Get your resume right to ensure shortlisting when applying for a job

WHAT TO DO

Keywords
Top companies use the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software to sort and filter resumes that don’t contain keywords matching the job title and description. So make sure you use the same job title and skill requirement as advertised by the company. If the post advertised is for ‘Executive Assistant’ with ‘good communication and organising’ skills, use these exact words in your resume.

Use universal terminology
Use terms for job titles and description that are universally understood, instead of the ones specific to your current company. For instance, if the advertised job title is ‘Product Design Manager’ but your title in the current company is ‘Design Specialist’ even though the job profile is an exact match, feel free to change and use the former term while applying.

Use metrics

While describing your skills, use action verbs and active voice, highlighting achievements. Also, quantify your achievements where possible, using numbers and figures. So instead of saying, “As team leader, enabled budgeting and cost reduction”, it is better to write, “As leader of 6-member team, helped slash costs by 30%”.Career summary
Use just 3-4 sentences at the top to explain why you are the right fi t for the job, highlighting your key skills that match the job requirement.

Format it right
Since the resume will eventually move from computer to a person, readability is important. Use simple font and design which is navigable and easy on the eye.

Also read: Get a job in top companies: Find out about the strategy and preparation you need to join the best workplaces
Also read: How to be ready for a job interview

WHAT NOT TO DO
False information
This is a deal breaker. Do not exaggerate or lie about your work description, experience or employer as it can be verified and you will be rejected.

Putting in ‘objective’
This is obsolete since the company is not interested in what you seek as an employee, but what you can offer to the employer.

Education, experience
Do not start with education and experience. Focus on your key skills and achievements that are a match for the role and company requirements.

Personal information
There is no need to include personal details, be it hobbies, interests, address, awards or even your photo.

References
During your first interface with the computer or a person in the company, references are not required. Provide later, if asked.