5 secrets to writing a successful resume
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No matter where you are in your career, your resume could always use some editing. There are over hundreds of job seekers applying for the same job today. And you want your resume to be the best in the mix so that you get noticed by hiring managers right away. Did you know that simple resumes have more power to attract hiring managers?
Your resume does not have to be complex with multiple design elements to stand out in the job market. It just must be short and concise, with well-written content. Keep in mind that your resume is the first step in the hiring process and read on to learn how you can write a successful one.
Give your full attention to the content
Sure, designing a unique resume template will let you make your mark in the hiring game. But hiring managers are rarely impressed by the looks of a resume alone. The next time you create a resume, start by giving your entire focus to the content. Incorporate the right keywords into your resume and mention the right qualifications. Make sure that your resume has all the necessary resume sections. Keep an eye out for all sorts of mistakes you could make on your resume. Proofreading your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors is a must.
Place the important stuff higher up
You want the hiring manager to notice the very best of your strengths, qualifications, and achievements when they glance at your resume. The resumes that mention the most impressive information first have better chances of passing the six-second resume test. Organize your information by their priority before you start writing your resume. This way, you can display the more important information first, followed by the rest.
Write impressive bullet points
One thing many job seekers fail at is writing impactful bullet points for their resumes. The bullet points of your career history carry a lot of weight. They have the power to compel hiring managers to want to meet you. Did you know that bullet points help you direct the hiring manager’s attention to your most impressive achievements? There are different types of bullet points that can help you narrate complex achievements in a simple manner. STAR bullet points are one such type. Here’s an article that we have shared about writing STAR bullet points.
Don’t embellish or exaggerate
Your resume should highlight your true qualifications for the job. Many job seekers state untruths on their resumes by exaggerating or embellishing their qualifications. In fact, 55% of Americans lie on their resumes, as found by a study. So, never state on your resume that you have completed certification programs you have just started or embellish the job titles of your past positions.
Keep the text density low
Large blocks of text on your resume rarely invite the reader in. They also make your resume text-dense, reducing the readability of the document. You must use short and concise language whenever you are writing a resume. Lengthy sentences and paragraphs should be swapped for short bullet points. This simple trick will help you write an excellent resume.
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