How to Improve Your Resume
How to Improve Your Resume
Has it been a while since you updated your resume? We get it... but creating a quality, well-written resume that properly reflects who you are and summarizes your accomplishments can get you further than you might think. Putting effort into creating a great resume is worth it 100% of the time. But how do you create a great resume? Take a few tips from a hiring expert.
Tip #1: Formatting
“What should my resume look like?”
Forgo the Frills
Keep the design simple and sleek.
Unless you're applying for a graphic design career, adding multiple images or a visual skills breakdown can be distracting to the reader. Keep it simple.
Use Proper Spelling and Grammar
Proofread the content top to bottom, twice.
Improper grammar and spelling can quickly eliminate you from a large pool of candidates, especially if you are applying for a client-facing role. Ask two people with good writing skills to proofread your resume before hitting send!
Save as a PDF
Save and send your resume in PDF format.
Double check font sizes and spacing to ensure consistent formatting before you hit save.
Non-PDF formats can get corrupted when they are attached to emails or hiring portals.
Tip #2: Content
“What info should I include in my resume?”
Responsibilities Are NOT Results
Distinguish between accomplishments and responsibilities.
What was expected of you and what you achieved are not the same. Focus on your accomplishments and separately state the responsibilities that led to those outcomes.
Quantify Your Impact
Define your achievements with numbers and data.
For example, if you're in sales, instead of saying "exceeded annual quota," say, "exceeded annual quota by 40%."
Briefly Describe Past Employers
Provide a one-sentence summary for each employer.
Include the industry and type of product or service provided. This makes it easier for recruiters to quickly consider relevant, cross-over experiences.
Tip #3: Standing Out
““What can I do to ensure my resume gets noticed?””
Research and Insert Keywords
Use relevant keywords to define your skills.
If you found a company or role that piques your interest, look at the language they use in their job descriptions and on their website.
Use the same words to define your experiences.
Show Your Personality
Share some of your personal interests.
Companies are ultimately looking to hire 'real' people. Give the hiring manager a sense of who you are and what interests you.
Strike a balance between professional and playful.
Literally Stand Out
Engage with the hiring manager or HR after submitting your resume.
Your resume will stand out by making a connection with the human on the other end.
Send an email or DM on social media to reiterate your interest and learn more.
Resume DOs & DON’Ts
DO THIS
Do include a 1-sentence summary for each prior employer
Do insert relevant keywords used by your target company in the job description to define your skills and past experiences
Do quantify your progress and results (Ex: Exceeded Sales Quota by 40%)
Do ask two people to proofread for proper spelling and grammar
Do save it as a PDF file
Do follow up with the hiring manager via email or LinkedIn DM after resume submission to reiterate your interest
NOT THIS
Don't download your profile on LinkedIn or Indeed and consider it a finished resume
Don't use passive verbs if you had an active role on a project (Ex: Assisted or Supported vs. Managed)
Don't use too many graphics, font sizes, colors, or other unnecessary design details
Don't be too goofy when showing off your personality that you come across as unprofessional
Don't send an email attachment without first sending it to yourself and ensuring formatting is not corrupted upon download