Your resume should include your job duties, which are usually obvious from the job title. Highlight these duties by making them personal and citing specific examples. Never leave this information vague because it does not give an employer enough information to decide whether or not to hire you.
Moreover, the purpose of your resume is to promote yourself, not to explain why you have left your previous job. Thus, you should avoid writing in the first or third person. Here are some of the best resume examples and tips to make your resume more appealing to potential employers:
Avoid Writing In First or Third Person
Many people have trouble understanding why it’s important to avoid writing in the first or third person when writing a resume. First of all, third-person language is not formal. It conveys an impression of immaturity and makes it difficult for readers to understand what you’re saying.
Whenever you write in the first person, you are speaking directly to the reader, rather than about the person. This can make your resume sound egocentric and boring. Third-person language is more effective because it eliminates repetitive pronouns and allows you to use short bullet points. But you need to be careful. Third-person language can be awkward or creepy. If you feel comfortable writing in this style, you can use it for formal writing and reference sections of your resume.
Use Strong Action Words To Describe Job Duties
If you want to get noticed by employers, use action words to describe your duties and skills. These words show your analytical skills and willingness to implement projects. Choose words that match the description of the job you’re applying for. Also, avoid repetitions. Adding too many of the same words to your resume can seem boring and overused. It’s helpful to consult a thesaurus or dictionary for help. Finally, have a friend or colleague read your resume to check for errors.
If you’re struggling to come up with an original way to describe your job duties, consider using power verbs. These words are very descriptive and sell your skills better than generic buzzwords. Remember, a hiring manager will be evaluating more than 250 resumes before selecting one. They’ll have to weed through all of them and you want to stand out from the crowd. Generic buzzwords and neutral verbs don’t convey an image of the applicant, so they’ll likely ignore your resume.
Use Reverse Chronological Format
A reverse chronological resume lists your work experience and education in reverse chronological order. Include dates of employment, job title, company name, and specific achievements. Employers prefer this format because it’s easy to read and demonstrates a progression in responsibility and experience. It also showcases your skills and educational background and shows the employer how you’ve grown professionally over time.
The reverse chronological resume format is best suited to mid-level to entry-level jobs that don’t require a significant amount of experience. It makes your work experience and accomplishments more recognizable to hiring managers. If you have no work experience in a particular field, however, you may want to consider using an alternative format. The resume should highlight any relevant accomplishments, as well as your education, certifications, and work history.
