As a job seeker, it is always important to follow resume writing tips while drafting a CV. In case you are unfamiliar with it, a resume is a document employers and recruiters use to evaluate a candidate's skills and experience. If you don’t have a resume yet, start by creating a basic one when you register as a job seeker on Job Mail.

In this step-by-step guide, we will share tips on how to create a resume that will help you land the job you are applying for. But first, let’s look at why a good resume is a must-have.

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The importance of having a well-designed resume

A well-designed resume can help you stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of a hiring manager. It should highlight your achievements and provide a summary of your experience.

Due to the rapid emergence and evolution of new technologies and innovations, job seekers need to keep up with the changes in order to be successful in today's competitive environment. One of the most important factors a person should consider when it comes to writing a resume is the quality of its content. Besides being a great advertisement, a resume is your first impression and a professional resume can help you stand out from the crowd.

Top resume writing tips for job seekers

1. Use the right resume formatting

The formatting of your resume is very important to ensure that it's eye-catching. Having large text blocks can make it hard to read and it may result in important information being overlooked. With a well-designed resume template that has bullet points and good spacing, you can create a layout that's balanced and showcases your skills.

2. Include a summary or objectives

Employers typically view resumes for around six to seven seconds, though this varies depending on the company. In some cases, they may thoroughly scan them, while in others, they may only look at them for a few seconds. This means that your objective statement or resume summary statement should appear at the top of your document where it will get the most attention.

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3. Let it be both professional and personal

Your professional resume should be able to help you stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of potential employers and recruiters. This will require you to highlight relevant items to show that you are a good fit for the position such as your accomplishments. If you have no previous experience or if you are a student, this will come in handy as well. In addition to highlighting your skills and experience, it should also include important information about yourself to help potential employers evaluate your capabilities. One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to writing your resume is the use of industry jargon to help support your insight and expertise.

4. Include relevant information

Your resume should only contain relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments. If you're planning on applying for a professional position, avoid including older experiences or experience that has nothing to do with the position you’re applying for. Moreover, only include a list of your best abilities and recent achievements.

5. Use numbers

One of the most effective ways to make your resume stand out is by using numbers. This can help you show how much you've achieved. For instance, instead of writing about how you exceeded your quotas until you were promoted, you can highlight the achievements that you've made over the past six months. This can help the hiring managers visualise how you've performed and how you can contribute to the team. Here is a basic example of how to highlight achievements.

“Throughout my career in sales, I have consistently exceeded my targets and built strong relationships with clients. One notable example was my role at ABC Company where I was able to increase sales by 20% in just 6 months through proactive outreach and demonstrating a deep understanding of our offerings. Another instance was at XYZ Pty Ltd., where I closed a R300 000 deal with a new client, the largest in the company's history at that time, by effectively understanding their pain points and offering tailored solutions.”

6. Make use of relevant keywords

You should include keywords in both your cover letter and resume to help attract the recruiters' attention and make an impact on the job search. These short phrases, which are typically used to describe the job requirements, can be used to attract their attention and help you get an interview. Hiring professionals use these keywords in applicant tracking systems, which scan every resume to check if applicants meet the necessary requirements.

7. Use your correct professional title and email address

Your professional title must be included in the resume. If you're an accountant, project manager, or CPA, you should include this in your resume. When you prepare to start sending out job applications, one of the first things you should check is if your email address displays as professional. Employers will be checking your contact information when they decide to reach out to you regarding your application, and they'll be hesitant to approach you if your email address is inappropriate or unprofessional.

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8. Keep it short and simple to read

It can be hard for hiring managers and recruiters to digest a resume that consists of too much information over several pages. Ideally, you should compile a one-page document that is short and contains bullet points with relevant information. If you have too much information for one page, you can go over to two pages, but keep it concise and to the point.

Were our resume writing tips helpful? Get started and update your CV before sending it out for your next vacancy application. It will allow you to show off your skills and knowledge. Are you looking for new job opportunities? Visit Job Mail, look for new vacancies, and register as a job seeker today!