Are you continuously applying for your dream job but facing rejection? It’s time to revamp your resume. Applying with an ordinary resume doesn’t work in the competitive job markets, especially when you are looking for a remote job.
Not sure how to create an outstanding resume? Don’t fret at all. This blog will provide tips for writing an exceptional resume that will surely take you a step closer to your dream job.
If you are particularly interested in how to create a winning CV to land a remote job, check our latest blog articles addressing the most critical angles.
Tips to Write a Compelling Resume
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Tailor the Resume for Each Position
One resume for all doesn’t always make sense. Usually, many freshers and inexperienced people make this mistake. They create one resume and send it everywhere. In most cases, this practice doesn’t work at all. You can use different types of basic resume templates to help you with a nice design and save time.
If you want to get hired quickly, tailor your resume according to each job description. When you tailor your resume according to the job description, you will leave a great impression on hiring managers and let them think you are the right person for the position.
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Keep it Concise
Remember that resumes are entirely different from essays and statements of purpose. Mostly, it’s a single-page document that tells everything about you. So, you have the minimum space to write the maximum data. Therefore, writing long paragraphs or sentences doesn’t work in resume writing.
Instead, in resume writing, you must keep everything concise. You must conclude things in only a few words. If your existing resume contains lengthy and hard-to-read sentences, condense them. For that, you can use an advanced summarizing tool. It will quickly summarize everything and make your resume look more professional.
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Don’t Add Unnecessary Details
Sometimes, job seekers add unnecessary information to their resumes. They think that such things can help them a lot in their quest. But in reality, they don’t offer any benefits. Instead, they make the resumes look less professional. So, no matter what, don’t add unnecessary information.
If you can remove even a single word, do it. The more direct your resume is, the better it can impress resume reviewers.
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List Experience in Reverse-Chronological Order
Adding experiences to resumes is a must, and everyone does it. However, only a few follow the correct pattern. They randomly mention their experiences without considering whether they will build or ruin their resumes.
Whenever you write about your experiences in your resume, mention them in reverse chronological order. This is the best way to write about your experiences, as it helps recruiters quickly find out where you are working right now.
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Use Strong Action Verbs
When writing a resume, be mindful of your word selection. Apart from your experiences, skills, and educational background, your word selection also matters a lot. In fact, it can be the decisive factor that could give you an extra advantage over other applicants.
Add some action verbs to your resume to enhance your chances of getting an interview call. Here are a few examples of action words: delegated, executed, organized, programmed, built, established, introduced, achieved, etc.
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Add Relevant Keywords
Adding keywords to a resume is also a must to get interview calls. Usually, applicants don’t bother adding them to their resumes. They make a huge mistake, so they don’t get a good response from the hiring authorities. In fact, their resumes don’t get noticed at all.
However, when a person adds keywords to their resume, recruiters think that person can perfectly fill their role. Additionally, using this practice, one can also beat the ATS and pass the first screening test. So, before applying for a job, read the job description, find relevant keywords, and add them to your resume.
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Frequently Update Your Resume
Once a person gets a job, they stop working on their resume, as they think it has done its part. But remember that it’s essential to have an up-to-date resume. If you have that resume, you can apply for a job immediately and grab a new and better opportunity.
By updating your resume, you can showcase the new skills you learned during your current job and mention your achievements to make it more compelling. Lastly, it boosts confidence when you apply for jobs, as you know your resume is ready, and you just have to prepare for the interview.
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Mention Your Achievements, Not Your Duties
Many professionals mention their duties during their work in the experience section. While mentioning duties is good, writing achievements is much better. That’s why you should always add your achievements, not your duties.
This simple yet effective strategy will help your resume stand out and leave a solid impression on hiring managers’ minds.
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Add Headings and Subheadings
Separate each section and subsection with headings and subheadings to make your resume scannable and attractive. Headings and subheadings improve the overall structure of the resumes and make it easier for everyone to scan the resume and get the desired information quickly.
Adding headings and subheadings makes it easier for resume writers to maintain a great flow. Also, it makes it easier for them to add their selected keywords in the right place. Consequently, ATS (Application Tracking Systems) can notice their resumes.
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Write Information in Bullets
Write information in bullet points to make your resume more appealing and organized. Writing paragraphs dulls resumes and leaves a bad impression on hiring managers.
That’s why you would have observed that most people’s resumes have bullet points instead of simple paragraphs.
Writing information in bullets offers two significant benefits. First, it makes the resume easy to scan. Second, it makes the resume clear and concise, eventually making it more impressive.
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Carefully Proofread Your Resume
Lastly, remember to proofread your resume ruthlessly, no matter how effective and impressive. Look for all kinds of imperfections. Search for contextual, grammatical, punctuation, formatting, and other mistakes. Proofreading will help you bring perfection to your resume and add a magical touch.
Also, send your resume to someone else, especially recruiters, and get their opinion on it. They will surely provide some valuable tips and help you make your resume better than ever.
Don't forget about cover letters because they still play a vital role in your application process.
To Conclude
The job market is getting more competitive with each passing day. The rise in competition is making it harder for people to get their desired jobs. However, someone with a well-crafted resume can easily cut through the noise and get what they want. That’s why you must put in some effort and implement the strategies mentioned in this article. They will help you enhance your chances of getting hired by your favorite company.