Which is which?
Before anything, notice that the word résumé was used here, and not CV (or Curriculum Vitae). In our economy, both of these terms are commonly used interchangeably and many do not understand the difference, for yes, there is a big difference. How?
Résumés are short, abridged and typically no longer than two pages at most. It is a summary of information, meant to be skimmed through and identify the highlights of a person’s experience and achievements; the type most wish to make before applying for jobs.
CVs are much more detailed in every aspect, and contains comprehensive information. The in-depth nature of a CV allows its length to exceed two to three pages.
When to use a cover letter?
This argument has been debated numerous times with the victory owing to both sides, but a simple rule has been discovered in the process. The point of a cover letter is to introduce yourself to the employer, and is a formal manner of doing so. Hence, considering a large company or organization is where your details are headed, a cover letter is advised. If it’s a simple handover to an acquaintance already well known, no need.
Let's begin, shall we?
When creating the perfect résumé, the aim should always be on impact, and it always helps to pinpoint the details at the employer in concern. That's actually the first step really.
What if you were the employer?
The perspective set in your mind when creating your résumé should be from the point of view of your employer; what that respective organisation would want and expect from you.
The trick is to tailor your résumé to their needs and at every input, justify if that's what they are really looking for.
How long should it be?
It is a very common error of job seekers to dump as much “impressive” content as possible into a résumé. On a very serious note, this plays a huge part in getting rejected. It may be immensely difficult to cut your experiences down, but it is required. As a fresh graduate, it should be within a page. If it's five or more years down the line, make it two.
The average time a recruiter spends on a résumé is roughly six seconds.
What are the crucial basics?
Your name and contact information should always stay as the header. That's first and foremost, and should be given most priority before your accomplishments. Remember to bold out names, but not the addresses, phone numbers and/or email. Moreover, on the issue of providing a photo, it really depends on whether the organisation applied to is of a formal nature. But the picture, at all times, should be a formal one.
The basic information should always be on the top or bottom.
What is your objective?
The argument here tilts both ways. At the end of the day, if your objective is generic or vague, it has no value and wastes valuable space. Moreover, it may have already been clarified in the cover letter if submitted.
Repetition of information or unnecessary content is seen as unprofessional.
How fancy should it be?
Most applicants use common templates which recruiters have seen more than twice, hence it would be advised to use your own. This is where many gain the advantage, for the challenge is to use space as efficiently as possible without clustering it.
Make your résumé a breath of fresh air in the monotonous pile.
What should I include?
This step requires compromise, but only the valid accomplishments and milestones must only be presented. Mention work organisations, experiences, duration and respective titles; all of which in a manner which would attract the recruiter. What's even better, if present, quantify your accomplishments. Feel free to mention the increase in revenue after joining as a sales representative at the last job. Lastly, keep education as concise as possible.
No amount of sweet words will impress the hungry beggar.
How should I include it?
A key advantage lies not in design, but presentation of information. Use bullet points to cover work experience instead of full sentences, and use the right key words in strategic places to capture attention.
Some keywords from the job posting must be transferred to the résumé, deliberately.
What about hobbies, interests and references?
That's a no, unless specifically asked for. It may be misinterpreted as unprofessional or even perhaps unethical. An integral part of the usual résumé format in our economy, it usually is never required unless stated. It would be best if you simply ask before submitting it.
