1) Constantly tailor your resume to each job you apply to.
- Applying with a single, generic resume for every job is not an effective strategy. Instead, create tailored versions of your resume for each job application. This approach ensures that you highlight the skills and qualifications that recruiters are specifically seeking for the role.
2) Include keywords from the job description.
- Employers often list industry-specific skills and keywords in job descriptions that they want to see in your resume. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) also look for these exact words to decide if your resume matches the job requirements. So, always review job ads, take note of the specific skills and qualifications, and include them in your resume as they are.
3) Choose a resume format that helps you.
- When organizing your resume, you can choose from three recruiter-approved formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Each format is designed to highlight different strengths and downplay weaknesses, depending on your years of experience and career progression. Discover which resume format suits you best in our detailed resume formats guide.
4) Optimize your resume’s language with action verbs.
- Enhance your resume by using powerful action verbs. Start sentences with impactful words like “achieved,” “conducted,” and “restructured” to capture recruiters’ attention. Avoid redundant “I” statements and eliminate unnecessary articles such as “the,” “a,” or “an” to streamline your content. While this might feel unnatural initially, it aligns with recruiters’ expectations.
5) Be Consistent with Tense
- Consistency in verb tense is a small but crucial detail in resume writing. Use past tense for accomplishments in previous jobs and present tense for current roles. This practice ensures clarity and coherence in your resume.
6) Customize Your Resume Beyond the Five Essential Sections
- While your resume should include the five fundamental sections, adding custom sections can highlight additional achievements. Consider including sections for Certifications, Awards, Languages, or Extracurricular Activities to demonstrate added value in your job application.
By Gabriela Hernandez, 2023
