Resume writing: Tips and myths
A friend of yours asks you to help her with her resume. Why not see this as an opportunity to update yours? Beneva, like so many other companies, are looking for good people like you! A relevant, professional resume is the ideal passport into any company.
These tips will make the resume-writing process for you (or your friend) simple and effective. They will also help you make a strong first impression. Let’s go!
The Right Template
A quick internet search will reveal a near infinite number of resume templates. Not all templates are created equal though. Choose one that reflects your career path, experience and field of activity.
We will focus on four popular templates, but you could consider others, like video resumes.
Format
Description
Présentation des expériences, de la plus récente vers la moins récente
Points forts
Modèle simple, pertinent et compris de tous. Peut être consulté rapidement par les recruteurs.
À conseiller pour…
Ceux ou celles qui travaillent dans un même domaine depuis quelques années, ou qui veulent mettre leur emploi le plus récent en valeur
Description
Présentation des compétences de la personne, listées avant les expériences de travail Ex. de compétences: conduite de camions lourds, organisation d’événements
Points forts
Modèle qui met l’accent sur les compétences, idéalement celles en lien avec l’emploi convoité.
À conseiller pour…
Ceux et celles qui comptent encore peu d’expérience dans leur domaine, qui possèdent un parcours éclectique ou qui veulent changer de type d’emploi
Description
Présentation de projets ciblés et des réalisations professionnelles Ex. de réalisations: création d’un site Web optimisé pour le SEO, lancement d’un projet lié au mieux-être au travail, etc.
Points forts
Modèle qui met l’accent sur des réussites dans un domaine précis comme la vente, la charge de projets, l’informatique, le graphisme, etc.
À conseiller pour…
Ceux et celles qui souhaitent faire ressortir des réalisations liées à l’emploi visé ou des résultats chiffrés obtenus.
Description
Mise en évidence, au début, des diplômes et des formations secondaires, postsecondaires et professionnelles
Points forts
Modèle qui met d’abord les études en valeur, avec moins d’accent sur les autres rubriques.
À conseiller pour…
Cette approche fonctionne bien pour les personnes qui terminent leur formation ou qui visent un domaine très spécialisé comme l’ingénierie, le droit, la médecine, etc.
Information Filtering
Don’t over-embellish (because you’ll have to walk the talk). In fact, don’t go into too much detail. Focus on how your career path makes you the perfect candidate for the desired job. A pertinent, adapted resume increases your chances of standing out.
Follow these tips to avoid writing too much..
Contact Information – Don’t write your age or date of birth. You should be considered for your merit, not your age.
Professional Experience – Don't write more than five tasks. Focus on what’s most important for your desired job or your preferences. Don’t include past employment that is irrelevant to the job you are applying for
Personal Aptitudes – Don't write them in your resume to avoid repetition. Write them in an email or cover letter or mention them at the interview: dynamic, diligent, creative, etc.
Personal Interests and Hobbies – This section is optional. Include it when you feel that your interests or hobbies are assets to your application.
Let’s Bust Some Myths
There are plenty of misconceptions when it comes to resumes. Let’s examine a few!
Myth #1: One page only
Let’s be realistic. One page is not enough to lay out a person’s career path. Two or three is ideal… never more.
Myth #2: References available upon request
Some might feel obligated to include a phrase like the above in their resume. However, experts agree that it is unnecessary and takes up valuable real estate for nothing. Keep this for the interview.
Myth #3: Your online persona is totally distinct from your professional one
Not true. Most recruiters will consult an applicant’s social media presence, most notably LinkedIn. Try to maintain an image that is consistent with your resume because your social media presence is an extension of that.
Choose Your Words
- When talking about your experiences, use specific verbs: oversee, execute, train, improve. Refer to a list like this (or countless others available online) to choose verbs that are adapted to your profession.
- Use plain, clear language. For example, use takes initiative rather than go-getter, and check rather than verify.
- Replace vague terms with actual numbers and concrete examples. For example, use weekly rather than often and 3,000 clients rather than lots of clients.
- Avoid negative or pejorative words and phrases.
Legibility
- Divide the resume into sections with clear headings: Studies, Professional Experience, Skills.
- Use bullets to list tasks (like the ones we are using here).
- Don’t make it too busy (too many colours, icons, text boxes, frames). Recruiters won’t know where to look.
- Use black text on white background (unless you’re a skilled graphic designer). The important thing is for your resume to be easy to read.
- Avoid reducing the font size to fit more text in—no one should have to squint to read it!
- Don’t underline, keep it for hyperlinks only (clickable text). For emphasis, consider using bold (but don’t overdo it).
- Leave empty spaces for a streamlined professional look.
Read and Reread
Avoid typos at all costs. Use reliable spell-check software and have it proofread by a qualified person.
English mistakes will destroy your credibility. Why? Because they reek of carelessness.