5 Best Tips to Write a Winning Resume
5 Tips to Write a Winning Resume
For the vast majority of people, their resume will be the first impression an employer has of them—in other words, it will make or break your chances of getting hired. Whether you’re applying to a high-level executive position or hoping to snag a job as a part-time cashier, you need to make sure your resume presents you in the best possible light and stands out from all the rest. Here are five tips by The Binyameen to help you write a winning resume.
1) Research
While it may seem silly, one of the best ways to help you write a winning resume is to do some research. See what others have done and see what works and doesn’t work. You can start by checking out resources on popular websites or you can even hire a professional resume-writing service in Canada for help. By doing so, you will quickly discover how much time you’ll save in figuring out how to format your resume and which buzzwords work well for certain professions. As with any type of paper written at school, check sources before using them. If they don’t cite information correctly or aren’t direct quotes, they aren’t credible enough to use in your resume. Also note that, if possible, don’t copy entire sections verbatim; rather incorporate ideas into your text. Not only is plagiarism unethical (even in self-help papers!), but it can also land you in hot water when potential employers read resumes.
2) Formatting
Many people don’t realize how important resume formatting is when you have a limited amount of time for recruiters or hiring managers to look at your resume. If your resume is difficult to read, doesn’t flow well, or has typos, it could cost you an interview opportunity. Reviewing resumes with clients every day, I’ve found that formatting can be one of their biggest problems. Always use white paper (not ivory) and make sure that it has plenty of white space; otherwise, the print will be too small and hard on your eyes when someone is reading it.
3) Hiring Manager Targeted
Hiring managers receive resumes and cover letters daily and they usually aren’t interested in reading yours. Target your resume by addressing it directly to that company’s hiring manager. This helps you stand out from all of those other job-seekers who didn’t take the time to create such a personal approach. It also allows you to research your potential employer and pick up any details about their company culture, as well as whether or not they prefer one format over another (e.g., PDF vs Word). Try Googling [company name like DigitalAvior recruiter contact info for any information you can find. Then, include something like Dear Ms. Smith in your cover letter and/or resume header. Of course, if there isn’t a particular person to address, consider writing Dear Human Resources or To Whom It May Concern instead.
4) Proofreading
When you’re putting together your resume, ask one of your friends (who isn’t afraid, to be honest with you) to proofread it. This way, they can point out any mistakes or areas where you could make improvements and help fix them before sending them off. Remember: Your resume is often your first impression when applying for a job. If it isn’t polished and professional-looking, don’t expect companies will take you seriously.
5) Customized Cover Letter
A personalized cover letter is an easy way to stand out in today’s competitive job market. It not only helps you ensure that your resume gets noticed but also shows your enthusiasm for working with that particular company. That’s why I recommend writing personalized cover letters for every job application; even if you already have an existing cover letter, make sure it doesn’t look like someone else’s (or your own) work.
