While it’s true that getting your resume out to potential employers has never been easier, writing a resume and being interviewed is still just as nerve-racking as ever.
It’s understandable that we feel a bit overwhelmed by the resume writing process. After all, this piece of paper is the difference between receiving an interview and being passed over for the next candidate.
Well, by making a few simple resume improvements you can impress hiring managers and increase the chances of a job or interview offer!
If you’re looking for ways to boost your resume, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn 7 improvements you need to make to your resume today.
1. Don’t Leave Gaps
The worst thing you can do when crafting your resume is to leave large holes in your timeline. An employer will notice this right away and it won’t give a good impression.
It’s okay if you’ve been out of the workforce for a year or two, as long as you list what you did during that time. Were you volunteering? Caring for a relative?
Documenting this on your resume will prevent a hiring manager from assuming the worst.
2. Uniformity Is Important
Resumes often include several documents: a list of references, a cover letter, and the resume itself. Every detail of these documents should match, from the font used to the size of the headers.
If you have a portfolio or website as well, these should have the same uniform appearance as the rest of your documents.
3. List Your Skills First
Your past jobs and level of schooling are valuable, but your skills should be front and center on a resume. A potential employer will likely care more that you have the skills and certifications required for the position than to know what high school you attended.
4. Don’t Go Overboard With Descriptions
When writing your resume, the impulse to add as much description as possible will probably be strong. You want potential employers to know everything you can bring to the table, but keep descriptions to a minimum when you can.
Now, if your job responsibilities are well above what one would expect given your actual job description, write them down! But if your title matches your duties well, an explanation isn’t necessary.
5. Use Professional Fonts and Formatting
You may think that using a funky font on your resume is a good way to show character, but this is a mistake. Stick to a simple, professional font – when in doubt, use Times New Roman.
And when it comes to formatting, be sure that everything lines up. Uneven lines of text give an extremely unprofessional appearance.
6. Proofread Then Proofread Again
If you do nothing else on this list, proofread your resume! Even if spellcheck doesn’t catch anything, go over your work with a fine-tooth comb yourself.
Misused and misspelled words are a surefire way to be passed over, so double, even triple, check your resume for typos.
7. Reach out for Help
Proofreading your resume yourself is a must, but if you want to take it a step further, ask a friend or family member to read over it as well. You should also consider reaching out to a professional resume writing service, they can help you knock your resume out of the park!
Make These Resume Improvements to Help You Land Your Dream Job
A stellar resume will make you stand out from other candidates, impress the person reading it, and help you to score an interview!
Before you ever meet a hiring manager, your resume will speak for you. By taking a few minutes to make these resume improvements, you’ll find that you have much more success in your job hunt.
