The Dos and Don'ts of Resume Writing: Tips for Standing Out to Employers

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. The Dos of Resume Writing
A. Tailor Your Resume to the Job
B. Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experience
C. Use Strong Action Verbs
D. Keep it Concise and Easy to Read
E. Proofread and Edit Carefully
III. The Don'ts of Resume Writing
A. Don't Lie or Exaggerate
B. Don't Use Too Many Buzzwords or Jargon
C. Don't Include Irrelevant Information
D. Don't Use Unprofessional Email Addresses or Fonts
IV. Conclusion

When it comes to landing your dream job, your resume can make or break your chances. A strong resume is your chance to make a great first impression and show potential employers why you're the right candidate for the job. However, resume writing can be a daunting task, especially if you're unsure of where to start. In this article, we'll cover the dos and don'ts of resume writing to help you stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of landing the job.

The Dos of Resume Writing

Tailor Your Resume to the Job: 

One of the most important things you can do when writing your resume is to tailor it to the job you're applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Review the job posting and make note of the key requirements and qualifications. Then, make sure your resume clearly demonstrates how you meet those requirements.

Highlight Your Relevant Skills and Experience: 

Your resume should highlight your most relevant skills and experience, especially those that relate to the job you're applying for. Use bullet points to break up your information and make it easy to read. Be sure to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using numbers and statistics to illustrate your achievements.

Use Strong Action Verbs: 

Using strong action verbs can help bring your accomplishments to life and make your resume more dynamic. Verbs like "managed," "created," "improved," and "implemented" are great choices. Avoid using passive voice, which can make your accomplishments sound less impressive.

Keep it Concise and Easy to Read: 

Your resume should be concise and easy to read, with a clear structure and organization. Use bullet points and headings to break up your information, and keep your sentences short and to the point. Use a font size of at least 10-12 points to ensure readability.

Proofread and Edit Carefully: 

Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully to ensure there are no typos or errors. Have someone else read it over as well to get a fresh perspective. Make sure your resume is tailored to the job you're applying for and that it accurately reflects your skills and experience.

The Don'ts of Resume Writing

Don't Lie or Exaggerate: 

While it may be tempting to exaggerate your accomplishments or credentials, it's important to be truthful and honest on your resume. Lying or exaggerating can be grounds for dismissal or termination down the line, so it's not worth the risk.

Don't Use Too Many Buzzwords or Jargon: 

While industry-specific jargon can be helpful in some cases, using too many buzzwords or technical terms can be confusing and off-putting to potential employers. Stick to clear, concise language that accurately describes your skills and experience.

Don't Include Irrelevant Information: 

While it's important to include relevant information about your skills and experience, it's equally important to leave out information that isn't relevant to the job you're applying for. For example, you don't need to include every job you've ever had on your resume if it's not relevant to your current career goals.

Don't Use Unprofessional Email Addresses or Fonts: 

Your resume should be professional and polished, so avoid using unprofessional email addresses or fonts. Stick to a standard font like Arial or Times New Roman, and use a professional email address that includes your name.

By following these dos and don'ts of resume writing, you can create a strong and compelling resume that highlights your skills and experience. Remember to tailor your resume to the job you're applying for, use strong action verbs, and keep it concise and easy to read. Avoid lying or exaggerating, using too many buzzwords or jargon, and including irrelevant information. With these tips, you'll be on your way to standing out to potential employers and landing your dream job.

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