Resume writing is not an easy task to accomplish. There are so many important aspects that you should include in your resume to make it look professional and effective for the job you want.
30 Little-Known Resume Tips 2021:
We at iShiksha have developed a list of 30 little-known yet highly effective resume tips to help you craft the perfect resume. So let’s look at them – each one by one.
1) Use resume keywords
To make sure that your resume is picked up by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), you need to use the right keywords. These are words and phrases commonly used in job postings and that hiring managers look for when screening resumes. Make sure to research which keywords are most relevant to your field and industry, and then sprinkle them throughout your resume.
2) Quantify your achievements
To make your resume stand out, you need to quantify your achievements. This means that you should include numbers whenever possible to illustrate how successful you were in your previous roles. For example, “Managed a team of 10 employees” is much more effective than “Managed a team.”
3) Use the right font
The font you choose for your resume can make or break it. Times New Roman may be a classic, but it’s not the best option for a resume. Arial or Calibri are both excellent choices, as they are easy to read, but if your resume is also printed on paper, it might be better to use a serif font. Serif fonts are more formal and easier to read on paper. If you’re not sure what kind of font would work best for you, try looking at some different fonts in the job listings in your field.
4) Use a resume template
A resume template can be a great way to ensure that your resume looks professional and is correctly formatted. Many different templates are available online, or you can create your own using a word processing program.
5) Use the right format
There are two formats commonly used for resumes: chronological and functional. Chronological resumes are the most common, and list your work experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent position first. Functional resumes focus on your skills and qualifications rather than your work history. Choose the resume format that best highlights your skills and experience.
6) Highlight your accomplishments
One of the most important things to remember when writing your resume is to highlight your accomplishments. Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on what you achieved in each role. This can be a challenge, but it’s worth it to make your resume stand out.
7) Use action verbs
Action verbs are a great way to start your descriptions of your work experience and accomplishments. They make your resume sound more dynamic and help to show off your skills. Here are some examples of action verbs: managed, created, directed, developed, led.
8) List your experience
Along with using action verbs, you should list all of your relevant work experience, including volunteer and internship positions. This will ensure that nothing is left out and shows the range of your professional background. When describing each role, highlight any significant responsibilities or achievements.
9) Use proper formatting for dates
Make sure to use the correct month and day format when listing your work experience. For example, if you worked from January-June 2017, your dates should be 01/2017-06/2017. This ensures that ATS systems will correctly parse your experience.
10) Proofread your resume
This one should go without saying, but always be sure to proofread your resume before submitting it. Take a break from your resume for a few days and then come back and look it over again with fresh eyes. This will make sure that you catch all mistakes.
11) Use proper spacing
Ensure that your margins, tabs, and line spacing are all set to the correct settings. This will ensure that your resume looks clean and organized.
12) Write a clear summary statement
Your resume should include a brief summary statement at the top that shows off your professional background and what you can offer to potential employers. This is an opportunity to list any relevant keywords and show your personality. Here are some tips for writing an effective summary:
- Keep it short.
- Don’t use jargon or acronyms.
- Use action verbs.
- Include your professional objective.
If you have a professional LinkedIn account, add the URL to your profile in your resume. This way, companies using an ATS will be able to see your social media presence.
14) Utilize keywords and phrases from job listings when describing yourself
When writing about yourself, use words and phrases common in job listings in your industry. Using these words will help you stand out to employers and possibly increase your chances of getting an interview.
15) Remove irrelevant information
Make sure that any information in your resume that is not relevant to the position is removed. This includes education, hobbies, interests, preferences, age, or marital status.
16) Use a professional email address
If you don’t have a professional email address currently, set one up before applying for jobs. Using an email address like [email protected] will not make the best impression on potential employers.
17) Be specific when describing your skills and experience
Instead of using “strong,” consider including more specific details about what sets you apart from other applicants and how you would be a good fit for the company. By being specific, you can showcase your unique talents and show why you are qualified.
18) Apply to jobs that best match your qualifications
You probably won’t be considered for a job that doesn’t fit into your experience and expertise. Make sure to only apply to jobs that you would be able to do well in and ones you can see yourself enjoying. Also, avoid applying for too many jobs at once. This will help you show the employer that you are serious about working for them and put your best foot forward.
19) Tailor each resume to the specific company and position
A generic resume template will not get you very far. Make sure to tailor your resume to show why you would be a good fit for the company and the specific position you are applying for.
20) Be honest about your experience level
If you are new to the workforce, don’t try to make it seem otherwise by making yourself sound more experienced than you are. This will only raise red flags with employers and hurt your chances of being adequately considered.
21) Write a proper resume file name
When naming your resume file, it’s best to include your first and last name. This way, the filename will be consistent when transferring between different devices since some allow for spaces in filenames while others don’t.
22) Use spelling & grammar checker software
It can be easy to overlook spelling and grammar mistakes when you’re applying for a ton of jobs. Ensure that your resume is as error-free as possible by utilizing a spell checker or proofreading software available on most computers and devices.
23) Use bold, italics, and underline sparingly
If you choose to bold, italicize, or underline words in your resume, do so sparingly. Overusing these features can make your resume look messy and difficult to read.
24) Don’t include personal information unless it applies to the job
You should not include personal information such as age, marital status, or religion on your resume unless it is directly relevant to the position you are applying for.
25) Limit your resume to one page
Unless you have a lot of experience and can fit everything on two pages, it’s best to keep your resume to one page. This will ensure that employers can see all the information relevant to the job you are applying for without looking at anything else.
26) Keep your resume updated
To increase your chances of getting an interview, ensure that your resume is always up-to-date and accurate with all current contact information, employment experience, education, skills, and awards.
27) Prepare a matching cover letter for your resume
A cover letter is an excellent way to introduce yourself to potential employers and explain why you are interested in the job. It is also an excellent opportunity to highlight some of the key points on your resume that make you the best candidate for the position.
28) Be honest about your work history
If you’ve had multiple jobs in the past that you no longer wish to include on your resume, don’t list them all under “Relevant Experience.” This will only confuse potential employers and make it appear to have a spotty employment history. Instead, opt to remove these positions from your resume and focus on the most recent and relevant ones.
29) Look at your online presence
Before you start job hunting:
- Take a look at your online presence.
- Google yourself and see what comes up.
- If there are any harmful or embarrassing results, take steps to remove them from the internet.
You don’t want potential employers to see anything that could raise red flags and ruin your chances of getting the job.
30) Have someone proofread your resume
You may think that you’ve checked your spelling and grammar, but it’s not always easy to catch everything on your own. So have someone else look at your resume for you before you send it off; this way, if you missed any mistakes, they can be caught and corrected before the employer sees them.
Read: How to Get a Job in the USA from India?
Conclusion:
Following these resume tips 2021 will help you create a clear, concise, and error-free resume. It will also make you stand out as a qualified candidate in the competition. So don’t wait any longer; get started on your resume today!