Resume Building: Tips and Tricks
When applying for your next position, remember that a resume is your first impression, and first impressions can make or break an opportunity. When you meet someone, they say that people can formulate an opinion about you in the first 20 seconds, when applying for a job it’s even quicker. The average hiring manager looks at a resume for six seconds before deciding on next steps - so it’s important to think of your resume as a marketing tool for yourself.
Our recruiters see hundreds of resumes a week, so we put together our best tips and tricks for resume building:
Tailor your resume to the position you’re applying for; this is the most important piece of advice we can give. Just as you would edit the cover letter based on the job you're applying for, it is equally important to edit your resume. It may be time consuming, but in our experience it is well worth the effort. The first method of resume tailoring is to research the company and read the job description in detail. By doing so you should be able to draw exactly what they are looking for in a candidate, and reflect those qualifications in your resume. On the same note, be sure to incorporate keywords from the job description in your resume. For example, a recruiter may be looking for a developer with Git and Bootstrap experience. If applicable, it is crucial that you list these tools by name in your resume and what you did with them. Not only does this make it easy to identify you as a qualified candidate, but it should open areas for you to expand on during the interview.
When it comes to resume design there is only one question that matters: is it easy to read? It needs to be, so if it’s not here's what you need to do. Use an uncluttered, organized template (a great place to find free resume templates is Canva, but a google search will bring you dozens of online options), and clearly define your sections for easy reading. When it comes to font and color, keep it pretty basic. If you’re applying for a creative opportunity you can take some liberty with the aesthetics to show you have an eye for design, but don’t get crazy, your portfolio should do a great job of showcasing your talent. Lastly, keep it short and sweet. As mentioned before, employers are reading these resumes at light speed so be sure to cut the fat. Only include the most relevant experience and try to limit your resume to one page. That may be a stretch for more senior applicants but it is a pretty solid rule of thumb.
Content and design are the two main components of building a resume but certainly not the only areas that can add to a resume. Check out our full list of tips and tricks below:
Be sure to use tenses that match throughout your entire resume. You never want to start in the present tense and then suddenly switch to the past tense. You also want to avoid describing yourself in third person.
Always keep your typography and format consistent. For example, make sure you have both the year and month when you start and finish a position.
Use action words at the beginning of sentences and describe how you used a certain technology, tool or skill in each job; developed, implemented, directed, etc.
Write the job details in bullet form. This will make your resume easier to read and navigate.
Be clear and concise with everything you write. Minimize the number of bullet points for each job; there is no need to include every single detail, just include the relevant points.
List more of what you’ve accomplished and how you helped the business, opposed to everyday responsibilities. Future employers typically like to see the impact you had on other companies, so they can have a better understanding of what you could bring to theirs.
Lastly; proofread, proofread, PROOFREAD! Read it twice, send it to a friend or colleague to review, then read it again. Grammar and spelling mistakes on a resume is a step in the wrong direction. If you’re qualified for the position don’t let an editing mistake take you out of the running.
So remember; keep it short, keep it organized, and tailor your resume. When you land that interview, check out how to stand out from the other candidates, and nail it. Good luck on your job hunt! You got this.