How to create the perfect resume: 5 essential tips

The nightmare of anyone looking for a job: leaving their resume at a company only to have it end up in the trash or at the bottom of a drawer that no one opens.

But first, have you ever been in a situation where you had to send an amount? huge number of resumes and ask yourself why Have you never been called for an interview?

It happens a lot. One of the reasons could be a resume that doesn't have what recruiters are looking for. But how do you know exactly what they're looking for?

It is becoming increasingly common for companies to adopt a "humanized" type of selection process, in which each resume is not treated as a number, but rather as a person.

Even so, having an outstanding resume This could be a game-changer in getting noticed by the recruiter for that job you're looking for. 

What is a perfect resume?

So, what exactly is the perfect resume? Although this concept is subjective, and each company or recruiter sees it differently, The best resume is one where the information is clear, objective, and as legible as possible. 

So what does that mean? Let's use an analogy. 

When you read any content, what do you prioritize? In this article, for example, you probably looked for the subheadings and tried to extract as much information as possible in the shortest amount of time, initially doing a quick read before moving on to another page. 

The same applies to resumes. It needs to be attractive and easy to read.So that, during the initial screening, it doesn't fall into a limbo due to a lack of clear information, thus avoiding taking up too much of the recruiter's time and leading them to discard it. 

In an ideal world, recruiters would read each resume carefully and analyze each candidate. However, with jobs becoming increasingly fast-paced and dynamic, this action is practically utopian. 

Why is it important to have a perfect resume?

Therefore, the importance of having a perfect resume lies precisely in this point: to pass the recruiter's initial screening and get on the list of "relevant" candidates"which will be read carefully and, therefore, will give them a better chance of being called for an interview. 

It's a fact that there's no perfect standard that will never be ignored. Even if you have a perfect resume, it's possible it won't pass a particular selection process, but even so, the greater probability is that it will. Don't let it pass you by. 

What recruiters expect from a resume

So, first we need to understand what recruiters expect from a resume, and there's an objective answer to that: 

It seems obvious, but that is, in fact, the first thing they look for. Then you ask yourself: "My resume matched the job description, and yet I wasn't called for an interview." 

The error may lie in the way the information is allocated. 

First of all, it's important to understand that your experiences relevant to the specific job opening need to be highlighted, in most cases. There's no need to list other roles you've held that are unrelated to the position you're applying for. 

Next, think: what is the main attribute sought in the position I have?

This characteristic also needs to be highlighted. All this without mentioning your full name and the details of how this recruiter will find you, of course. 

In the sections below, you will understand these points more clearly through five essential tips to start improving your resume now. 

The secret to the perfect resume.

Dos and don'ts for your resume.

Details

5 essential tips for creating the perfect resume

Considering everything that has already been said, to begin with the five tips, it's necessary that you keep in mind that... A balance of information is essential in a document like this. 

So, get ready to print this information safely:

1. You don't need to enter all your personal information!

Yes, it's a myth to believe that your resume needs your address, social security number, voter registration number, or other extremely personal information. 

At the time of hiring, the company may – and will – need this information, but for selection purposes, it is not necessary. 

Limit yourself to your name, your contact information such as phone number, WhatsApp, LinkedIn and other social media profiles of interest, the city and, at most, the neighborhood where you live. 

2. Be clear about your area of expertise.

Despite many people believing that recruiters prioritize those who list "jacks of all trades" on their resumes, the opposite is actually true. 

The HR professional is looking for someone who fits the pre-established requirements and has experience compatible with the role. 

So, specify your area of expertise, and list the main experiences related to the area you are applying for. 

If you can perform more than one role, you may need to have more than one resume version to send in a personalized way. 

3. Include your training.

Always keeping your education relevant to the job opening, it's a game-changer in making your resume stand out. List all relevant qualifications in the first section so the recruiter can easily spot them at a glance. 

And this doesn't just apply to undergraduate studies, but also to any other course you might be taking that interests you right now. 

4. Be direct about your professional experience, but strategic.

Pay attention to this order: first you list your role, then the company, because what you did is more important than where you worked in this initial evaluation. 

That way:

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Marketing Agency – The Administrator 

1. Simplicity is the best way.

Although the use of graphic resources is becoming increasingly popular today, if not done well, they end up hindering more than helping. Opt for a cleaner look, where the focus is on the information, not on images or icons. 

If you're a professional graphic designer, it might be interesting to try a slightly more distinctive layout. Otherwise, it could backfire. 

Conclusion

Furthermore, follow professionals who specialize in resume writing and consume free content to gain even more information on the subject. 

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Nathalia Silva

Journalist, writer, and lover of words.

September 21, 2021