Create an eye-catching resume and get noticed by employers!

In this highly competitive market, it is essential to make an excellent first impression. Well, a mindfully crafted resume will help you achieve that. It’s the most essential document to initiate the conversation with the employer, it helps them learn about your qualification and capabilities and understand why you are the right fit for this job. I am here today to help you learn how to create a compelling resume to help you stand out from the crowd.

Let’s understand the must-haves of an eye-catching resume

There are 1000s of applications coming in every day, and the employer needs 3 or 4 candidates for 1 profile.

So, the first filter for selecting or rejecting the candidate is the resume and therefore it has to be very relevant to the requirement of the employer. How one can do that you ask? Well, simply add these must-haves to your resume and you are already one step closer.

Clear and professional design:

No one likes to have a piece of paper on their table which has very low readability, cluttered information, and poor formatting, such resumes have higher chances of rejection may be even without looking at the qualifications.

What can you do then?

Choose a clean and visually appealing layout that is easy to read. Use consistent formatting, appropriate fonts, and appropriate spacing to create a polished look. Also, make sure to keep it very minimal.

Customise and add keywords:

No no, there is no SEO for resumes, but you can always find the industry keywords and use it in your resume to immediately catch your eye.

All you have to do is simply search for relevant keywords and incorporate them strategically throughout your resume to align with the employer’s needs. Remember, tailoring your resume to match the job requirement is always going to help you get that interview.

Pro-tip: just read the JD thoroughly.

Error-free content:

I’m sure you never wanna mess up with your dream job because of a small punctuation error, right? So make sure to proofread your resume thoroughly to eliminate grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A polished resume reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Pro tip: you can always use grammar-checking tools like- Grammarly and seek feedback from friends to double-check. 

ATS-friendly formatting:

ATS is Application Tracking System, a tool to help employers manage applications. Make sure that your resume is compatible with ATS by using a standard format like headings and subheadings, readable fonts, and layouts.

Avoid overdoing the graphics and keep it less complicated. ATS has some difficulties with complex layouts, tables, and heavy graphics.

Add all relevant certifications:

I know you have done a certification, and you are of course going to add it to your resume, but my point here is to add only those certifications which are relevant to the job you are applying for.

Not only this, I suggest mentioning any certifications, training programs, or workshops that enhance your skill set and demonstrate your commitment to the work being offered.

Add your contact details:

Always add your latest contact information to your resume. Your in-use phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. If you are applying for a creative profile like a UI/UX designer or a content writer make sure to add a link to your portfolio.

Pro tip- adding your social handles enhances the credibility of your resume.

Emphasize the impacts you made:

The employer is always eager to learn about your role in your previous organization, what impact you made, what changes you brought, and what value you have added there. Make sure to emphasize the “results and outcomes” in your past work experiences. Highlight your contribution and make sure you project the value you delivered in your previous job firmly.

Now that you know what are the must-haves of a perfectly built resume, you must also be aware of the things you should completely avoid while drafting your resume. So here we go-

Things you must avoid while designing a resume

Generic statements

A cliche is a big no for resumes. Avoid using generic statements that do not add any value to your resume and make it unnecessarily lengthy. Instead use concrete examples to elaborate your achievements and skill, wherever necessary.

A generic statement that does not provide any specific information about your skills or qualification makes the employer immediately put down your resume.

Example: Instead of “I possess leadership skills.” Write: “Led a team of XYZ and generated abc results.”

Unrelated hobbies and interests

Unless your hobbies or interests directly relate to the job you’re applying for, it’s generally best to exclude them from your resume. The employer would like to understand you better professionally and I suggest you strictly focus on showcasing your professional qualifications and not your hobbies irrelevant to the job being offered.

Example: Instead of including hobbies such as knitting, playing video games, or collecting stamps on your resume, focus on highlighting your relevant skills and experiences.

Unprofessional email address

I know you love your nickname, in fact, I support you if you generate an email ID with it, but do not use it in your resume. It’s only cool for a gaming website not for adding to your resume. Unprofessional email IDs often show insincerity and ultimately make a negative impact on the employer.

Example: Instead of using an email address like “GamerPro123@example.com” on your resume, use “NameSurname@example.com”

Irrelevant information

Adding experiences, qualifications, and information about yourself that is not at all relevant to the job you are applying for, is a major turn-down for the employer.

Here is a list of information you must remove from your resume-

Certifications that are valid for a specific timeline and are expired now.

Personal skills not relevant to the job, like painting.

Family details. C’mon, it’s a resume, not a marriage biodata 🙂 

Too many graphics and formatting

It’s a resume and not your social media account. No one wants to see the storybook of your life. Use a professional font, organize your information into clear sections, and ensure that the content is concise and relevant.

Outdated formats

Less is more. When choosing a format, prioritize simplicity, legibility, and consistency. Use clear headings, bullet points, and appropriate spacing to create a visually pleasing and easy-to-scan document.

Make sure that your resume is compatible with various file formats, as employers may request electronic submissions.

Conclusion

Everything comes with a price. But your dream job shouldn’t be the price you pay for having a bad resume.

We’ve discussed everything you need to have an eye-catching resume. All you have to do is sit down and edit it to your liking. If this seems too much work, I offer one on one consultations to help you crack your dream job where we discuss all things YOU. Book one now, and get a customized template along with some industry tips and a sure-shot path to your dream job!

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