Your resume is an advertisement, and YOU are the product. Your goal is to get hiring managers to buy into what you’re selling. It is the most important document when looking for a new job. It will make all the difference and be your key to your dream job interview – or not. So in order stand out from the crowd it’s important that your resume promotes your skills in a way that demonstrates that you can successfully perform the duties of the job. A tailored resume will always stand out from the rest. Follow these tips to make it happen.

Don’t hold back

Your resume needs to make an impact from the start. Many hiring managers will not take the time to read it in full, so if it doesn’t grab them quickly, it might not do it at all.

Therefore, make sure the first page contains your strengths and achievements. Make these specific – no point using the same phrases everybody uses. You are unique so build on that and stress what makes you different from anybody else, describing particular achievements you’ve had in your career. Use these in a short but attention-grabbing personal profile.

Keep it simple

Have a reverse chronological order format. Go into the most detail on your 1-2 more recent roles. Briefly, summarize previous jobs unless they are relevant for the position you are applying to. Ideally, your resume should be no longer than two pages long.

Have a bullet point structure where you list not your duties but your achievements. Where have you added value? What action did you take for a specific task and how did that benefit the company you worked for? Voila, interview booked.

Be relevant

It might sound like a hassle, but it is beneficial to tailor your resume to specific roles that you are applying for. The simplest way to do this is by implementing relevant achievements to the job description.

Proofread it!

Would you take seriously, let alone hire, someone whose resume is full of spelling and grammar mistakes? So why would you expect someone else to hire you if your resume is full of errors?

Layout Dos and Don'ts

Font style and size is mostly dependent on your preference. You can never be sure what the hiring manager prefers, so you have to go with your gut. However, there are some Dos and Don’ts when it comes to choosing your font and sizes.

Dos

• Choose easy-to-read fonts
• Use the same font throughout
• Change sizes in descending order for your name, headers and bullet points
• Choose a font that fits with the text sizes you've chosen

Don'ts

• Don't choose small sizes to fit everything on one page
• Don't pick wacky fonts (for heaven's sake, not Wing Dings!)
• Don't have one uniform text size throughout
• Don't go below 9pt
• Don't spend too much time choosing a font

Cover Letter

For your cover letter the rules are simple:

• Always send one, it is the best way to introduce yourself to the recipient before they dig into your resume.
• Give highlights from your resume but don't repeat yourself. It is a different document with a different purpose.
• Write what makes you better than others from the start.
• Then go on by explaining why you are the perfect candidate. Provide examples from your career (and resume) and how they fit their job description.
• Finish it off by requesting they contact you for a discussion.

We kept the best piece of advice for last. Speak to us! Our consultants will be more than happy to assist you with your resume. From proofreading to giving you advice on how to write it, what to include and what not to, and all the little bits inbetween help secure that next interview.

Contact our dedicated team for a chat to find out how we can help you with your job search.