Chief rules to follow while writing your resume

Writing your own resume isn't an easy job it looks like. So, here we are to your rescue. Here are some rules that you can follow:

1. Watch out for the length of your resume

If you are thinking of adding every minor detail in your resume, then hold on! Now, think how irrelevant and boring it would be for the recruiter to read it. Even those things which have nothing to do with the job. So, what’s a better idea? We would suggest taking it easy first. Then condense it into a single page containing necessary details only.

2. No scope for grammatical errors and spellings

You have to reread your resume at least twice and then some, before submitting. If not, then seek the help of a professional editor.

3. Especially tenses

This is a deal which you really need to look after. Make sure your tenses

are consistent. It can ruin your reputation in a minute and build it too.

4. Try not to use first person pronouns

You should avoid using I, me or my in your sentences. If not completely then at least use these sparingly.

5. Attach your resume in the pdf format

It is easy to open and read. So, go with pdf instead of a word document.

6. Designate your resume file correctly

There will be numerous applicants and their numerous resume files.

Why not make the reader’s job a bit easy? Use this format to name your file: first name, last name, resume.

7. Format of your resume

You are expected to write your resume in the latest fashion or format. It will make the job of the reader easy. Hence, it will create a good impression of yours.

8. Make it readable

Do not squeeze words because you have so many things to tell on a single page and don’t choose an overly fancy font size and style. Use a font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Also, keep the font size above 10.

9. Make your resume inviting and visually appealing

Create a writeup that is clear and systematic. Make columns and group facts neatly. Make the main headings bold. Use a template if needed.

10. Maintain uniformity

If you are using bullet points then stick to that. If you are writing in paragraphs, then maintain that system only.

11. Do not forget to add contexts

Do mention date, place and time while writing about your any previous

job or internship.

12. Express in numerals whenever you can

Want to grab attention? Talk in numbers. For example, “successfully hit sales quotas 100% of the time and exceeded goals by 25% in the last 5 months.” instead of “successfully hit sales quotas”

13. Brag a little but not too much

This is a chance for you to showcase the best of you. Like, mention if you got a promotion somewhere or had worked with a huge company. This is the time to mention all of these.

14. Do not provide any previous references unnecessarily

Do not use this space for unwanted information. Like contact details of your previous employees. The recruiter is more interested in you.

15. Design your resume according to the type of company

In order to stand out of other candidates, we try to mark our uniqueness in every possible way. But we should know when to limit our creativity. Like some people may want to use colourful fonts, underlined words etc. But we need to know that every company may not like kind of presentation and might look forward a decent set of sentences.

16. Filter your information

Make sure that you have written only necessary points in your resume.

17. Put yourself in the reader’s place and think

This the whole idea behind writing the resume. We have to showcase ourselves without compromising reader’s ease.

18. Don’t forget to add “you” factor

Here comes the most important point. While sticking too much with the rules of writing, do not forget yourself completely. Do tell your interest and expectations which matches up with the job requirements. But again don’t over do it.

19. Find what the job is actually looking for

List the things that your recruiter may potentially be looking for and write them beforehand, just for your reference. Then after you are done writing your resume, check if your resume is matching up to the list you

drew up earlier.

20. Be a good storyteller

Take this resume writing job easy and think as if you are just telling your life story. All you need to do is condense and filter it a little.