Written by Rachel Goh
Writing a Resume that Stands Out
Let's face the truth - many of us may have a hard time when it comes to filling up our resumes. However, writing a well-crafted resume doesn't have to be gruelling at all. Regardless of the type of job you are applying for (PMET or non-PMET), keeping up with current resume practices will guide you to craft a straightforward and effective resume.
Don't skimp on your resume! If you are just beginning your job search and wrestling with how to craft your resume, read on as we provide you with tips on how you can build your resume to impress your employer and land an interview opportunity with your desired company!
Create your resume as you go: Use our resume template to create your resume as you read on! Learn how to write a good resume and edit the template accordingly.
Keep your resume to a maximum of two pages
At some point in time, we may have been taught that resumes should be kept to a single page. Contrary to popular belief, two-page resumes provide applicants with greater space to spread out their subject matter. Generally, if you have necessary details that you are unable to omit in your resume, it is perfectly fine to embrace a second page!
Assuming that hiring managers spend an average of 10 to 20 seconds reviewing each resume, it is important to provide hiring managers with a reason to take a closer look at your resume during their quick glance. Ultimately, the general rule of thumb is to remember the purpose of having a resume. The goal is not to showcase all of your experience, but to delicately select the skills and experience that best fits the job scope.
Assuming that hiring managers spend an average of 10 to 20 seconds reviewing each resume, it is important to provide hiring managers with a reason to take a closer look at your resume during their quick glance. Ultimately, the general rule of thumb is to remember the purpose of having a resume. The goal is not to showcase all of your experience, but to delicately select the skills and experience that best fits the job scope.
Structuring your resume
Having clear section headings is just as important as the content itself. Using section headings strategically will ensure that hiring managers can navigate through your resume easily. The following are core elements that a resume should consist of:
- HeaderThe most important thing is to ensure that hiring managers are aware of whose resume they are looking at. By displaying your personal information such as your full name, contact number and email address will allow employers to contact you easily for a job interview.
- Professional ExperienceA tip to stand out from the crowd is to focus on your accomplishments in the description to showcase your ability to bring value to companies, rather than daily duties which can be found from job advertisements. For example:
Company Name
Customer Service Officer (July 2019 - Aug 2020)
Maintained a 95% satisfaction rating over a 1-year period. - EducationWhile some jobs require a certain level of education, it is important to include your academic credentials into your resume. Recent graduates may have lesser work experience and it is perfectly fine for your education section to appear before your work experience. To boost your resume, you may include relevant coursework or leadership positions held too.
- SkillsEmployers are always on the lookout for candidates with additional skills. If you possess soft skills such as good communication and are proficient in Adobe Software, include them in your resume! While every job requires a different skillset, make sure that you pack this section with impactful skills that are relevant to the job.
Weave in keywords
A tip is to extract and include keywords that match your qualifications from the job advertisement posted by the company into your resume. Take, for instance, if the job is looking for candidates who are detail-oriented or a team player, including such values that are deemed valuable to the job, will increase your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.
However, as every job requires a different set of skills and qualities, it is important to customize your keywords accordingly based on its relevance to the job you are applying for.
However, as every job requires a different set of skills and qualities, it is important to customize your keywords accordingly based on its relevance to the job you are applying for.
Designing tips
Yes, the content of your resume is important. However, no hiring managers will want to spend extra time figuring out a resume that is cluttered. Making sure that your resume is readable to your employer is step number one! Jazz up your resume by ensuring that there is sufficient white space between sections and an easy-to-read font of no less than 11 pt.
Bolding, italics and bullet points will come in handy too, especially when it comes to highlighting headers or subheadings. However, refrain from underlining texts as it may be difficult to read.
Another important aspect that is often missed out is the formatting of margins. In the event that margins of the page are too narrow, you may run the risk of having information cut off if an employer chooses to print out your resume. Setting your margins at one inch on all sides will be the safest option.
Here are a few resume templates with a clean layout that you can follow:
Bolding, italics and bullet points will come in handy too, especially when it comes to highlighting headers or subheadings. However, refrain from underlining texts as it may be difficult to read.
Another important aspect that is often missed out is the formatting of margins. In the event that margins of the page are too narrow, you may run the risk of having information cut off if an employer chooses to print out your resume. Setting your margins at one inch on all sides will be the safest option.
Here are a few resume templates with a clean layout that you can follow:
Check for spelling and grammatical errors
Having minor spelling or grammatical errors may seem like a small mistake. However, hiring managers may discount your resume the moment they spot an error. While having errors does not deem you unqualified for the job, it does show the inadequate attention to detail and that an error has been overlooked.
Despite having word processing applications around to assist us in auto-correction, we should not heavily rely on them and proofread our resumes manually. Here's another tip for you! Get your friend to check your resume for you before applying for jobs and sending them out to employers.
Despite having word processing applications around to assist us in auto-correction, we should not heavily rely on them and proofread our resumes manually. Here's another tip for you! Get your friend to check your resume for you before applying for jobs and sending them out to employers.
Using the FastJobs
Resume Builder
Resume Builder
Alternatively, you can create your own resume using our resume-builder on our FastJobs' app. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can create a resume with your existing FastJobs profile.
In Summary
There you have it! Putting in effort to craft your resume will ensure that your resume works for you and aid you in standing out from the crowd. Your resume may actually play a part in making or breaking your chances of getting a job. These resume tips can apply to anyone looking for a job no matter the industry or seniority level, so don't skimp on your resume!
