Writing a Resume: Tips to Get the Job of Your Dreams

Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of you, making it a crucial tool in your job search. Crafting a strong resume in English can significantly increase your chances of landing amazing job interviews and ultimately securing the job of your dreams. But, is there a guide for writing a resume? Tips, suggestions and must-do lists surely abound, but they can also be overwhelming.

That is why, in this article, we will provide you with 12 valuable, tried-and-true pointers for every section of your resume in English.

Are you ready?

 

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Writing a Resume: Tips for Customising Your CV

Do you want to stand out from the crowd? Here are some tips on how to write a resume that feels fresh and unique:

1.   Pick out a job field before you start writing the resume

Don’t do a resume until you know what kind of job you want to get! It’s bound to be a waste of time. Before you begin writing your resume, identify the specific job field or industry you are targeting and make sure you understand the requirements and expectations of your desired role. This will allow you to tailor your resume to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences.

2.   Customise the style of your resume for specific jobs

Avoid the pitfall of using a generic, one-look-fits-all resume. Instead, try different fonts, layouts and formats to match the job you’re applying for. For example, if you are applying for a more creative role, make sure your resume looks creative and dynamic. If, on the other hand, you are applying for a more technical job, use a cleaner and simpler design.

3.   Use a tailored resume header

The header of your resume should be customised to reflect the target position. Include a professional summary or objective statement that concisely communicates your career goals and how you can contribute to the organization. Tailoring your resume header instantly captures the attention of employers and shows them that you’re a perfect fit.

4.   Don’t be afraid to be unique

Your resume is not a standard template, so feel free to be creative and showcase your unique skills. Incorporate relevant volunteer work or other ventures that emphasise your exceptional qualities and make you stand out from the crowd. Just remember to remain professional and don’t go overboard with unnecessary details.

Writing a Resume: Tips on What to Include

Are you unsure about what to include? Here are some essential tips on what information should be featured in your resume:

5.   Share relevant aspects of your career history

If you’re wondering how to write a resume in English, there’s one basic tip that cannot be overstated: Instead of going over every job you’ve ever had, highlight the experiences and accomplishments that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Emphasising positions, projects, and responsibilities that demonstrate your expertise will help you meet your potential employer’s needs.

6.   Highlight top career achievements

Employers appreciate measurable results, as they provide a clear understanding of your capabilities. So, don’t be shy. Include specific achievements and results that demonstrate your impact and value in previous roles. Use metrics and numbers whenever possible to provide tangible evidence of your accomplishments. Giving value to your work and past contributions will surely help you come across as a responsible professional.

7.   Include keywords that relate to the target position and audience

Tailor your resume by incorporating keywords and phrases from the job description. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords, so optimising your resume with industry-specific terminology can increase your chances of getting noticed by both ATS and human recruiters.

For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position, keywords like “customer relations,” “client support,” and “empathy” should be included as often as possible.

8.   Include verifiable references

At the end of your resume, it is customary to mention that references are available upon request. But be careful. Though you won’t always be asked to provide contact information of former employers, it’s best to have them ready in case you are. So, whatever you do, do not include a list of references without first getting permission from each referee.

Instead, indicate that your references are available on request and get in touch with them before you submit your resume. This shows the employer that you have taken the time to make sure those contacts are aware and prepared to provide an accurate picture of who you are professionally.

Writing a Resume: Tips on What to Avoid

As important (or perhaps, more important!) than knowing what to include in your resume, is knowing what to avoid:

9.   Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors

This may seem like an obvious point but, believe us: any guide on how to write a resume should include a plea to avoid mistakes. Spelling and grammar errors can be seen as evidence of carelessness and are enough for most employers to toss your resume in the trash. So, take care to proofread and double-check your resume before you submit it. You should utilise grammar-checking tools and ask an English-speaking friend or colleague to review it as well.

10.   Unnecessary personal information

Do potential employers really need to know your age, marital status and religious beliefs? Absolutely not. Make sure to keep personal information out of your resume and focus instead on the skills and attributes that are pertinent to the job. You’ll only be doing yourself a favour: Sharing unnecessary personal information can lead to bias or discrimination, and that’s not something we want at such an early stage (or ever!).

11.   Passive sentences

Passive sentences can make your resume sound dull and less impactful. Use action verbs to show employers that you are a go-getter! For example, “I handled customer complaints” sounds much better than “Customer complaints were handled”. This will help you demonstrate your proactivity and engagement in your previous roles!

12.   A ‘Hobbies and Interests’ section

While it’s important to present yourself as a well-rounded individual, including a ‘Hobbies and Interests’ section is generally unnecessary unless it directly relates to the job or demonstrates a valuable skill. Instead, utilise the limited space in your resume to emphasise your professional qualifications.

Writing a Resume: Tips on Style

Content is king, but that doesn’t mean style doesn’t matter. Here are a few style-related tips on how to write a resume:

13.   Let the resume be storytelling in nature

Craft your resume to tell a compelling story of your professional journey. Connect your experiences, skills, and achievements in a logical flow that showcases your growth and capabilities. This narrative approach can captivate potential employers and make your resume memorable.

14.   Make it easy to read

By the time they get to your resume, recruiters will have probably read dozens of files, and they may be tired. So, avoid large blocks of text and use white space effectively to enhance readability. A well-structured resume is easier to navigate and allows key information to stand out. Use bullet points, headings, and subheadings to organise information clearly.

15.    Presentation matters

Pay attention to the overall presentation of your resume. Ensure consistent formatting, proper alignment, and a clean design. Use bold or italic fonts selectively to highlight key details, such as section headings or job titles. A visually appealing resume creates a positive impression and reflects your attention to detail. It may seem like a superfluous point, but if a recruiter had to choose between two equally solid candidates, we can assure you that the one with the better presentation will get the job.

16.    Do research on current resume trends and practices

Stay up to date with the latest trends and best practices in resume writing. Research industry-specific resume formats and design elements that are relevant to your target job. By aligning your resume with current standards, you demonstrate your adaptability and your commitment to staying on top of what’s trending in the job market.

Which of these tips on how to write a resume do you find most helpful? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

Writing an English resume that effectively showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements is essential for landing the job of your dreams.

By following the tips outlined in this article, you can customize your resume, highlight relevant information, avoid common pitfalls, and present yourself in a compelling and professional manner.

Remember, your resume is your ticket to securing job interviews in the English market, so invest time and effort into crafting a strong and tailored document that impresses potential employers.

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