Writing the perfect resume: The difference between a good resume and a great resume

When you are applying for a job, do you want to write a resume that will get you lost among the competition as just another candidate, or do you want to create a resume that the employer reads and says, “This is the one.”?

So, what exactly makes your resume a great resume? Is it the content? The layout? Or is it the tone? Read on to find out.

Great resumes have personality

If you are applying for an accounting position, every other candidate who applies for the job will be just as talented as you. You will all list the same accounting degree and CPA qualification on your resumes and will most probably have the same kind of working experience. So, how can you stand out among a sea of other accountants? By letting your personality shine through your resume. Add additional resume sections that can provide insight into your interests and passions.

Great resumes are not too long

“How long should my resume be?” is one of the most common questions that we get asked by job seekers. The answer to that question is not simple. The length of your resume depends on your unique situation, the kind of job you are applying for, and where you are in the world. If you are applying for a foreign job, it is normal to write a CV that contains all the information about your career and is quite long. In America, we write resumes that only contain the information necessary for the job and are on the shorter side. Wherever you are in the world, if you are applying for a job in academia, your resume will be quite long. All of that being said, a great resume only goes as long as it has to. Try to keep it as concise as possible.

Great resumes sport action-based achievements

Are you a job seeker who still writes bullet points that begin with, “responsible for…”? Then, your resume is most likely not a great resume. Action verbs are the way to make your accomplishments stand out on a resume. You must also use descriptive adjectives to bring out the best of your skills on the resume. Avoid writing passive sentences for your resume. Always try to keep your resume bullet points results based.

Great resumes use keywords

A resume without keywords will be like a dish of mac n’ cheese without any seasoning. All the good stuff (the cheese and the macaroni) will be there in the dish, but no one will get to truly appreciate the good stuff when it tastes bland. This is the same for your resume. Keywords are the seasoning that will bring your qualifications out. Without keywords, your resume will not pass the ATS test and a hiring manager will never get to read it.

Great resumes showcase data

Your resume should be a professional document that shows employers that you can do the job, and you can do it like no other. The foolproof way to show employers this is to incorporate data into your resume. Whenever you talk about your professional accomplishments on your resume, you should back up your results with real data. Your professional achievements and accomplishments must have a spotlight on your resume.