Before applying for any job or internship, itโs important to review your resume. Many people mistakenly believe that a resume and a CV are the same, which often leads to using the wrong format. To avoid confusion, letโs understand the key differences between them.
A resume is a short and organized snapshot of your education, work experience, and relevant skills. It is one of the most important documents during the hiring process.
Typically, a resume is one page long, but in some cases, it can extend to two pages.
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is a detailed document that outlines your complete academic and professional history. It is generally longer than a resume, usually two to three pages or more.
A CV includes detailed information about your education, work experience, certifications, skills, and accomplishments.
Note: For job applications, a resume is usually preferred.
Begin by clearly understanding your purpose and who will read your resume.
Customize your resume to match the specific job description.
Ensure it is free of spelling mistakes and grammar errors.
Select a resume format that suits your profile and highlights your strengthsโyour structure and content can significantly influence your chances.
Incorporate action verbs to make your resume more impactful.
Action verbs are strong, dynamic words that help you express your skills and contributions more effectively.
They improve readability, create a more engaging flow, and help recruiters quickly identify your strengths.
Examples include: managed, developed, implemented, designed, analyzed, etc.
A strong resume presents your projects, experience, skills, and achievements in a clear, professional format and logical sequence.
It should capture the recruiterโs attention and increase your chances of securing an interview.
Key points to follow:
If your resume contains the following issues, it likely needs improvement:
Find the most important details that you must add to your resume listed below:
Additional Sections (Awards, Courses, Resume Publications, Licenses and Certifications, Interests, etc.)
Your first step is deciding which resume format you want to use. Take some time to pick the one that suits your background best.
The three commonly used formats are:
Your resume should be easy to understand for both recruiters and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Many companies use software to filter resumes based on keywords and criteria, so choosing the right format is important.
You can select from formats like:
Resume Format 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.
This is the header of your resume and should include:
Make sure your email ID looks professional.
Example:
โ๏ธ Correct: arjungupta@gmail.com
โ Incorrect: iamarjungupta0103@gmail.com
If you donโt have a professional email, create one before applying.
This statement explains the job youโre aiming for or the career direction you want to pursue. It acts as a brief introduction to your goals.
Things to remember:
Tips for Writing Objectives (Freshers):
Correct Example:
โ๏ธ โCoordinated sales managementโ
โ โI coordinated sales managementโ
Sample Objectives:
This section is for experienced candidates, not freshers.
It can be titled โWork Experienceโ or โProfessional Experience.โ It should highlight responsibilities and achievements that show how your past work can benefit your next employer.
Use action verbs to show the impact of your work.
List experiences in reverse chronological order, including:
For students and recent graduates, education is your strongest section. List it in reverse order:
You donโt need to mention CGPA unless:
Here you highlight your technical skills.
Use relevant keywords because ATS systems scan for them.
Technical Skills
These are abilities needed to perform specialized tasks in tech or science.
Choose skills based on the job description.
List software, tools, or systems you know well.
Interpersonal Skills
These show how well you communicate and collaborate.
Examples:
This section includes all important projects and certifications you have completed.
Importance of Projects:
Which Projects to Include:
Importance of Certifications:
Which Certifications to Include:
Here you can add extra achievements that strengthen your resume and show your dedication.
Examples:
For recruiting managers and HR professionals, the ATS has emerged as a pivotal factor in the decision-making process, serving as the gatekeeper to determine whether a candidate makes it to the shortlist or not. An ATS-friendly resume is the key to unlocking opportunities, as it ensures that your qualifications are accurately matched to the job’s criteria, significantly increasing your chances of securing your desired position.