1. Include address only if it works for you.
In case you are applying for jobs that are in the town or city you live in, there is no harm in including your address in the resume. It will tell the hiring manager that you already live in that area and theoretically, it should work in your favor.
However, if you are applying to jobs that are in another area and you will need to move if you want to work at that new job, it’s better to not include your current address in your resume. This is due to the reason that sometimes, recruiters don’t prefer interviewing candidates that are in another state or city as such candidates often need relocation fees.
2. Name Dropping works.
Nobody likes people who like to drop names in their day-to-day life but when it comes to resume, you should absolutely do it. In case you have experience of working with some well-known companies or clients, you should absolutely include their names in your resume. For instance, if you have closed deals with Bank of America, Toyota or Google, you should mention that in your resume as it will immediately get the attention of the recruiters.
3. Make use of performance reviews.
Take a look at your annual review when you’re preparing your resume. Check out the positive feedback section as it will help you in identifying some of your noteworthy accomplishments along with some of your best work attributes. These are the two important factors that should be particularly highlighted in the resume. Don’t forget to include any specific feedback you might have received along with some goals you have achieved. It will help you in avoiding fluff content when you are filling out the work experience section.
4. Use keywords sparingly.
Keyword scanning software is often used by recruiters and companies for narrowing down the pool of job applicants. It is for this reason that you need to include some keywords specific to the job description in the resume but these should be used smartly and sparingly. Keyword stuffing is something recruiters don’t like and they can spot it a mile away.
5. Email etiquette.
When it comes to email addresses, it is important for you to not use certain types of email addresses when you are emailing for a job opening or when you’re mentioning it on your resume. You should never use your current work email address or an email address that sounds inappropriate. It’s better to use something professional that includes your name in order to make a good impression.
6. Quality matters for skills.
You should never mentions skills that almost everyone has including PC and Mac proficiency, emails and Microsoft Office among others. If you mention these skills, it might seem like an attempt to fill up space on your resume. It is recommended to have a short skills section and you should only include those impactful skills that are deemed relevant for the job opening. If you decide all of this is too much you can always get a resume writer – just be sure to check reviews of your resume writer beforehand to ensure you get a good one.
It’s more common these days to include social media accounts on the resume. However, you need to distinguish between personal and professional social media accounts. Your professional accounts include an Instagram account you are required to manage for work or your LinkedIn profile whereas a personal or nonprofessional account include your own Facebook or Twitter account. Including your personal social media account might seem tempting in order to allow recruiters to get to know you better but it’s recommended to share only professionally focused social media profiles. You can always mention those personal accounts when you’re called for an in-person interview.
8. Take advantage of your hobbies.
Your resume is not the right place to include all your hobbies but you should mention some important ones. Include those hobbies that help in bringing out your positive skills or personal qualities. Some hobbies such as running marathons show that you are determined and disciplined. Similarly, if you blog about something in your industry, it shows that you are creative and have a genuine interest in your line of work. Mentioning such hobbies on your resume will have a positive impact and should interest recruiters.
