Resume Dos and Don’ts
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Resume Dos and Don’ts

Resume Dos and Don’ts
Let’s face it – resumes pile up in recruiters’ inboxes and the archive button is often hit in less than a minute. There is indeed no fool-proof way to get your resume picked up by recruiters. But you do have the ability to make yours more palatable and increase your chances of securing an interview. Simply heed these pointers and you may be on your way to crafting a winning resume.

Dos

Keep it short
Ideally, a resume should not exceed two pages. Any longer than that and you might risk losing the reader’s attention.

Use standard fonts
Quirky fonts may work well for portfolios, but the bulk of your resume should feature standard fonts such as Arial, Calibri and Times New Roman. Experts also recommend Helvetica for its clean and modern structure.

State your contact details
Make sure that your contact details are stated clearly – either in the header or footer of the document – so that recruiters know how to reach you.

Include links to your portfolio
Online portfolios are a convenient platform for employers to view your work and talent. Remember to include a link to your portfolio just beneath your name at the top.

Quantify your achievements
This gives your accomplishments a realistic value. Mention the number of people you led or worked with, the number of projects you managed, or the amount of clicks and views you have generated.

Don’ts

Compile a laundry list of your achievements
Hiring managers usually have to sieve through dozens of resumes, so avoid listing down every single achievement. Focus on your key strengths and greatest accomplishments!

Put your photograph
Unless the job application specifically calls for it, there is no need to show employers what you look like.

Use clichés and jargon
“Touch base”, “leverage”, “low hanging fruit”, “idea shower” and “helicopter view” may sound impressive, but they are actually meaningless (and odd) expressions used to describe simple things. Avoid the jargon and use simple, straightforward language instead.