Although creating a CV might seem intimidating, you can produce an engaging document that showcases your experiences and abilities if you take the proper approach. This thorough tutorial will assist you in understanding the important dos and don’ts while preparing a resume so that you may impress potential employers. We’ll also discuss the advantages of utilizing Google Docs’ free resume templates to streamline the process.
The Do’s
Do Tailor Your Resume to Each Job Application
Each position is unique, and your CV has to show that. It’s important to tailor your resume to each application since it demonstrates to potential employers that you have given their particular requirements careful thought. Emphasizing experiences and abilities that are pertinent to the job description shows companies that you are not just submitting a generic CV. Rather, you are introducing yourself as a candidate who meets their exact requirements. Making the additional effort may have a big impact on whether or not you attract the employer’s attention and secure an interview.
Do Use a Clean and Professional Layout
Select a straightforward, readable format. Your resume’s layout has a big impact on how others view it. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, a resume with a neat and organized style is also simpler for hiring managers to read and peruse. To prevent a cluttered appearance, choose a professional font such as Arial or Times New Roman and make sure there is enough of white space. Maintaining an orderly look is facilitated by consistent formatting. Free Google Docs resume templates may be a terrific way to obtain polished and expert designs without having to start from scratch. With their modern appearance, these templates will make your CV stand out from the competition when it’s stacked with other applications.
Do Include Contact Information
Make sure your contact information is shown clearly at the top of your resume and is up to date. Employers can more easily contact you if they have your complete name, contact information (phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile, if applicable). Make sure everything is correct because even a tiny error might keep prospective employers from contacting you. Make sure your contact information is visible and easy to find for employers, since they should be among the first things they notice. Although it may appear little, this element helps you and potential employers communicate, which is very important throughout the recruiting process.
Do Highlight Achievements
Be sure to highlight your accomplishments in each capacity rather than merely stating work tasks. Measurable information, such “Gave 20% more sales” or “Oversaw a team of 10,” offers hard proof of your efforts and influence. Stressing accomplishments above duties demonstrates that you have a strong work ethic and have made a big impact in your past roles. Hiring managers, who frequently seek individuals with a track record of accomplishment, will find your CV more memorable and intriguing if you take this strategy.
Do Proofread Carefully
Grammatical and spelling mistakes can provide a negative impression. It’s crucial to proofread your resume several times to make sure there are no errors. Think about having a professional or friend proofread it as well; they could find mistakes you overlooked. Employers place a great importance on professionalism and attention to detail, both of which are demonstrated in a polished resume. A resume that has errors can detract from your credentials and give the impression that you are not thorough, therefore spending some time proofreading can greatly increase the impact of your resume.
Do Use Keywords Wisely
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are widely used by businesses to review resumes before they are seen by a person. It’s crucial to use the job description’s keywords in your writing, but they should flow organically from your writing. This keeps your resume legible and interesting during the initial screening phase. Putting too many keywords on your resume might make it hard to understand and make you seem dishonest. Finding the ideal balance guarantees that hiring managers will find your CV interesting and ATS-friendly.
Do Utilize Free Resume Templates for Google Docs
You may save time and work by using one of the many free resume templates available on Google Docs. These well created templates are easily customizable to meet your needs. They make sure your resume looks polished and current without requiring you to worry about formatting. By adhering to best practices in resume design, you can make sure that your resume matches current standards and makes an impression in a crowded job market by using these templates.
The Don’ts
Don’t Include Irrelevant Information
Don’t include personal information about yourself that isn’t necessary for the position, including your age, marital status, or interests. Put your attention on your professional background and abilities that are relevant to the job you’re looking for. Unrelated material might overflow your CV and draw attention away from your skills. Employers are mostly concerned with your professional experience and how it applies to the position you are applying for, so be sure to make your resume clear and succinct.
Don’t Use Unprofessional Email Addresses
A careless email address might give the wrong impression. Make use of a straightforward, business-like email address that starts with your name, such firstname.lastname@example.com
Don’t Lie or Exaggerate
Sincerity is essential while drafting a CV. Employers frequently check the information you submit, so any inconsistencies may result in you being subsequently fired or losing your employment offer. Be truthful about your skills and experiences, and avoid the temptation to embellish or exaggerate. Lying on your CV may have detrimental effects on your career reputation among other things. In addition to ensuring that you are presenting yourself to potential employers genuinely, being truthful and accurate on your resume fosters trust.
Don’t Overload Your Resume with Keywords
Although it’s crucial to include pertinent keywords, stuffing your resume with too many of them might make it hard to read. Strive for a natural balance, making sure the writing is easy to read and flows well. Keywords should make your CV easier to read, not harder. Utilize them wisely to draw attention to your credentials without detracting from the overall strength and consistency of your CV.
Don’t Use Cliché Phrases
Steer clear of cliches like “detail-oriented,” “team player,” and “hard worker.” Instead, use concrete instances from your work and successes to highlight these attributes. Overused language might make your CV seem like everyone else’s instead of making an impression. Giving specific examples of your accomplishments and abilities helps companies understand your qualifications and makes your resume stand out.
Don’t Make Your Resume Too Long
Your CV should be as brief as possible—ideally one or two pages. Hiring managers like brevity and frequently evaluate a large number of resumes. Highlight your most recent and pertinent accomplishments and experiences. A CV that is brief has a higher chance of being read completely and can have a greater impression. Your resume will be targeted and successful if you simply include the most relevant information, showcasing your most important skills without overloading the reader.
Don’t Forget to Save Your Resume as a PDF
Save your résumé as a PDF before submitting it to maintain formatting. This guarantees that your resume will seem the same on whichever platform or device the employer chooses to view it on. Moreover, submitting your resume in PDF format preserves the integrity of your work and guards against inadvertent editing. A professionally prepared PDF resume leaves a good impression on prospective employers by showcasing professionalism and attention to detail.
Conclusion
One of the most crucial steps in your job hunt is writing a CV. You can make your resume stand out to employers and successfully emphasize your qualifications by adhering to these dos and don’ts. Always remember to utilize a clean, professional layout, proofread thoroughly, and customize each resume to the position you’re looking for. Steer clear of clichés, unprofessional email addresses, and useless information. Making use of Google Docs’ free resume templates will expedite the process and guarantee that your CV seems clean and expert. By using these pointers, you’ll be well on your approach to securing your next position and projecting an image of yourself as a competent applicant eager to take on new tasks.
About The Author
Andy Braddell is a UK citizen with tremendous experience in traveling. He wants to encourage people to be curious about the world and find ways to fit more travel into their lifestyle than they already have. He wants others to look at him and say, ‘Because of you, I didn’t give up.
