There are plenty of examples in the web or even LinkedIn on how to improve your Resume. As a 15 year professional I will like to add to that ocean of tips and ideas, and share with you my step by step process of what worked and what did not work for me. In both positions, either when I was applying for a job or when I was interviewing. The resume nowadays has to be dynamic, short and most importantly it has to reflect what you want as a professional and not where you have been. In this post, 10 tips that will help you in how to improve your resume.

Describe achievements

A way to improve your resume when describing your achievements, is to avoid simply listing roles and responsibilities and instead focus on what you learned from those experiences. Highlighting your accomplishments sets your resume apart from others as recruiters are interested in how you can meet their needs. Approach your career as if you are selling your skills, requiring you to demonstrate your capabilities even before being hired. Your resume plays a crucial role in showcasing your competencies. To better understand the distinction between an achievement and a role, consider these examples:

• Role: Prepare bank reconciliations statements at the end of every month. Achievement: Successfully completed XX bank reconciliation statements for the largest cash positions in the firm, consistently meeting deadlines.
• Role: Cater parties. Achievement: Catered xx parties with 10+ guests, serving XX beverages per hour while effectively managing kitchen tasks and attending to guest requests.
• Role: Completed external audits. Achievement: Successfully completed XX audits for diverse industries such as TV stations and law firms, demonstrating proficiency in auditing processes.

Make sure to review it before sending it

I know you may have already read this before, but it’s crucial to say it once more: avoid making grammatical errors. Take the time to review your writing before sending it out. Remember, attention to detail is key.

Don’t write all of your experience if it is not relevant to the new job

When completing your resume for a new job, focus on including relevant experience only. While it may be tempting to list everything you’ve done, if certain experiences do not align with the job requirements, it’s best to briefly mention them without excessive detail. Recruiters seek candidates whose experiences directly match the job description, so using valuable resume space for irrelevant information can give the impression of immaturity, inexperience, and potentially make you less appealing for an interview.

Don’t over stress if it is more than one page

Don’t panic if your resume extends beyond one page. I used to stress about cramming everything onto a single page whenever I updated mine. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to have a two-page resume if needed. The focus should be on ensuring that your content is well-organized, conveys the right messages effectively, and clearly highlights your skills, accomplishments, and suitability for the new position you are seeking.

Eliminate “work under pressure” as a skill

To improve your resume, consider removing “work under pressure” as a skill from your resume. The ability to thrive under pressure is no longer viewed as a positive attribute. It’s more important to focus your ability to complete tasks efficiently within the allotted time. In reality, constantly working under pressure is not ideal for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and you may not want to be in an environment that values that kind of work culture.

Don’t use too much color combinations

Unless you are working in the creative or digital design field, it is advisable to keep your resume clean, simple, and free of colors and graphics. Stick to a basic black and white format, perhaps incorporating square and double lines strategically to enhance the overall layout. Remember, it’s important to showcase your skills and experiences effectively on the resume rather than focusing on elaborate design elements.

Before the interview: Have an example or anecdote for every achievement

Prior to the interview, ensure you have an example or story ready for each achievement listed on your resume. While this level of detail isn’t required on the resume itself, having these stories prepared will help the interview feel more like a two-way conversation rather than an interrogation. Moreover, these examples will provide real-life validation to the accomplishments you’ve highlighted on your resume.

Don’t write everything, give space for the interviewer to ask questions

Avoid the temptation to list everything you’ve ever done on your resume. Instead, focus on highlighting key achievements and experiences that will pique the interviewer’s interest and lead to further discussion during the interview. Provide enough information to intrigue your potential employer, creating opportunities for them to ask relevant questions and learn more about your capabilities and accomplishments.

Include contact information

Make sure to include multiple ways for potential employers to contact you on your resume, such as your cellphone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL. However, do not to include links to your personal Facebook or Instagram accounts.

Include solid references

Having strong and reputable references can greatly enhance your resume. Before listing anyone as a reference, ask for their permission and inform them of the positions you are applying, so they are prepared to be contacted. Select individuals who are familiar with your professional background and can speak to your strengths and abilities. It is important that your references come from your work or academic environment rather than personal connections such as friends or family members.

Closing Thoughts

In the competitive market of job applications and interviews, your resume serves as a dynamic tool to showcase your professional worth rather than simply documenting your past experiences. By following the ten tips outlined in this post, you can craft a compelling resume that highlights your achievements and relevant experiences while leaving room for detailed discussions during interviews. Remember, attention to detail, relevance, and being concise are key elements to consider when refining your resume for potential employers. Stand out as a candidate by presenting a polished and tailored document that reflects your professional aspirations and capabilities accurately.