You just don’t wake up and think that you are going to write the best resume your potential employers have ever seen. An excellent resume calls for preparation and practice. Keep in mind that employers receive hundreds if not thousands of resumes for job positions, and so, it is important to set yourself apart by providing a good resume. Of course, you can possess the ability to write an outstanding resume should you put the time and effort into it, however, some people may also opt for a resume writing service in order to have their resume (or sometimes even multiple resumes) written in the most suitable format for the positions they’re applying for. The increased popularity of social media platforms like LinkedIn makes people question whether resumes are still relevant. Even with the changing times, the answer is still Yes. For most firms, resumes are the core of job applications and are used along with cover letters to show why candidates are suited for the position. That said, here are some tips on creating an ideal resume.

Include Contact Information

This may seem obvious, but I will state it as it’s very crucial to allow yourself to be contacted. The best ways for potential employers to reach you is by looking up contact information on your resume. Don’t include addresses. Times have changed. Instead, include a professional email address and your LinkedIn URL. Also, put your contact information at the top, bold your name and save the resume file using your first and last name in order to make it easier for the recruiters to find it.

Be Consistent with your Format

One of the common mistakes that job applicants do is using varying formats on their resume. Keep in mind that that’s the first thing the employer will see and if it’s not uniform, they might not even read it as it portrays unprofessionalism. Ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout. Use clear headings or titles to make it easy for the recruiter to navigate the page. Use bullet points rather than paragraphs for the descriptions as it makes it easy to read when the recruiter has just a few seconds to go through the resume.

Quality, not Quantity

As mentioned earlier, employers receive hundreds of resumes and may not have adequate time to read everything included. As such, it is advisable only to include experiences that you deem relevant to the job. Focus on previous employment, but only if it can show experience that’s significant to the position you are applying for. Don’t go beyond two pages and the descriptions of your most relevant and recent jobs should be the longest.

Summarize your Skills and Forget the Objectives

A career objective was almost mandatory on a resume a few years back. However, that is not the case today. Instead, follow your target position title with a ‘Unique Value Proposition’ or ‘Performance Summary’ that showcases the skills that you have to offer and relate to the recruiter’s needs. You want to be honest, but also creative in showcasing your skills, knowledge, and experience. Just jot down three to six lines that show your ability to meet the requirements posted in the job posting. By addressing these things upfront and citing the key terms they use, you confirm that you understand the job, and therefore likely to get an interview for the position.

Adapting the Resume to the Target Audience

It is always advisable to tailor your resume, including the titles and descriptions, to the position that you are applying for. Before you send out your resume, it is wise to research the company and the job position. Create a master resume, which will show your education, skills, and experience. When the time comes to apply for a new position, your job will just be customizing the document to reflect the priorities stressed by the company for a particular job position, using language that is similar to theirs. If you feel less than confident then perhaps consider a resume writing service like this from arielle.com.au

Utilize Action Verbs in Order to Cause Action

It’s also creative to start with strong action verbs that best describe your achievements, accomplishments, and responsibilities. Remember to state the most important and impressive descriptions first. Some examples include:

-Secured $10M in funding to save crucial programs

-Exceeded annual sales plan by 15%

Avoid using passive phrases like:

-Was on a team that created a new-time saving initiative.

Passive phrases just showcase unprofessionalism.

Proofread!

Last but not least, it is essential to go through your resume before submitting. If possible, ask a close friend or family member to proofread the document. It’s not uncommon for recruiters to toss away resumes just after catching the smallest grammar or spelling mistake. An outsider’s perspective can come in handy when creating a resume.