Do's and Don'ts of Resume Writing

A resume is a document that summarises your work experience, education, and skills. Potential employers use it to assess your qualifications for a job. A well-written resume can help you land your dream job, while a poorly written resume can hurt your chances of getting an interview. Here are some do's and don'ts of resume writing:

Here are some do's and don'ts of resume writing

Resume Writing Do’s

Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
Use keywords throughout your resume. When you apply for a job online, your resume will likely be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for keywords relevant to the position. Ensure to include keywords throughout your resume so that a human recruiter will see your resume.
Use strong action verbs. When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs to highlight your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying, “I was responsible for managing a team of 10 people,” say, “I led a team of 10 people to achieve a 15% increase in sales.”
Quantify your results. Whenever possible, quantify your results. For example, instead of saying, “I increased sales,” say, “I increased sales by 15%.” As a result, hiring managers will understand the impact of your work.
Use white space. A well-formatted resume is easy to read. Use white space to break up your text and make your resume more visually appealing.
Proofread carefully. Typos and grammatical errors will make you look unprofessional. Make sure to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it to potential employers.

“Recruiters often filter Resumes by Job Titles and Keywords”

Resume Application Filter ATS - Using Keywords

Resume Writing Don’ts:

Don’t use a template. While resume templates can be a useful starting point, don’t use a too generic template. If you use a template for your resume make sure it is unique to you and your qualifications.
Don’t lie or exaggerate. It is essential, to be honest and accurate on your resume. Lying or exaggerating your skills or experience will only hurt you in the long run.
Don’t use too much jargon. Jargon is a technical language specific to a particular industry or field. If you use jargon on your resume, ensure the hiring manager will understand it.
Don’t use all caps. Using all caps is considered shouting and is unprofessional.
Don’t use a lot of colours or graphics. A resume should be easy to read. Avoid using too many colours or graphics, as they can make your resume difficult to scan.
Don’t put your social media handles on your resume. Social media can be a great way to connect with potential employers, but putting your social media handles on your resume is inappropriate.