s best to stick to a maximum of two fonts in your resume. Remember to choose fonts that are easy to read and not harsh on the eyes. Stay away from fonts that appear over decorative with loops and curls.
3. Highlight all the important points
The best way to begin a resume is to start with your latest work experience and your present or latest job responsibilities. A hiring managers eyes are likely to merely skim over your resume, so highlighting the points such as work experience and educational qualifications that are instrumental to the job you are applying for, is very important. Highlighting a few relevant words in bold or italics will stand out.
4. Don’t forget your contact information and references
Sometimes candidates may have impressive resumes but the reason why they don’t get picked is because they leave out their personal contact information. It is best to place your contact information next or below your name so that the hiring manager or recruiter can see it clearly. References are also important as they lend a degree of credibility to your resume but it is enough to mention a maximum of two. Ensure that the full name, designation, organization and contact details of the referrers are mentioned.
5. Do not give any false information
As a candidate you may be tempted to give out false information so that you are called for an interview. However be warned that whatever you mention in your resume will come up for questioning by the interviewer panel. If you are unable to support any claim or a surprise background check proves that you made up certain information; it leaves a bad impression about you and you will most certainly not land the job. Stay truthful in your resume and avoid giving false information.
6. It never hurts to review your resume
Review your resume after your have written it. You may be surprised to find that there are grammatical or spelling errors or maybe even some important information which was left out. If you prefer to have an objective view, then ask a friend to go through it and to point out any shortcomings. Remember that you will most likely have just one chance to impress a recruiter, so make the most of it!
