Writing A Resume Description: What To Include And What To Avoid

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Are you tired of submitting resumes that never get noticed? It’s time to take a closer look at your resume description. This is your chance to showcase your skills and experience in a way that stands out from the competition.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of writing a resume description that will grab the attention of hiring managers and land you your dream job.

First, we’ll start with the basics. Your resume description should include a strong summary statement that immediately communicates your value proposition to potential employers. From there, we’ll dive into the details of how to showcase your relevant skills and experience, tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for.

We’ll also explore common mistakes to avoid, such as using cliches or including irrelevant information. And finally, we’ll discuss the importance of proofreading and editing your resume to ensure that it’s polished and professional.

With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume description that will help you stand out in a crowded job market.

Key Takeaways

  • A brief summary statement highlighting relevant skills and experiences should be included.
  • Industry-specific keywords should be used throughout the resume and achievements should be highlighted with quantitative data.
  • Cliches and irrelevant information should be avoided and bullet points and clear headings should be used.
  • Proofreading and editing the resume for errors and consistency is crucial and seeking expert guidance can improve the quality of the resume.

Start with a Strong Summary Statement

Start with a strong summary statement.

You’ll want to begin your resume with a strong summary statement that captures your skills and experiences in a concise and compelling way. Crafting a compelling introduction requires you to highlight your most relevant qualifications and achievements.

This summary should be brief, usually no more than two or three sentences, but it should pack a punch. Tips for standing out include using keywords that are relevant to the job you’re applying for and showcasing your unique skills and experiences.

You should also be sure to tailor your summary statement to the specific job you’re applying for. This will show the employer that you’ve taken the time to research the company and position, and that you’re truly interested in the job.

Remember, your summary statement is the first thing a potential employer will see, so make sure it’s attention-grabbing and highlights your strengths.

a woman writing her resume description
Writing a resume description for the perfect job

Showcase Your Relevant Skills and Experience

Highlight your achievements and emphasize your industry-specific skills to show potential employers how you can contribute to their company’s success. Start by identifying the most relevant skills and experiences that you’ve acquired throughout your career.

These may include technical abilities, communication skills, leadership qualities, or any other trait that’s valuable to the position you’re applying for.

Once you’ve identified your key skills, highlight specific examples of how you’ve used them to achieve positive results in your previous roles. Use quantitative data whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.

For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, you might mention that you increased sales by 20% in your last role by implementing a new sales strategy. By showcasing your expertise and past accomplishments, you can demonstrate your value as a candidate and increase your chances of landing the job.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description

Crafting a tailored resume that speaks directly to the job requirements will give you an edge over other applicants and make a lasting impression on the hiring manager.

One of the most effective ways to tailor your resume is by including industry-specific keywords. These keywords will not only make your resume stand out but also show that you have a good understanding of the job requirements.

To find industry-specific keywords, carefully review the job description and highlight any important words or phrases. Be sure to incorporate these keywords throughout your resume, including in your summary, work experience, and skills sections.

However, be careful not to overuse them, as this may come across as unnatural and forced. Customization tips also include changing the order of your bullet points to match the job requirements and using action verbs that are relevant to the job.

A tailored resume will not only help you get noticed by employers but also show that you are a good fit for the position.

Avoid Common Mistakes

Don’t make the mistake of using a generic resume description, as this will make your application blend in with the rest. Instead, focus on highlighting your skills and achievements that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This means tailoring your resume to include specific keywords that match the job description and formatting it in a way that’s easy to read and visually appealing.

When it comes to formatting tips, make sure to use bullet points and clear headings to break up text and make it easier to skim. Use a consistent font and size throughout the document and make sure it’s free of any spelling or grammatical errors.

Additionally, be mindful of the length of your resume – keep it concise and relevant, avoiding any unnecessary information that doesn’t add value. By following these formatting and keyword tips, you’ll increase your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers and ultimately landing your dream job.

Proofread and Edit Your Resume

When proofreading and editing your resume, you should focus on three key areas:

  • Check for spelling and grammar errors. Make sure that all words are spelled correctly and that the grammar is flawless throughout your resume.
  • Use a consistent format and font. This helps to give your resume a polished and professional appearance.
  • Have someone else review your resume for feedback. Asking someone else to review your resume can give you valuable feedback and help you make any necessary improvements.

It’s important to ensure that your resume is error-free and visually appealing. By following these tips, you can create a resume that showcases your skills and experience in the best possible light.

a woman proofreading her resume
proofreading a resume is essential

Check for Spelling and Grammar Errors

Ensuring that your resume is free of spelling and grammar errors is crucial. It presents you as a professional and detail-oriented candidate to potential employers. A single error can make a big difference in how your resume is perceived. It could be the difference between getting a callback or not. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to carefully proofread and edit your resume before submitting it.

There are several tools available to help you detect errors in your resume. Spell check is a great tool to help you catch any spelling mistakes, but it’s not foolproof. It’s important to also read your resume carefully and aloud to catch any grammatical errors that may have been missed. Having someone else review your resume can also be incredibly helpful in catching errors that you may have overlooked.

By taking the time to properly proofread and edit your resume, you can ensure that it presents you in the best light possible to potential employers.

Use a Consistent Format and Font

Maintaining a consistent format and font throughout your resume is like creating a cohesive visual brand for yourself as a job applicant. It can help you stand out from the competition. Using the same font and formatting style throughout your resume not only makes it easier to read, but it also creates a professional and polished look.

Avoid using too many different font styles or sizes, as this can make your resume appear cluttered and unprofessional.

When it comes to choosing a font, stick with easy-to-read options such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Using color in your resume can also be a great way to add visual interest and make certain sections stand out, but be cautious not to overdo it. Stick with a simple color scheme that complements your font choices and is easy on the eye.

Additionally, choosing the right paper for printing can also make a difference in how your resume is perceived. Opt for a high-quality, heavier-weight paper to create a lasting impression.

Have Someone Else Review Your Resume for Feedback

Now that you’ve taken the time to format your resume consistently and in a readable font, it’s time to get some objective opinions on your work.

Having someone else review your resume for feedback is an essential step in the job application process. It’s easy to overlook small mistakes or miss opportunities to optimize your personal branding without a fresh set of eyes to help you analyze your work.

When seeking feedback, it’s important to gather multiple perspectives. Ask a few different people to review your resume, including friends, family, and colleagues.

Constructive criticism is key to improving your resume, so be open to any suggestions for improvement. Peer review can be incredibly helpful, but don’t hesitate to seek expert consultation as well.

A career counselor or resume writing service may be able to offer valuable insights and guidance on how to optimize your resume for success. By incorporating feedback analysis and buzzword optimization, you can create a standout resume that truly showcases your skills and experience.

Here are quick tips on how to write a resume description

Conclusion

By incorporating a strong summary statement, showcasing your relevant skills and experience, and tailoring your resume to the job description, you’ve given yourself the best chance of standing out to potential employers.

Remember to avoid common mistakes such as including irrelevant information and using cliches. Take the time to proofread and edit your resume to ensure it’s error-free and presents you in the best possible light.

As the saying goes, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”Your resume is often the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so make sure it’s detailed, professional, and organized.

With these tips and your hard work, you’re sure to catch the attention of any employer and land the job you desire.

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AUTHOR

Jessica started off as an avid book reader. After reading one too many romance novels (really... is it ever really enough?), she decided to jump to the other side and started writing her own stories. She now shares what she has learned (the good and the not so good) here at When You Write, hoping she can inspire more up and coming wordsmiths to take the leap and share their own stories with the world.