What Really Impresses On A Resume?

If you were planning to interview for a job, what would you do to prepare? Maybe try to dress right? Rehearse what you’re going to say? Do some research into the company? And what about your resume? You’re going to need to send it in at some point, but before you do, it might be good to double-check it. 

Why? Because your resume needs to have something impressive about it, to make sure that you’re going to make a good impression before you even meet your potential employers. But to put together an impressive resume, you’ve got to keep a few rules in mind, and here are the most important ones. 

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The Right Structure

Recruiters are going to be looking through a lot of resumes, and you’ve got to come out on top – how do you set a good first impression? You structure it right, you’re concise with what you say, and you have a well-put-together summary for either a person or a program to scan over. 

In this summary, you’re going to need to include a few keywords, and these can usually be found in the job description. So, write about the role itself, write about your experience for it, and make sure you pack in as much specific detail as possible in no more than 100 words. 

A Bit of Character

Everyone thinks a resume needs to be short, sweet, and strictly professional. However, when it comes to standing out from the crowd, it’s good to infuse your resume with a bit of character. Make sure it’s not a bore to read, as that’ll turn anyone off from going past your initial summary! 

“By making your resume original, you demonstrate your creativity and ability to use non-standard approaches in standard situations. It can be much more effective, than mentioning your creativity on the list of your professional qualities.” – A Simple Step by Step Guide to a Building the Perfect Resume

For example, if you’ve taken online guitar lessons regularly before now, make sure you write about your passion and skill in music, to help come across as that bit more personable. Similarly, if you like the arts, or you’re a big sports fan, why not write about your passion for these two hobbies? Prove you can have fun, prove you’ve got something to say in social situations, and never forget just how important it is to seem down to earth. 

Show, Don’t Tell

And finally, be sure to back up anything you put on your resume with a bit of evidence, especially if it’s a major achievement. Make sure you write about that certificate you earned, or that award you were given, and even think about popping down some references, even if they aren’t asked for. 

Similarly, you’re going to want to write about your achievements in a manner that makes you seem like a real go getter. The alternative is to write monotonously, and like you’ve been a part of things but never lead the pack, and that might just set the wrong tone for the interview you go through for. 

If you’re going to impress with your resume, you need to keep tips like these in mind when you write it – you’ll send the right message.