How can your résumé catch a recruiter’s eye? What experiences should you include? Navigating the competitive job market and landing the role you want is tough – and a résumé done right is where it starts.
Crafting a standout résumé has become more crucial than ever in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re just starting out on your career path or contemplating a shift to a new field, mastering the art of résumé writing is essential for standing out from the crowd.
Alaya’s very own Talent Acquisition Specialist, Suraj Ban, is here to share invaluable insights into crafting a standout résumé that captures the attention of both Applicant Tracking Software algorithms and human recruiters. Let’s dive into Suraj’s top five résumé writing tips:
Tip 1: Keep It Simple And Clear
It’s important to keep your résumé easy to read and understand. Use bullet points to organise your information neatly and avoid overwhelming paragraphs. Stick to a clear and consistent format with straightforward language. Steer clear of fancy fonts or design elements – simplicity is key to ensuring your skills and experiences shine through.
Tip 2: Tailor Your Résumé To The Job
Your résumé should be as unique as you are! While it may be tempting to send out the same thing to multiple companies, tailoring your résumé for each application substantially boosts your chances of standing out. Take the time to review the job description carefully and highlight the skills and qualifications that match your experiences.
For example, let’s say you’re applying for the position of Loan Processing Associate at Alaya. Take a close look at the job description for key terms and qualifications like “data entry”, “client liaison”, “Master’s degree”, “ACCA affiliates”, “time management”, “problem-solving”, and “attention to detail”. Make sure to integrate these keywords prominently throughout your résumé, especially in the summary, skills and experience sections. Highlight relevant experiences that demonstrate your expertise in these areas, showcasing your ability to handle the role efficiently and effectively communicate with stakeholders.
You demonstrate your genuine interest and suitability for the role by customising your résumé for each position.
Tip 3: Put Relevant Information First
Grab the recruiter’s attention right away by showcasing the most relevant information upfront. Start with a brief summary or skills section, especially if your work experience is limited. Remember, recruiters typically focus on the top portion of your résumé, so make sure to highlight your strengths and achievements early on.
Tip 4: Showcase Your Accomplishments
Let your résumé shine by skillfully spotlighting your achievements. Focus on huge milestones like big projects you’ve led to completion, instances where you’ve outperformed key performance indicators, and leadership roles you’ve embraced. Present clear examples that demonstrate your contributions to your team’s or organisation’s achievements, highlighting your value and influence. And, of course, shine a light on any accolades, recognitions, or certifications you’ve earned. Your accomplishments speak volumes, so let them take centre stage.
You don’t have any extensive work experience, so what do you include in your résumé? You’re most likely to have accomplishments worth showcasing. Whether they’re academic achievements, internships, or extracurricular activities, highlight your successes with specific examples. Use numbers or percentages to quantify your achievements whenever possible. Also remember to mention any awards received, projects completed, or leadership roles undertaken to demonstrate your potential value to employers.
Tip 5: Proofread, Proofreed, Proofread!
Before you hit send, give your résumé a final polish. Make time to proofread and edit it. Typos or grammatical errors can detract from how well you showcase your professionalism and attention to detail. Read your résumé multiple times, or ask a trusted friend or family member to review it. Pay close attention to spelling, grammar, and formatting to ensure your résumé presents you in the best light possible.
TEST: Did you catch the error in the heading directly above?
Crafting your first résumé is an exciting milestone in your journey towards professional success. By following these essential tips, you can create a résumé that stands out and opens doors to exciting opportunities.
FAQs
How Often Should I Update My Résumé?
Updating your résumé every six months to a year is good, even if you’re not actively job searching. This ensures that your résumé is always up to date and ready to go in case an opportunity arises. Additionally, updating your résumé regularly can help you keep track of your accomplishments and skills, making it easier to tailor your résumé to specific job openings.
How Long Should My Résumé Be?
It depends on your level of experience. If you’re a recent graduate or have less than 10 years of experience, your résumé should be one page. If you have over 10 years of experience, your résumé can be two pages long. However, it’s important to keep in mind that hiring managers often have limited time to review résumés, so it’s best to keep your résumé concise and focused on your most relevant experience and skills.
What Are Some Of The Details Not To Include In A Résumé?
There are a few things you should avoid including, such as personal information like your age, marital status or religion, irrelevant work experience, and references (unless specifically requested). Additionally, it’s important to avoid using overly casual language or slang, and to make sure your résumé is free of spelling and grammatical errors.
Are There Any Online Tools That Can Help Me Write The Perfect Résumé?
Yes, some popular options include Canva, Zety, and résumé.com. These tools offer a variety of templates and formatting options, as well as tips and advice for crafting a strong résumé. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these tools are just a starting point, and you’ll still need to tailor your résumé to each specific job opening.
Ready To Take The Next Step In Your Career?
Put these tips into action, spruce up that résumé, and get set to conquer your career goals! Alaya’s on the lookout for top talents like you – check out our latest openings and take the first step towards an enriching career journey with us!