In this very competitive marketplace, it seems that resume writing is getting more complex. Although there are no hard and fast rules, these points should make the process a bit easier.

Do’s:

• Put a title on top to indicate the position you’re applying for. Example: “Target: Junior Financial Analyst Position”.
• Tailor your resume for each advertisement. The one size fits all resume no longer works since hiring managers are looking for specific skills and experience.
• Include a professional profile that tells companies what you can do for them.
• List your technical skills and areas of knowledge.
• Use powerful verbs like “chartered”, “spearheaded” or “captured” to indicate what you did instead of the same old, tired verbs like “handled” or “managed”.
• Quantify your accomplishments, when possible. Instead of saying you made top sales, state the actual dollar amount.
• Include your education, courses or skilled trade training.
• Be consistent with your colour, bullets, headings and font throughout your resume.
• Check and recheck your resume to ensure no typos or grammatical errors slip by.
• Include page numbers. If you have a 2-page resume, format your page numbering as page 1 of 2 and page 2 of 2 so the recruiter knows how long your resume is.
• Put your name and contact information on all your resume’s pages in case a page gets separated from the rest.
• Include a cover letter with your resume to explain what you offer the company and why you’re an ideal candidate.

Don’ts:

• Explain why you left your last job. Save that for the interview only if they ask why you left.
• List obvious skills like Outlook or internet because almost everyone has these skills.
• Include confidential information on your resume.
• Use slang. You may think it sounds cool, but hiring managers think it’s unprofessional.
• Use clichés and buzzwords like “results-oriented” or “team player”. These words have been used too many times to be novel anymore.
• List controversial organizations or hobbies unrelated to the desired position.
• Include a photograph of yourself. Some cultures support this, but it’s not common in North America.
• Include a high school education if you graduated from university, college or a trade school.
• Put “References Available Upon Request” at the end of your resume. This is outdated and it’s understood that you’ll send references when asked.
• Use wacky fonts, garish colors or crazy designs. Stick to a crisp, clean look with a font that’s easy to read.
• Use your company’s email and phone number. It’s better to use your personal information even if your boss knows you’re looking.
• Include information that could be discriminated against such as age, marital status, gender, religion, race, color or national origin.
• Lie on your resume. Your sin will find you out, and you can get fired.

By keeping these points in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a professional resume for the job you want.

Giselle Mazurat received her designation as a Certified Resume Strategist from the Career Professionals of Canada. She also writes technical and business content for government and private companies.

Bibliography:

15 terms you must include in your resume and 10 things that will get it tossed
https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/15-words-you-must-include-in-your-resume-and-10-things-that-will-get-it-tossed/

42 Resume Do’s and Don’ts Every Job Seeker Should Know
https://www.themuse.com/advice/42-resume-dos-and-donts-every-job-seeker-should-know

185 Powerful Verbs That Will Make Your Resume Awesome
https://www.themuse.com/advice/185-powerful-verbs-that-will-make-your-resume-awesome

The definitive list of resume dos and don’ts. Don’t break these rules.
https://careers.workopolis.com/advice/the-definitive-list-of-resume-dos-and-donts-dont-break-these-rules/

The Do’s and Don’ts of Resume Writing
https://www.roberthalf.com/blog/writing-a-resume/the-dos-and-donts-of-resume-writing