Do’s and Don'ts of Writing an Impressive Resume to Get a Job

Do you need help writing an impressive resume to land a dream job?

If yes, then you are at the right spot!

When it comes to job-hunting, having a top-notch resume is one of the most vital components of the process.

A great resume is like a concise, persuasive elevator pitch in written form. It should give a potential employer enough information about your skills and qualifications in seconds. This one-page document should demonstrate that you are the perfect candidate.

Your resume must be carefully crafted to showcase your qualifications and get a recruiter interested in meeting you. It must be organized to communicate your skills, professional background, and assets effectively. The resume should be used to demonstrate your professional capabilities and potential value to an employer. Being prepared with an up-to-date, modern overview is essential to take advantage of possible job opportunities.

Writing an impressive resume can decide between getting the desired job and being overlooked. With the correct information, a well-crafted resume can make all the difference.

Here are some do's and don'ts of writing an outstanding resume to get your ideal job:

Do’s

1. Write a Concise Resume

First, you must write a concise resume highlighting your skills, abilities, and work experience, as recruiters spend around 30 seconds on each candidate's resume to decide whether it is worthy of an interview.

Moreover, try to create a single-page resume as the interviewers prefer it. As you have a few seconds to make an impression, ensure your resume is brief.

While writing a resume, add the relevant information and work experience that highlights the purpose of your application for the job.

The more clear and concise your resume is, the better your chance of appearing in an interview.

2. Customize Your Resume

Customize your resume to be suitable to the job description before applying. Your resume should be based on the job position you're applying for.

As every job has specific job requirements, recruiters usually screen job applications based on keywords relevant to the job requirements, such as skills, abilities, and experience. If you keep updating your resume to showcase the skills and abilities associated with the job description, your chances of appearing in an interview will improve. Include suitable keywords throughout your resume to help you stand out to potential employers.

You should also keep customizing your resume if there's any change in contact information or skill degradation.

3. Mention a Summary Statement

Write a unique and attractive summary statement at the beginning of the resume. Write about how your skills and knowledge will benefit the organization. Your summary should be straightforward and to the point, without any long details about your objective statements.

When writing your summary statement, contain relevant details about the job you're applying for.

It is recommended to refrain from using generic statements such as "I possess excellent teamwork skills" or "I am a dedicated worker." Instead, emphasize your qualifications and past experiences that showcase why you are the ideal candidate. Additionally, it is essential to use professional language that persuades the employer.

4. Write About Your Skills and Abilities

Confirm that your resume is tailored for the position you're seeking. Emphasize the abilities and qualifications that are relevant to the role.

Create a separate skill section and mention the skills that should be suitable for the position. Regarding hard skills such as software or language proficiency, simply note your skill, proficiency level, and any certifications you have achieved.

Soft skills related to the job are also mentioned. Recruiters select candidates based on both soft and hard skills.

Soft skills like time administration, leadership, and communication are crucial for making a positive impression on recruiters and interviewers.

5. Inform Your References of Job Search

Inform the contacts you're using in your resume that they might be getting phone calls and emails about you. Moreover, send them a copy of your recent resume so they remain up-to-date about your accomplishments and achievements. Doing this will help them to know about your work history, and they will be able to say a good word about you.

6. Use Bullets in Your Resume

Write your information in the form of points using bullets. Avoid writing long paragraphs as recruiters don't spend much time, and they usually don't read long paragraphs in a resume.

7. Do Proofread Your Resume

Proofreading your resume is the most crucial step of the process. This is your option to make sure everything is perfect before submitting it. Go through it thoroughly and ensure there are no spelling or grammar mistakes. This will ensure that your resume is free from inconsistencies and shows your commitment and attention to detail.

Dont’s

1. Don't Mention Salary Information

Don't mention salary information in your resume unless they ask you to write about it. Mentioning the expected salary in your resume will reduce your chances of getting called for an interview.

Writing an expected salary that is too low and too much to ask for a job will negatively impact recruiters.

When you mention salary information in your resume, employers may be put off from the start. They may think you are asking for too much before you have even had the chance to discuss the role further. This can be seen as unprofessional and could lead to employers not taking your application seriously.

2. Don't Write the Reason for Leaving Previous Jobs

No matter how often you have quit a previous job, you should not include this in your resume as it imposes a negative impression on interviewers' minds. Your resume should concentrate on the positive aspects of your experience.

If you had an undesirable experience with a previous employer, keeping the details off your resume is best. Recruiters don't want to hear about your bad experiences with previous employers. It might portray you as an unloyal employee. Instead, concentrate on what you can bring at the next opportunity.

3. Don't Write About Irrelevant Hobbies and Interests

When writing your hobbies and interests, mention them according to the job description. Mention interests, likes, and dislikes according to your professional life instead of your personal life. Recruiters don't want to hear about your interests. They wanted to know how you would behave in the workplace with other people.

So instead of making mistakes such as my hobby is watching movies, cooking, gaming, etc., you should write your hobbies according to the related job or as an employee. For example, if you're applying for a writing job, you can write about reading novels and blogging.

4. Don't Use an Experimental Resume Template

Don't use a template with many colors and fonts. Use an essential and professional template, and the information should be readable. Don't do experiments with font styling and infographics. Use a professional resume format that stands out from the crowd and improves the chances of getting read by recruiters.

5. Don’t Misrepresent Your Information

Always mention the correct information on your resume. It may be tempting to exaggerate your accomplishments or to lie about your qualifications to make yourself look better. However, this is always a bad idea. Interviewers can quickly tell if you are not being truthful, which could disqualify you from the job. Be honest and accurate in your resume.

6. Don't Mention Your Personal Information

When crafting your resume, it's important to remember that employers are looking for professional credentials and experience, not 'personal information. There's no need to include your age, marital status, or religious beliefs on your resume – this information is irrelevant to the job and should be avoided.

7. Don’t Make Typos and Grammatical Errors

Typos and grammatical errors are a massive no-no when writing an impressive resume. Not only do they make your resume look sloppy, but they can also make recruiters question your attention to detail. Make sure you read through your resume multiple times and get a second opinion before submitting it.

Let's have a look at a professional resume template taken from Canva:

Final Word

Following the simple dos and don'ts outlined above can raise your chances of getting the desired job. Start by researching the type of job you are applying for and ensure your resume is tailored to meet the employer's needs. Use strong action verbs and highlight your qualifications, accomplishments, and experience. You can acquire the job of your dreams with the proper preparation and a professional-looking resume.

Keep that in your mind.

Your reputation serves as a reflection of your resume.