How important is a resume in your professional life? The only answer is extremely important. As the world is progressing faster, the competition is getting tougher. Because of the tough competition in every field, employers have become demanding and are rigorously hunting a perfect candidate. For delivering the best of you, you need to particular about your first impression which is your resume. The following top 10 do's and don'ts while penning down a resume will assist you to deliver your best.
Do's :-
- Use Bullets :-
It is very essential to write your details in bullet points. No one likes to read essays. Everyone wants to read simple and crisp description. Especially for the interviewers, you can expect least time from them. Besides, bullet points make your resume look presentable. So adopt the style of writing in bullet points.
- Font and Font Size :-
Make sure you use Times New Roman font style with size 12 as this is a standard font used all over the world. You can always highlight the titles and headings by keeping it bold.
- Resume Layout :-
You can choose different designs and formats for your resume depending on the qualifications and work history. However, be firm on the margins, tables and the details that you provide as it can utilize lot of space.
- Resume Length :-
If you try to ignore your resume length, there are chances that the interviewers ignore your resume. So keep you resume length as short as possible by including all relevant details and required information.
- Language and Grammar :-
You would create a bad impression if you skip on the language and grammar part. No matter how highly qualified you are, you would definitely be rejected if your language is not up to the mark or your grammar is not in place. Be good with your English.
- Skill and Achievements :-
Skills and achievements play a very important part in your resume. However, they have to be specific to your job profile. Irrelevant information can only lead to too much unnecessary information which can be very boring for the interviewers.
- Educational Details :-
Education details should be written on the top if you are a fresher and should be at the end in case you are an experienced professional. Other qualifications like different courses and master degree should also be included as per the job requirement.
- Work Experience :-
Work experience should involve roles with distinct responsibilities. You can also mention the period of working at particular place in months and years.
- Personal Details :-
Personal details should cover your complete name, contact details and date of birth. Rest all details are just a way to lengthen your information and are avoidable.
- Second Opinion :-
Once you are done with your resume, it is always better to ask someone to check it out and suggest if there are any amendments. This would help in building up a faultless resume.
Don'ts :-
- Do Not Lie :-
They say when you lie once, you lie again. This is a common practice that people tend to follow. But it is always good to reveal the truth and if you don't want to tell the truth, it is better to keep mum. Conclusion is, do not lie.
- Exclude Personal Data :-
Do not mention your gender, place of birth, sex, marital status, nationality, etc. as this is extra information. It is fine to skip and is acceptable.
- Avoid Stylish Fonts :-
Avoid using different font styles and sizes as this will make your resume look unprofessional and childish. Make a proper use of font as mentioned in the do's.
- Don't Sound Repetitive :-
If your previous job consist of certain responsibilities, mention them all, but do not repeat the responsibilities for each role even if you have accomplished the same. You would end up sounding repetitive. Let your responsibilities be unique.
- Do Not Include Too Much Details :-
Your complete details in lengthy sentences will make your resume look like an informative piece of paper. Thus, do not include too many details about yourself. Keep it short.
- References :-
References is one part you have to be ready with at the time of interview and when asked for. Do not attach the reference section with your resume in first place.
- Spelling Mistakes :-
Fortunately, there is a spell check already available in a software application while drafting a resume. Yet, be sure you do not ignore any spelling errors.
- Complicated and Vague Words :-
Avoid making use of complicated and vague words that would make it a difficult job for the interviewer to understand the meaning. You choice of words should be simple and self explanatory.
- Pronoun "I" :-
It is your resume so it is obvious that you would be writing about yourself. Hence do not make use of the letter 'I'.
We have covered all key points in the above list of top 10 do's and don'ts while penning down a resume. They will simply make your resume look better than the previous one you drafted. So abide by these and see the change.
