Formatting a resume is an important step in the preparation of a successful job application. A recruiter will consider your resume for a few moments before moving on. Creating a concise and easy-to-skim resume will get your foot in the door.
Read on to discover three key tips to formatting your resume.
Computer friendly
The average resume will be scanned for 25 seconds. If your resume is too difficult to navigate, most hiring managers will move onto the next one.
Many recruiters require a resume to be submitted as a Microsoft Word or PDF file. This ensures the resume can be ‘read’ by the software programs they use. Including keywords relevant to your role is important. Keywords will help recruiters find your resume when they search through databases.
It’s about quality, not quantity
Keep in mind that you may be one of one hundred potential applicants. Also, no hiring manager has the time to go through a ten-page resume. Try to format your resume to be concise. For school leavers, an ideal length is two pages. For those with established careers, three to four pages is recommended.
Proofread before submitting
Recruiters receive countless resumes with spelling and grammatical errors. Nothing is less appealing than a potential job candidate who can’t spell. Use online spelling and grammar programs and proofread your resume before you send it to anyone. And, if you can, get someone else to proofread it too.
Formatting the perfect resume can be a bit daunting. But using the right tips and instructions, you can make yours stand out from the rest. Remember that your resume is a reflection of you. It’s your best chance to show an employer what you’ve got to offer.
