Your resume is the first impression you make with a prospective employer. Just like you would wear your most professional outfit to an interview, your resume needs to reflect the best you.
Resume styles change over time. You might not be aware of that if you’ve been out of the job market for a while. It’s always a good idea to check out resume templates online, flip through some books in your local bookstore, and ask someone you trust to look over your resume.
According to Indeed.com there are “Six Universal Rules for Resume Writing” (Link To: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/6-universal-rules-for-resume-writing):
- Cover all the basics
- Look at other resumes
- Don’t be wordy (2-page max)
- Quantify your accomplishments
- Use keywords
- Proofread, proofread, proofread
This might be stating the obvious, but it’s also a good idea to have more than one version of your resume and tailor it to particular jobs. For example, if you’re applying for a position as manager or director, emphasize your team-leading experience.
Don’t downplay your skills.
Recently, I was helping a friend with her resume and noticed she hadn’t mentioned she is bilingual. When I asked her why, she downplayed her skill, saying she wasn’t fluent enough. While she’s not a native speaker, I know she communicates effectively in Spanish.
It’s equally important to not overstate them. You don’t want to mislead anyone.
Don’t get fancy with different fonts, colors and such. Keep it simple, but not plain. Elegant, but not elaborate. Make it easy for the reader to see you are the best candidate.
That’s what makes your resume stand out.