10 tips to make your resume stand out

Recruiters receive dozens, even hundreds, of resumes. It's better for yours to land at the top of the pile rather than at the bottom... So it's important to follow certain rules. Learn how to highlight your strengths and experience, and adopt a clear structure. How? By following StepStone's 10 tips for a promising resume

1. Be clear and structured
Recruiters won't read every resume in detail. They start by 'scanning' the resumes received by skimming them. Only those that capture their attention at this first reading will be examined more closely. Choose an attractive layout, structuring your ideas. To do this, work with clear paragraphs and headings.

2. Avoid embellishments
A resume is a professional document. Don't try to make it stand out by using a quirky font or colors. Keep it simple.

3. Be concise
Your resume is not a novel. Avoid telling your life story. Make sure the document does not exceed 1 to 2 A4 pages. Indicate a few relevant elements about your professional experience (tasks performed, responsibilities...) and possibly your training (courses taken, title of your dissertation...).

4. Make sure you can be easily contacted
If the recruiter wants to contact you, they must be able to find your personal information at first glance. Indicate them at the top of the first page. Consider mentioning your age rather than your date of birth to simplify the lives of those who will read your resume.

5. Banish unnecessary mentions
Avoid indicating 'curriculum vitae' at the top of the document. Similarly, do not precede your name with the word 'name', your address with the word 'address', etc. If your resume is clear and well-structured, it will be clear to everyone.

6. Emphasize your experience
Your experience is what interests the recruiter most. It is more important than your training and should therefore be mentioned first. Make sure it is relevant to the position you are applying for. You haven't gained professional experience yet? You can highlight your internships and student jobs. If you really have no relevant experience, start by explaining your training.

7. Indicate the necessary training
You must of course indicate your main training and specializations relevant to the position, but without going into too much detail. If you have done higher education, the recruiter will not be interested in your primary and secondary education... Have you, during your career, followed training that you consider interesting for the targeted position? Talk about it briefly.

8. Work in reverse chronological order
Whether for your experience or your training, the most recent information is the most important. Always indicate it first.

9. Be precise
Remember to mention your language and computer skills. This is essential, but also indicate your level of knowledge. For example: excellent, good, average, notions. Regarding languages, distinguish between your ability to read, speak and write.

10. Personalize your resume
Your resume is not a standard document. You should refine it according to the position you are targeting. Some experiences or training may be more relevant for one position than for another.


Stepstone.lu

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