Dos and Don’ts of Writing a Resume

Earlier in one of our blogs, we discussed the purpose and essential properties of an effective resume. While writing a resume can be a daunting task, keeping an eye on gaffes that could potentially affect our chances of getting the job we’re applying for is another challenge. So, let’s explore a few more common blunders we often make while writing a resume and how to avoid them.

Firstly, personalize your resume for each job application, which should reflect your genuine interest in the opportunity. Read and understand the job description for the specific job, and customize the resume as per the requirements of the role.

Subsequently, use an immaculate and professional format and prefer readable fonts such as Cambria, Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, keeping the font size consistent between 10 and 12. Organize the information by highlighting the headings and using bullet points for the content, and keep the content transparent and succinct. 

As we know, most organizations utilize ATS (Application Tracking System) for easy screening of resumes. To get parsed through it hassle-free, adding relevant keywords mentioned in the job description to the resume is important and enhances the possibility of getting shortlisted.

Additionally, use strong action verbs wherever possible, which will make your resume more appealing and powerful. 

Including irrelevant or personal information like marital status, family background, etc., using unprofessional or personal email addresses, and adding nicknames should be strictly avoided.

Don’t use phrases and words that are repeated, which occupy valuable space. Also, avoid mentioning salary information in the resume, which cuts down on your chances of negotiating later on.

Eliminate the usage of negative words such as “fired,” “terminated” and “unemployed.” Emphasize more on an optimistic way of expressing past experiences, and most importantly, don’t forget to update the resume on a regular basis.