Job hunting can be a stressful, frustrating grind with no end in sight. While we cannot control our future employers, coworkers, or the job market, we can take charge of our resume and make it the best it can be!
How and what you include on that resume determines employment. With these resume do’s and don’ts, you can be sure to start landing those interviews!
Do: Use keywords, delete extras
Weave the keywords from the job description or posting into your resume in the order given in the job posting. The most important words usually equate to skills or traits the employer or company looks for; these are listed first.
Say goodbye to any skill or work experience that does not correlate directly to the job posting. Portray yourself in the best light –the more quality experience, the better.
Do: Use headers that highlight your experience
Use headers showcasing relevant experiences tailored to the job you want. Examples include “relevant marketing experience,” “leadership experience,” or “community engagement.” These headers can cover career transitions and gaps if your work history is out of order. It puts more focus on the work rather than the timing.
If you have relevant certifications, online education, or workshops you’ve attended, add those. This all counts as experience!
Don’t: Include old or irrelevant job history
It’s not that all your professional history is irrelevant or nonimportant, but certain accomplishments could be better suited to the job you’re currently applying for than others. For instance, if you have a university degree, a high school diploma is irrelevant. If there isn’t a direct link or connection between your past experiences and the job you want, let them go.
With the left-over space, underneath your job title, include one or two bullet points using action verbs that illustrate your accomplishments with details and facts. We also recommend cutting information that highlights responsibilities rather than accomplishments. Feel free to add numbers, stats, or anything else that showcases your productivity.
Don’t: Stress over resume objective statements
“Seeks employment in a competitive, but welcoming environment” is an example of an objective statement found at the top of a resume. It tells prospective employers nothing about you or your qualifications.
Instead of a statement, include an “About Me” or summary statement. Be sure to integrate the very same vocabulary the job description or posting uses in your statement. A summary statement conveniently covers up career gaps or transitions.
Example: Multimedia journalist with a passion for community-oriented, nuanced storytelling who faces challenges with a calm, resolute demeanor and is comfortable working under the pressure of tight deadlines.
Don’t: Keep repeating yourself
Make sure each experience highlights your best and most unique accomplishments in that position. You don’t need two jobs listed if you plan to highlight similar skills, so focus on quality over quantity.
Can’t part with all your experience? Providing links to your online portfolio and LinkedIn profile on your resume is a great way to showcase your other accomplishments.
Don’t: Rely on headshots
Unless the job description specifically asks for one, delete it. Showcase your skills and experience in the resume. Save your charm and smiles for the interview.
Feel free to add your headshot to your LinkedIn profile!
Don’t: Get distracted by distracting fonts
Application tracking systems, a software application that sorts through resumes, cannot read fancy fonts. Using a teeny font to try and fit more information on the resume isn’t a hack, but a headache for HR.
Stick to easy-to-read and simple fonts in a readable size. There are more than Times New Roman out there! Arial or Garamond also work!
Don’t: Put 10+ skills in a list
Don’t list your skills in the bulleted sections under your work experience.
Instead, skills should receive their own section. Stick to five to ten skills that are relevant to the job description: More isn’t better in this instance, more is just more to read for the recruiter.
Don’t: Go long
Stick to one page. Recruiters and hiring teams have a lot of people to consider, typically spending 10 seconds scanning a resume. You want your resume to be clear, concise, and consistent.
The only exception to this rule is for those in academia, PhD programs, or a professional with 15 or more years of experience.
Don’t: Use acronyms and abbreviations
Application tracking systems do not read acronyms or abbreviations. While acronyms are a hard no, bullet points are a must. Bullet points are easy to read, scan, and find information quickly.