A great job has caught your eye and you plan to apply? Then you need to write a résumé. If you think that writing a résumé is not an easy task, then you are not the only one who thinks so! It is true that writing a résumé can be a tricky task. To help you in this task, I am giving you 6 simple and practical tips and showing you how to write a résumé that allows you to get the job that you deserve.

1. Meeting the needs of the employer

Most people try to include as much information as possible about their past accomplishments and qualifications. This is the biggest mistake you can make. Recruiters do not need to know everything about you. They just want the information that match their requirements for the job you are applying for. Hence, be very selective about the type of information you include.
Focus on the content of the job offer to which you are responding. Do not hesitate to repeat the key words and phrases resulting from this offer. By using the vocabulary of the recruiter, you will make your résumé easier to read and to understand.

2. Write a brief and simple résumé

Employers receive a huge amount of résumé, and consequently, they do not have time to read all of them. Make sure you keep your résumé to two pages. Any information included must be concise, understandable and simple:

• Use short sentences to describe your achievements.
• Use action verbs and words (e.g, develop, create, publish, etc.). This can make your application more dynamic, and thus reassure the recruiter.
• Avoid using little-known symbols and acronyms.
• Use bullet points to structure your résumé. This makes its visualization easier for the reader.
• Make sure to leave blank between paragraphs
• Use a font of at least 10 points.

3. Follow chronological order

With each new experience, you evolve and acquire new skills. The skills you have today are most likely more evolved than the ones that you had in the past. For this reason, it is recommended to present the recent achievements first, followed by the older ones. The same goes for your qualifications and your education. Your recent experiences reflect your skills as they are at the time of your application, which will give you a better chance to quickly convince the reader to continue reading the résumé.

4. Be honest when you write a résumé

It is possible that you have delicate points that you want to hide. For example, a bad experience with your former employer. If you think that these delicate points may be misinterpreted by your reader, then it is better not to mention them in the résumé. When you get a job interview, you should tell the interviewee though, explain your point of view, and give them the opportunity to ask for clarification.
We live in a world where people are more connected than ever. If you hide something, sooner or later, your new employer may discover it, and it will have a negative impact on your career.

5. Include an “Interest” section

The person who will hire you will be your colleague with whom you might be spending a lot of time. In addition to the professional aspect, if you share interests with your interlocutor, you increase your chances of being retained. For this reason, it is recommended to provide some personal information to give an idea about your personality. Including an “Interest” section will give an overview of who you are outside work.
The “Interest” section often comes at the end of the résumé. This is a good way to finish the résumé with a demonstration of some of your human qualities. For example, if the job requires collaboration skills, and in your interests, you mentioned a volunteer activity, then it will send a good sign to your interlocutor.

6. Ask for feedback

After writing the résumé, have someone review it, while presenting them the positions you are applying for. Make sure that they ask you questions about your résumé in relation to the positions you are applying for. This can help you discover the defects of your résumé or areas to be clarified. It may give you some tips to rephrase some sentences or add more details.

Job search can be long, and writing a résumé is an indispensable task. Writing an effective résumé is an important step to get you closer to the job you desire. With these tips, you will be ready to write a successful résumé and put all the chances on your side.

If you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below. I will be happy to respond.

You want to fix your résumé for free? Submit it here and get it reviewed confidentially by one of our résumé writing experts. We will email to you personalized suggestions within 3 business days at absolutely no charge.