By Thilini Vithanage

The resume becomes the first contact between you and the recruiter, and that is why it is crucial that you get it right. And worry not, we will tell you exactly what you should do to have employers knocking on your door.

What makes a resume strong and effective?

A strong and effective resume should be able to get you an interview. And when it comes to interviews, everything depends on the first impression the employer gets, which is based on how your resume looks. So, pay attention to the overall presentation of your resume and the layout you are going to use. To make your resume effective and to tell the recruiter exactly what you want to tell them, you need to be strategic about the format you use. Generally, there are three types of resume formats: chronological, functional and combination resume formats.

The first type details out your work experience in a chronological order and works for any job seeker looking for any type of employment. Functional resumes categorize your skills rather than listing out job titles. So, if you are looking to show off your skills rather than work experience, this one’s for you. The third one is a little complicated as it mingles both types and are suitable for experienced, highly skilled job seekers.

Once you have chosen the resume type, then come the colors and fonts. One of the most useful tips is not to be afraid to be bold. Use vibrant colors and fonts, and show them that you are not afraid to be different, to think outside the box.

Another pointer to make your resume strong is ‘customizing’ your resume. Do some research on the position and the company you are applying for. Understand what they are looking for and show them that you possess exactly what they seek. One big NO-NO in job seeking is sending out the same resume; you HAVE to tailor your resume to match the requirements of the job. This is a sure-shot way of getting an interview.

How to write an effective resume objective

Usually, the resume objective is 1-3 sentences long. The trick here is to be precise and short. Tell them what kind of a professional you are and what kind of a career you are looking for. Don’t forget to throw in some of your competencies too. And, more importantly, keep in mind the job you are applying for and write the objective accordingly.

How to write an effective resume summary

With the resume objective covered, now you move on to the resume summary. Basically, the resume summary tells the recruiter what you bring to the table. So, in a couple of sentences, talk about your work experience to show that you can handle responsibilities. Spare a few lines to highlight key work-related achievements to prove that you CAN get RESULTS. And also, don’t forget to include a few personality traits chosen according to the job requirements.

How to write an effective resume for freshers

If you are a fresh graduate just stepping into the job market, writing an effective resume involves understanding your core potentials and skills, and highlighting them in the resume. So, before you start writing your resume, analyze yourself and list out the talents and experiences that you think are resume-worthy. In terms of work experience, consider your volunteering and part-time work experience and one thing to remember here is that no experience is too insignificant.  

Once you have figured out what goes into the resume, all you have to do is follow the tips provided above and develop the final product. And as a fresh graduate, it is always wise to target a general audience. More often than not, you do not know who will be reading the resume and what their personality is like. Therefore, it is better to adopt a general, neutral stance. Excelled in swimming in college? Well, while it is understandable that you are proud of your achievements (as you should be), chances are that fixating on swimming will not get you an interview. Instead, keep it casual and include a general point about swimming among other things. Always keep in mind that you are trying to reach a HR manager who, for all we know, could be afraid of deep waters. 

And if you are still nervous about stepping into the real world, worry not. we got you covered. Do check out this program by Growth Central. It will equip you with everything you need to step into the job market as a confident individual.