Creating a standout resume involves a combination of strategic content, clear formatting, and personalized touches. Here are key elements to consider:
1. Tailored Content
- Customise each application for each job that you apply for: Tailor your resume for the specific job you’re applying for by highlighting relevant skills, experiences, and achievements.
- Keywords: Use keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through applicant selection.
2. Strong Summary Statement
- Concise and Impactful: Start with a summary that clearly states who you are, your key skills, and what you bring to the table.
- Unique Selling Proposition: Highlight your unique skills and experiences that differentiate you from other candidates.
3. Quantifiable Achievements
- Metrics: Depending on the type of job you are applying for you can use numbers to quantify your achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%,” “Managed a team of 10”).
- Results-Oriented: Focus on the impact of your work, not just your responsibilities.
4. Relevant Experience
- Chronological Order: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job.
- Focus on Relevance: Emphasize experiences that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
5. Skills Section
- Technical and Soft Skills: Include a mix of both technical skills and soft skills that are relevant to the job.
- Proficiency Levels: Indicate your proficiency level for each skill.
6. Professional Formatting
- Clean Design: Use a clean, professional layout with consistent formatting.
- Easy to Read: Use bullet points, adequate white space, and a readable font size (10-12 points).
7. Education and Certifications
- Relevant Education: List your highest degree first and include relevant coursework if it pertains to the job.
- Certifications: Include certifications that are pertinent to the job or industry.
8. Professional Development
- Continuous Learning: Highlight any ongoing professional development, such as courses, workshops, or seminars.
- Professional Memberships: Include memberships in relevant professional organizations.
9. Awards and Recognitions
- Industry Awards: List any awards or recognitions that are relevant to your profession.
- Company Recognitions: Mention any special acknowledgments from past employers.
10. Proof of Performance
- LinkedIn Recommendations: If you have a Linkedin profile, include a link to your LinkedIn profile, especially if you have strong recommendations.
- Portfolio: For creative roles, link to an online portfolio showcasing your work.
11. Contact Information
- Up-to-Date: Ensure your contact information is current and professional.
- Professional Email: Use a professional email address (avoid nicknames or unprofessional handles).
12. Extra Sections (if applicable)
- Volunteer Work: Include relevant volunteer experiences that demonstrate skills or character.
- Languages: List any additional languages you speak, especially if bilingualism is an asset for the job.
- Hobbies: Mention hobbies only if they are relevant to the job or industry.
13. Proofreading
- Error-Free: Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors.
- Third-Party Review: Have someone else review your resume to catch mistakes you might have missed.
By incorporating these elements, you can create a resume that stands out to potential employers and effectively showcases your qualifications and experiences.
