10 essential tips when writing your résumé
11.09.2015 / Category: The CV
While writing your résumé, keep in mind that a recruiter will only spend about 30 seconds on it before taking a decision. Therefore, your résumé must be clear, complete and to the point. If the recruiter feels reassured by the information he reads and sees the value that you can add to the company, chances are high that you will be called for an appointment. Your résumé should be reassuring and leave a strong impression.
5 rules of thumb
Your résumé must be:
- Customized: adjust your résumé according to the job you are pursuing. Only include the information that has an added value for the position you are applying to. Everything else is unnecessary.
- Precise: give a real title to each section. Present your accomplishments and the results achieved (using numbers whenever possible). Try not to raise any doubt in the recruiter’s mind. He/she shouldn’t have to fit the pieces together to understand your career path.
- Striking: use keywords, easily identifiable words and preferably action words. Privilege a positive vocabulary that will portray you as a driven, dynamic and serious candidate. Stay away from negations or negative constructions as much as possible. Avoid using abbreviations.
- Flawless: correct any grammar or spelling mistake. Use your word-processor’s spell check. Proofread your résumé and have somebody proofreading it for you.
Sober and clean: harmonize the style and layout of your résumé. Use bullet points for lists and refrain from fancy visual effects.
5 mistakes to avoid
You should not:
- Sign your résumé: it is not a letter.
- Give your document a title such as “résumé” or “CV”: the recruiter can see what it is right away.
- Rush: sending out your résumé in a rush without updating it or sending it without a cover letter is not professional.
- Overload your résumé: Avoid the catch-all « other » section as well as the student internships or summer jobs if you have more than five years experience.
- Neglect the layout: if your résumé is more than one page long, all pages should be printed on separate sheets, not double-sided.
Source: Manpower
