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When it comes to resume writing, there are some general rules that you should follow. Make sure to proofread your work and use proper grammar. Bad grammar and misspellings are sure-fire ways to turn off a recruiter. Use bullet points to highlight important facts and figures, and include your LinkedIn profile URL. Include a cover letter and attach a photo of yourself if possible. A professional-looking resume can really stand out among the thousands of other applicants.
Avoiding Misspellings and Poor Grammar
The rules of grammar are not set in stone and most of us assess them based on our own background. This means that even though many people make errors in grammar, they are not all equally bad. While “spelling out” a company name is a bad mistake, misspelling an industry acronym is another.
Make sure that your resume is error-free before you send it to a potential employer. It’s tempting to capitalize “finance department” or “attached resume” or “attached cover letter” when you’re looking to impress a prospective employer. But this practice gives the impression that you’re yelling at your reader, not highlighting your skills or qualifications. A word like “principle” is not correct, either. In fact, it’s often a misspelled word or an ambiguous word that can be difficult to read.
Including Facts, Figures & Numbers in Bullet Points
Whether your target audience is a local company or an international company, including facts, figures, and numbers in bullet points on your resume can draw attention. Companies aren’t interested in your everyday activities, but in your results. Employers want to see quantitative results, not simply the facts that make you feel good about yourself. The following are some ways to highlight your accomplishments in a more interesting and compelling way. Use action verbs when describing your skills and achievements.
These catch the hiring manager’s attention because they make you sound proactive and responsible. This makes you stand out from other applicants and stands you a better chance of being considered for the role. Hard skills are those that you learned through specific training, workshops, schooling, or work experience. Examples of hard skills are operating point-of-sale systems, customer service, and sales management.
Including a LinkedIn Profile URL
When you are writing your resume, including your LinkedIn profile URL is a smart move. Recruiters will see it first. Your profile’s headline is what appears in search results, so use it to convey more than just your job title. Instead of writing a list of your job titles, focus on highlighting your best achievements and unique skills. The URL should be prominently displayed in the header.
The URL of your LinkedIn profile can be your first and last name or your initials and phone number. It is important to include a high-quality professional profile photo with your URL, and ensure that your header summary is well-written. Use Grammarly to catch common mistakes. It will also catch the majority of common mistakes. Adding your LinkedIn profile URL to your resume will give you an edge over the competition.
Including a Cover Letter
Many people underestimate the importance of a cover letter when writing a resume. While most recruiters can spot a template a mile away, it’s still best to tailor your cover letter to the job you’re applying for. Use a business letter format and include basic information, such as your name, contact information, and addressee. Use a simple black font and match the font to your resume.
The cover letter should also reflect the company culture. A well-written cover letter will convey the impression that you’ve done your research on the company’s goals and values. The recruiter will be able to see through the fluff and see if you’ve done your research. In your cover letter, state why you’re interested in working for the company and what you’ve done to meet these goals.