10 things that define a killer resume

Your resume is considered the most necessary document you would ever own. A resume is often the first point of contact between you and your next employer. When you have a well-written professional resume, your chances are much higher of getting shortlisted, also nothing can beat your chances of getting a job if you have a killer resume that shows off your education, skills and experience well. Here are 10 things that define a killer resume:

Your resume should have a clean layout

No one wants to read a garbled mess. If you can’t design your own layout, start with a template. A killer resume increases the employer’s interest enough to land you a job interview. That’s it. A resume’s purpose is to get your foot in the door and take you to the next step. Hopefully, your next step won’t be to the dreaded paper shredder.

Your resume should be free from grammatical errors

Your resume should be free of typo and grammatical errors. Get someone to review and edit your resume before you apply for the job.

Your Resume is not about you

Your resume is about how you fit the employer’s job requirements. Always select and organise your most relevant accomplishments, skills, and experiences for the position. The most effective resumes are clearly focused on a specific job title and address the employer’s stated needs.

Your resume should have strength to sell you in seconds

Show how you contribute to the position at a glance. Your resume is a failure if the employer doesn’t instantly see you have what it takes.

Resume is your marketing tool, not a personal document

Sell yourself, not the story of your life. Leave the personal stuff out of your resume and focus on the skills that sizzle.

Your resume Should Highlight Your achievements

Your resume highlights your accomplishments, not job duties or descriptions. Write your resume to emphasise what you did well, not what your duties entailed.

Your resume should focus on it’s future not on it’s past

Don’t become a historian by documenting your life in routine format.

Your resume should show the skills you enjoy

Your resume shows the skills you enjoy, not skills you have to use. Why focus on the stuff you don’t want to do? Highlight the skills you love!

Your resume isn’t confessional

You don’t have to tell all. Who cares if you were on sick leave with 2 kids to feed. Stick to what’s relevant, important, and marketable.

Your resume should showcase important facts first

Hiring teams will not stick around to find how the story ends.