Resume writing is an important task that will determine the job you will land up in. A resume communicates the applicant's qualifications, abilities and experiences to the prospective employer. The recruiter tries to judge the potential of the job seeker from his resume. Hence, the resume has to be the true reflection of the job seeker to help him gain the interview call. Find below some useful instructions to build your own resume that presents you in the best light to the employer.
Research
- Research the market to determine the latest trends and developments in the job market and in your field. Try to incorporate these updates within your resume.
- Note down all the details you wish to mention in the resume. Shortlist the ones that are important and relevant to the job opening and include them
Outline and Presentation
- Select the most appropriate format of resume writing amongst chronological, functional, combination or target resume.
- Every resume is divided in 5 main aspects. Put down the contents under these sections namely objective, experience, educational qualifications, personal details and references.
- Make use of bullets to categorize and present different contents in points. Avoid writing in passages.
- Ensure proper alignment, spacing, highlights, font style and size while writing the resume.
Header:
- The header includes your name and contact details. However, do not put the title as resume before the header. Title is not required.
- Write the name in bold font that catches the attention of the reader first. Below, include address, email id and telephone no. as contact details in the usual font.
Resume Objective
- The actual resume should start with the objective. Place it just below header in a prominent way under the title objective.
- The objective should be in the form of one sentence that summarizes together your career goal, your expectations from the job and how you wish to contribute towards the organization.
Experience
- The experience section should come just after the objective section as per the commonly accepted format. However, in case of students resume or resumes of those with experience in diverse fields, place it below the qualification section.
- Write the experience section in reverse order, starting from your current job.
- This section should include the designation, organization name, duration and the job duties.
- Use action words like prepared, supervised, determined, trained etc to describe the responsibilities handled by you in previous organizations.
Educational Qualification
- State the qualifications in tabular form, sentence form or in points.
- Include the name of the university, qualifications gained, year of passing and grades.
- You can also include any certifications done or seminars attended during your course of study.
Achievements
- Mention the professional achievements before the educational achievements. Moreover, give prominence to the accomplishments that are latest or relevant to the job you are applying for.
- Do not write the achievements section if the resume length exceeds the norm.
Personal Details
- Include details like hobbies, marital status, age, family background etc.
- Avoid including this section if it lengthens your resume.
Salary
- Do not mention your expectations regarding compensation in the resume.
- Discuss about your salary only during the interview.
Proof Reading
- Evaluate the resume on your own and analyze how the applicant comes across to the employer.
- The resume should be such that the applicant's profile should correspond with the needs and requirements of the job you are applying for.
- Look out for any mistakes or errors in the resume. Correct them before sending it across to the employer.
Chase your dreams and gain the job you have always wanted. Follow the instructions to build your own resume and be ready to receive the interview call you were waiting for.
