Things to CUT from Your Resume Right Now! 🚨

One of the most common mistakes when crafting a resume? Making it too long. Yes, we know you have all these amazing experiences and knowledge you want to include in your resume to impress the hiring manager but you know what really does the job? A resume that’s short, direct and to the point with just the right skills the hiring manager is looking for without having to sift through all the other mumbo jumbo.

The important reason why you should shorten your resume is that overly long resumes generally tend to get less attention than the one-page resumes packed with valuable information. Put yourself in the recruiter’s shoes – would you rather go through a short resume that hits the point with all the right skills you’re looking for, or go through a long resume with information that’s not relevant only to find out you’ve wasted time going through it without really knowing exactly how the candidate can fit the role. Plus, imagine having a huge number of applications with long resumes to go through!

You really want to improve your odds of getting the job, and a short but impactful resume is your first key to that. So here are some tips on how to shorten your resume and make it stand out still.

#1 Edit according to the job you’re applying for
Sure, you have skills in other areas but if it is not relevant to the role you’re applying for there’s really no need for it to be in your resume. Ultimately, your resume should be edited depending on the job or industry you’re applying for. This way, the recruiter can immediately look out for the relevant skills that will give you a head start in the hiring process.

#2 Only list accomplishments, not your responsibilities
Many resumes have lengthy descriptions about the responsibilities one has at a previous job. Stop doing this. Instead, focus on your main achievements at the jobs so the recruiter can see where your strengths are and not what your role was. You can discuss the specifics of your role during the interview.

#3 Use bullet points
This will make it easier to read your resume rather than having to read through paragraphs after paragraphs which can get tiring after a while. Communicate your skills and experience in a succinct and straightforward way, helping the hiring manager understand quickly what it is that you bring to the table.

#4 Short and sweet always!
We get it, you want to put in as much details as possible in your resume. But if you can describe a past achievement or even your objective statement in to-the-point sentences, do that. Making them too long will diminish the impact. But being straightforward will deliver the precise message you want without having too many words clouding the description.

#5 List only useful contact information
Just your name, phone number and email address. There’s no need to share your address or other social media contacts. At the same time, when listing referees, pick just one whom you know will do you justice.

#6 Show the facts
Using numbers to describe your achievements is a great way to get the message across. Which one sounds better: “Helped improved sales by increasing revenue up to 80%” or “Contributed to the revenue of the company sales goals through strong client management”. We’re willing to bet that the hiring manager will be more excited about the former.

#7 Leave the common stuff out
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel. Excellent communication skills. Everybody says this in their resumes so don’t be that person who is like everyone else! Instead, list skills and achievements that are specifically tailored for the role you’re applying for.

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