When looking for a new job, putting together an eye-catching resume is one of the best ways to make a great first impression.
Have you ever heard the phrase, โYou never get a second chance to make a first impressionโ? Though itsโ actual origin is uncertain, it became popular when it was used in an advertisement in the 1980โs for Head & Shoulders shampoo. Since then, the slogan has been a reminder that the way we present ourselves can have a big impact on how people perceive us โโ which is a great way to view the purpose of your resume.
Your resume is typically the first impression a recruiter or hiring manager has of you. Most of us have experienced putting one together, but did you know there are certain things you can do to make your resume stand out amongst other applicants? In order to land the job you want, follow these doโs and donโts to craft an eye-catching resume that will be sure to grab the attention of anyone who sees it.
9 Doโs and Donโts When Putting Together an Eye-Catching Resume
Do: Include relevant experiences
The purpose of a resume is to highlight your background, skills, and accomplishments โโ so of course you want to include work (and possibly personal) experiences that show youโre the right fit. Make sure you only include whatโs relevant to the job youโre applying for that way your resume wonโt be weighed down by information they donโt need to know. This is the first step of creating an eye-catching resume.
Donโt: Go back more than 10-15 years
If youโve been working a decade or more, itโs likely you wonโt list every single job youโve ever had, especially if it doesnโt relate to the advertisement. A good rule of thumb is to not go back more than 10-15 years unless the experience is too relevant to not mention.
Do: List concrete examples/numbers that detail past success
Using concrete numbers and examples to illustrate your accomplishments will help your resume stand out from other candidates because it paints a clear picture of how you helped your previous job. For example, rather than saying โManaged social media profiles,โ you could say โIncreased social media followers by 10% over 6 months.โ This provides a tangible result from your efforts.
Donโt: Mention every single responsibility you had at each job
Itโs tempting to list out all the responsibilities youโve had in your past experience so managers understand your capabilities. But in doing so, it may draw attention away from the most important and relevant aspects of your work history. Be clear and concise and only mention key responsibilities that will affect the job youโre applying for.
Do: Use templates
Resumes typically follow certain formats, especially in terms of alignment. Having a resume that appears to be all over the place can make you seem careless or frantic which might not be the impression you want to give off. Thankfully, there are various resume templates you can use so you donโt have to create one from scratch. If you have Microsoft Word or Google Docs, you can check out their templates, or try websites like Canva to create a visually pleasing resume that lets your personality shine through when putting together an eye-catching resume.
Bonus Tip:
- When sending your resume, always download it as a PDF first so the format doesnโt change when itโs opened by the recruiter.
Donโt: Copy from someone else
If youโre using a template from a friend or the internet thatโs pre-written, it may be tempting to leave in the parts that sound good or match your experience. Resist the urge because if youโre questioned about it later, it may be difficult to explain.
Do: Mention any relevant certificates or courses youโve completed
If youโve spent the time completing courses or receiving certificates that are relevant to the job, definitely include them on your resume. Not only will it make you a more attractive candidate, but it will also show youโre invested in the industry you want to work in.
Donโt: List skills like Microsoft or Google Workspace
It used to be standard procedure to mention proficiencies in platforms like Microsoft or Google Workspace, but in the technology-driven landscape we live in, those skills have become mandatory. Most employers will expect you to have some experience in one or the other (or ideally both), but fortunately theyโre designed to be user-friendly and easy to learn. (Check out training for Microsoft and Google.)
Do: Keep it concise and down to 1-2 pages
Your resume should be a fairly brief synopsis of your work history that makes the recruiter want to invite you in for an interview so they can learn more. Most managers suggest that a resume fit neatly on one page, but that going onto a second isnโt a deal breaker as long as itโs full of information they need to know. If you think itโs necessary to go into more detail before the interview stage, include it in your cover letter. When putting together an eye-catching resume, listing hard facts is one of the most important tips to remember.
Bonus Tip:
- Double (and tripleโฆmaybe even quadruple) check that your resume is free of spelling, grammatical, or formatting errors. Swap with a friend or family member if need be.
Putting together an eye-catching resume isnโt the only thing recruiters look for in a candidate, itโs important to make a good first impression by creating a document that helps demonstrate who you are as an employee. Use these doโs and donโts to craft a resume that will wow managers and make you their next hire.
