Do’s & Don’ts of Resume Writing

Writing a strong resume involves a balance of “do’s” and “don’ts” to ensure that your document is effective in showcasing your qualifications and experiences. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts for resume writing:

Do’s:

1. Do Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job.
2. Do Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description to improve your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
3. Do Start with a Strong Summary: Begin your resume with a concise summary or objective statement that highlights your key qualifications and career goals.
4. Do Highlight Achievements: Emphasize your accomplishments and results in each role. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible.
5. Do Use Action Verbs: Start bullet points with strong action verbs (e.g., achieved, managed, led) to convey your accomplishments effectively.
6. Do Use a Clean and Consistent Format: Maintain a consistent format with clear headings, bullet points, and fonts. Ensure your resume is visually appealing and easy to read.
7. Do Proofread Carefully: Thoroughly proofread your resume to eliminate spelling and grammatical errors. Consider seeking feedback from others.
8. Do Include Relevant Sections: Depending on your background, include sections like “Skills,” “Certifications,” “Projects,” “Volunteer Work,” or “Languages” to showcase relevant qualifications.
9. Do Include Contact Information: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
10. Do Quantify Achievements: Use numbers, percentages, and specific data to quantify your achievements and provide concrete evidence of your impact.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Use a Generic Resume: Avoid using the same resume for every job application. Tailor your resume to match the specific job requirements.
2. Don’t Include Irrelevant Information: Exclude information that doesn’t pertain to the job you’re applying for, such as personal hobbies or unrelated part-time jobs from years ago.
3. Don’t Use a Lengthy Objective Statement: Keep your summary or objective statement concise, focusing on what you can offer the employer rather than your own goals.
4. Don’t Exaggerate or Lie: Be honest about your qualifications and experiences. Exaggerating or providing false information can lead to serious consequences if discovered.
5. Don’t Use Unprofessional Email Addresses: Ensure that your email address is professional. Avoid using overly casual or inappropriate addresses.
6. Don’t Overuse Jargon: While industry-specific terms can be valuable, don’t overload your resume with jargon that may be unclear to non-experts.
7. Don’t Include Personal Information: Avoid including personal details like your date of birth, marital status, or social security number unless explicitly required by the employer or country’s norms.
8. Don’t Neglect Readability: Ensure your resume is easy to read. Avoid using overly small fonts or complex formatting that may be challenging for ATS or human readers.
9. Don’t Include Negative Information: Focus on your strengths and achievements. Avoid mentioning reasons for leaving previous jobs or any negative experiences.
10. Don’t Forget to Update Regularly: Keep your resume up to date with your latest skills and experiences, even if you’re not actively job searching.

By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a well-crafted and effective resume that increases your chances of success in your job search.