1. Use an appropriate software:
While creating a résumé, make sure you use the appropriate software packages. Open Office isn't very effective on this front, and Microsoft Word would be the best bet. Some job portals require you to upload your résumé to their websites. If you're using Microsoft Word, a plenty of résumé samples are already available as templates.
But, those templates are usually structured for experienced people and is based on the U.S. style of résumé writing. A better approach would be to use the same design and adopt it to your needs. I've come across a plenty of resumes that have a heading for each section, and the heading has a grey/black background.
This résumé model is very common and presents little chance of standing out from the rest. Considering recruiters having different versions of Word processing software, once your résumé reaches the recruiters, there is little chance of the formatting being preserved. Simple solution for this : Create your résumé using a word processing software such as Microsoft Word and save it in PDF format.
Using this method, you can ensure that the formatting is preserved. Microsoft Word 2007 and Word 2010 Beta offer this functionality of saving your Word document in PDF format.
2. Résumé content:
Key Contents in a Resume
A Resume should have following 7 main Heading (properly emphasized with Bold and Font size) and these may have sub headings.
1} Your Objective or Summary of Profile and Plus Points.
2) Experience Summary
3) Job Profile in each of your Jobs
4) Achievements (may be made a part of Work Experience)
5) Projects / Major Assignments (in some kind of Profiles like IT, Construction etc)
6) Education, Certifications and academic achievements.
7) Personal Details
The most common doubt most job seekers have is about the content they have to put in their résumé. A résumé is used to outline your characteristic traits and abilities, and will not earn you rewards, if most of your friends have the same content as yours in their résumé as well.
A common error in most résumé. A top, center-aligned heading as résumé or CV. This is not necessary at all. Recruiters know that you've applied for a position and it is your résumé or CV. It is not necessary to explicitly mention it as résumé or CV. A common approach among job seekers is to overlook minute details such as these.
Now, let us move on to the content.
i. First on the list is your name. Align it to the left, make the font size bigger and legible. You can use any standard font such as Times New Roman, but if you want your résumé to look neat, I suggest you use fonts like Calibri or Verdana. Both look good when printed. And to the right, on the same line as your name, mention your contact details such as contact number, address and e-mail address.
ii. The next thing a fresher puts up in his résumé would be an Objective. While all care should be taken up while writing this, make sure it doesn't sound vague. Most common objectives would be like - "To obtain a job in your esteemed organization" or "To obtain a job in a software company where I can contribute to the company as well as myself". Come on. Why does everyone copy the same sentence? Recruiters look for originality. Not just Ctrl+C Ctrl+V content. Instead, you can modify these sentences to what suits you and the job profile, instead of being run of the mill.
iii. Details about education : One of the most important parts of your résumé. Again the most common approach - a table, with the column header shaded in grey or black. It is time you change this approach. There are various other ways of representing this information. Like say for instance, if you have to mention details about your graduation, type the name of your degree and specialization on one line, the year of passing at the right extreme of the same line and institution/university on the next, followed by aggregate percentage / CGPA on the next. Remember, the education details are better mentioned in reverse chronological order i.e., starting from your latest graduation , unless mentioned otherwise by the employer.
iv.Projects & Skills : If you're an engineering graduate, this is the section that catches the attention of the recruiter. Do not mention every programming language on your résumé. If you feel you're alright with the basics, or at least know something about the programming language, then go ahead. Other information in this section, like operating systems you're familiar working with, application software you are comfortable working with can be included.
As for your project, do not give a long description. Keep it simple and precise. For example, if you've underwent in-plant training or done a mini-project apart from your UG project, mention them in reverse chronological order. Have it in this order. The title of your project, duration, followed by technology used and a description not exceeding 3-4 lines. Make sure the description outlines what your project actually does.
v. Next comes extra-curricular activities & achievements : Say if you've been actively involved in some sport, be sure to mention that. Recruiters look for people who can multi-task. Mention your achievements. Your achievements define your strengths.
vi. Finally, followed by your personal profile. In this section, be sure to mention your date of birth, contact number and address, with additional information such as languages you know and nationality etc. Do not specify religion/caste/ community unless specified by the employer.
vii. End your resume with a declaration. Not necessary it should have one. But, better if it your résumé had one.
3. Printing your résumé:
Some companies ask for printed résumé. Especially In the case of a walk-in. A laser printout would be the best bet. Inkjet copies would be fine. If the printer isn't of good quality, then there is a possibility for the ink to smudge. Change the date on your résumé. The one you provide below the declaration part. If you don't, recruiters might think that you haven't actually updated your résumé. And if you've registered in any job portal, make sure the details you provide are up to date. That’s it people. If you have any doubts, just add a message.
Create An Image That Matches The Salary You Want and What they Offers:
As you write your resume, always keep in mind the level of job and salary you want.Make sure to create an image that presents you at the appropriate level and that
can matches to the requirement of the employer as well.
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