What should you consider when creating the perfect resume?

A resume provides a sneak peek into your professional life and career for any interested employer. Your resume must reflect your personality as well as your professional abilities to grab the attention of a hiring manager. Why do some resumes fail to snatch the attention of recruiters while some receive several interview offers? It is all due to the way a resume is created. If you are planning to create the perfect resume for your job search, you must consider all the factors we have mentioned below.

The resume format

It is important to select the right resume format for your career. If you are a seasoned professional with many years of experience, you will benefit from a chronological resume which allows you to showcase your career progression. For recent graduates and those with less experience, a functional resume is ideal. Experienced professionals applying for leadership positions should use a combination resume to highlight both their skills and experience.

The basic structure

You are sharing a ton of information through your resume. To get all your points across to the employer, your resume must have a proper structure. Start by creating the basic resume sections such as the headline, contact information, summary statement, career history, education, and key skills. Then, work on additional resume sections such as publications, certifications, licenses, languages, projects, and awards.

The customization

Your resume is not a document that you create in one go and never touch again. It is a professional document that must be updated regularly. When you are applying for a job, it is important to use keywords from the job description to tailor your resume for the position. This helps your resume pass the ATS test with ease.

The education

Educational qualifications are a must for any resume because almost all employers expect a certain level of education from candidates. Lead the education section with your most recent educational qualifications. Mention the course name, college, location, and relevant years in the resume.

The skills

If all the resumes you create end up mentioning the same boring set of skills from ten years ago, you will not have much luck in the modern job market. Today, employers are interested in job seekers who continuously update their skill sets. Ensure that your resume mentions your best skills relevant to the job.

The bullet points

Do your bullet points describe achievements or job duties? If your answer is the latter, you will need to rewrite the bullet points of your resume. The work experience section must always highlight your biggest professional achievements in each past role. You can use a formula to write powerful bullet points for your resume.

The online presence

When applying for a job in the digital age, you should make your resume interactive. Add links to your LinkedIn profile and your social media (if you have shared relevant content through these platforms) to your resume. Before doing that, ensure that your online presence reflects your personal brand.

The certifications

One way to show any recruiter that you are competent in your role is to highlight your professional training and certifications on your resume. Be sure to mention the name of the certification, awarding body, location, and relevant years when creating your resume. Highlight the most relevant certifications for the position first.