As you might be aware that resume plays a vital role to get yourself shortlisted for a position in a company. But not every time you apply turns out to be in your favor, even though you might be a highly deserving candidate to work for them, you might get rejected just because your resume wasn't able to deliver the right information the manager has been looking for.
In fact, using essential key elements in your resume can help you to stand out from other applicants. You might either create your own resume (if you are confident to do so!) or purchase the right resume template from someone who has great expertise in creating them for as low as $6. Don't worry if you're searching for perfect templates I will show you the right one to buy.
In this blog, I will be talking about the ways in which you can improve your design and writing skills to make it unique. It will be more helpful if you know the basics of creating a resume, if not then nothing to worry about I will make a quick overview on what to include in it.
Anyways let's get started.
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1. Discover what type of resume you need?
The first thing you need to consider is what type of resume you need. You might be a beginner or an experienced in some field, depending upon skills and proficiency every resume has different sections. Not all resumes are the same! You need to choose the right format, whether it could be a chronological, functional/skill-based, or combination resume. If you want me to describe these in brief then here it is-
Chronological Resume: This type of resume is used by someone who has years of experience. Starting from the recent one you need to list your experiences and achievements in reverse order. These types of resumes are mostly preferred by HR. Given below is the best example of a chronological resume made by zippypixels, get it on Envato Elements
Functional or Skill-based Resume: As the name says, a functional resume focuses on strengths and skills, rather than work experiences. This kind of resume best suits someone who is new to the job market or wants to switch their profession to a new industry. If you want to know how to write a functional resume then visit ResumeGenius written by Conrad Benz (Resume Expert)
Combination Resume: Also known as a hybrid resume, combines both chronological and functional resume formats which highlight both skills and work experiences. Although it is only used in some situations, for e.g., you might be wanted to change your career or have a gap in between your work record and so on. If you're looking for one then this could be an option to go for, available on Etsy.
If you like to acquire more details, then visit Minnesota State site for further information on these resumes.
2. What to include in your resume?
If you know what to write on your resume then you can skip this part. I will just give a brief info on what to mention in your resume.
Name & Contact Information: The first thing to mention is your name, phone number, email address, your location, and if possible add your online portfolio like LinkedIn or a similar website. Keep in mind that your name should be the title so that it can be easily identified.
Objective or Summary: Include a great one or two-sentence short description of who you are, and what you're qualified for. If you are just a graduate then you can include your goals and what you're looking for.
Level of Education: This field tells about what you are certified in, your education qualification, and so on.
Professional Experience: This is the important section to show off your experiences. Mention your most recent job experiences, your projects, and more. You don't need to show all of it, just mention those which is relevant to the field you're applying for.
Skills: This field showcases your skills developed in years, it could be your soft/hard skills, your technical knowledge, etc.
References (optional): This is just an optional, in a few cases employers ask about references, and you need to include the contact information of those people who knows you very well and can describe you.
I would recommend you to visit Augustana University's website to get more details if you have no idea what to write in these fields.
(Tip: While creating your resume try to keep it simple and only add relevant information that will be helpful for the employers to easily skim.)
Clean design template available on GetLanded store on Etsy.
Simple and modern resume template, available on GetLanded store on Etsy.
3. Choosing the right font.
Mostly serif and sans-serif fonts are used in resumes. As mentioned earlier resume should be easily skimmable, recruiters take about a few seconds to scan your resume, so you need to keep it clear and concise by using simple but elegant fonts. Avoid using light fonts that are hard to read, also keep in mind that the font size will be around 10 to 12 points.
These fonts are mostly preferred to create a resume:
Times New Roman
Arial
Garamond
Helvetica
Calibri
Georgia
Cambria
4. Go for a visually appealing design
Now, this point is only for those who are applying for a different set of industries like graphic designing or marketing, where we use our own creativity. In order to stand out from the rest of the applicants, you can use a different set of styles, like infographics to showcase your experiences and creativity.
For people who are applying for standard industry sticking to the traditional style of resume is advisable. Since recruiters don't focus on the visual appearance of the resume instead they search for specific skills. There is a slight drawback to using an infographic resume, i.e., most recruiters use software to scan these documents and in a few cases, the computer fails to extract text from the documents.
Although it does make your resume captivating but it is not necessary to use this method.
Here is what a creative resume looks like. Created by ikonome, available on Envato Elements.
Another example of a creative template, created by jiwstudio.
5. Usage of numbers and action verbs
Using of action verbs helps your resume look positive and highlights important aspects or achievements. Avoid using passive verbs as it might make your strength and potency look less valuable. Action words help to keep your tone positive in such a way that it tells everything in a confident manner and enthralls the reader's attention. A few examples of action words are advised, compiled, established, resolved, etc.
Use numbers wherever feasible like describing in percentages and so on.
For more action verbs and how to use them visit novoresume site.
These are the fine tips that can make your resume look better and more prominent than others. Let's summarize what we have comprehended.
Choosing the right resume format.
Including name and contact information
Choosing the right font and its size.
Using creative templates for designers or marketers.
Using Numbers and action verbs.
Other than this there are a few more points that I would like to include like margin size - for a standard resume, giving one-inch space on each side will be feasible and for a creative resume, you can reduce the margin a little bit but should not be less than a half inch.
And another query you might have in your mind is whether to include a photo or not? It depends upon your geography, the company you are applying for. It's not essential to include photo unless you have been asked to do so. Some countries like the USA, UK doesn't allow to include photo due to anti-discrimination and labour laws. But in some countries it's necessary to include a photo of yourself. If you are from those countries which have option then I will suggest to not include a photo since it doesn't matters much.
On average recruiters get dozens of applications and resume every day and only a few of them get qualified for the post. But if you follow the right methods and formats you can surely be in one of them.
Hope this post helped you to improve your resume, if it does then do share it with your colleagues.
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