Is Your Resume Good At Its Job?

Your resume has one job: get you to the next step in the recruiting process.
No one writes resumes for fun. When we sit down to do the work, we want to know we’re doing it right, and that result will be a high-performing resume that avoids mistakes and makes you stand out and shine.

Follow these 10 rules for a high-performing resume that gets the job done:

1. Ensure readability and ATS compatibility. Use black text, bullet points, and a consistent font size and family for easy reading. Avoid resume generators that may not be compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS). Check your resume with an ATS compliance tool and save it in PDF format.

2. Include a professional summary. Recruiters spend an average of 8 seconds scanning your resume. A concise, professional summary highlights the value you can bring to a potential employer.

3. Keep it brief and focused. Limit your resume to 1-2 pages (A4), focusing on the most crucial and relevant information. Restrict each job title to 3-4 bullet points in the experience section.

4. Be honest. Resist exaggerating or lying on your resume. It’s essential to be hired for a job you’re qualified for; dishonesty may cost you the job if discovered.

5. Tailor your resume to the specific job. Ensure your resume is relevant and targeted to the job description. Include keywords from the job offer to improve your chances with the ATS and hiring manager.

6. Use the XYZ formula for accomplishments. List quantifiable accomplishments using the XYZ formula: “Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y] by doing [Z].” Be specific without disclosing proprietary information.

7. Ensure flawless grammar and spelling. Over 75% of recruiters consider typos or poor grammar as deal breakers. Customize your resume for each application and use tools like Grammarly to check for errors.

8. Use a professional email address. Create a Gmail address using your first name or initial and last name. This is a standard, professional, and free option.

9. Follow standard conventions for sections. Include essential sections such as contact information, experience, and education. Optional sections can be a professional summary, skills, and interests.

10. Exclude photos and limit social links. In the US, it’s unconventional to include photos, and some companies may reject resumes with images. Keep social links professional by only including your LinkedIn profile.