Nowadays, when candidates only have to click a button to submit their résumé, job openings are becoming increasingly competitive due to the large number of applicants.
It follows, then, that writing a good résumé is crucial if you want to stay competitive.
A clear, well-written resume will always be read carefully. An interviewer only spends a few seconds picking out the relevant details from a resume; given the huge number of resumes they receive, those that are unclear are generally overlooked.
Just like a cover letter, the format of a resume says a lot about our personality.
It is essential to keep a few things in mind when drafting it:
- Your resume should be tailored to each specific position. If you have two professions or technical backgrounds, or if you have expertise in other areas, you should adapt it to highlight your education and experience for each particular job application.
- It should be written concisely and succinctly, using short paragraphs. The font is very important: it should be clear and easy to read (keep in mind that the reader may have vision problems). Check it over and over again to make sure there are no spelling mistakes.
- It needs to catch the reader’s eye, but don’t go overboard with originality. You can use colors, but not too many (two would be ideal, within the more formal color palette). Avoid using very bright colors, as they distract the reader and cause them to lose focus. You can also use bold text or underlining. Always submit the original resume, and if you’re delivering it in person, never use photocopies.
- It should be one page long, though it can be up to two pages as you gain more experience and need to provide more details about your responsibilities or publications. The information you provide must be accurate, including specific dates and details regarding your education and work experience. You should review your resume periodically and keep it up to date.
Tips for Writing a Good Resume
Write short sentences and paragraphs.
Don't use a narrative style. Try to list the actions, avoiding personal pronouns (I).
For example, when listing tasks, it is better to label them as “File,” “Enter documentation into the system,” and “Draft reports for the board” rather than using the pronoun “I” and the conjugated verb.
Do not use informal language or overuse technical terms and/or abbreviations that the reader may not be familiar with.
Check your spelling carefully.
The information you provide must be relevant to the specific position you are applying for.
Try to be consistent with the format you use.
Do not provide information about your salary expectations. If asked, please include this information in your cover letter.
Resume Format
You can use standard formats or opt for more innovative ones, depending on the type of job you're applying for (for positions in the design field, you can be more creative, but not for administrative or managerial roles).
Many companies use systems called ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to screen resumes before they’re reviewed by a human, so it’s a good idea to keep certain things in mind when preparing yours. Read more about this here.
Personal information
- Full name
It is advisable to distinguish between first names and last names by using boldface or underlining, in order to avoid confusion with last names that may be first names or vice versa. - Place and date of birth
- Nationality
- Contact Information
- Address
- Phone numbers
If possible, please include both your landline and cell phone numbers. - Email address
- LinkedIn profile:
It’s important to have a strong LinkedIn profile, as it’s one of the most important professional networks and the most widely used platform for expanding your professional contacts, building new relationships, and networking —and, as a result, gaining greater access to job opportunities.
- A photo is optional
In Uruguay, most employers prefer that resumes include a photo. If you do include one, make sure it is a passport-style photo taken from the front, preferably with a light background, showing your face and shoulders. - Career Objective
Although this section is optional, if you choose to include it, please provide a brief overview of your education and your short- and medium-term career goals.
Educational Background
It is important to use the same format throughout your resume: date, institution, title or position, and list them in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. The order should be: graduate studies, undergraduate or college studies, and technical studies.
This section covers continuing education: courses related to your profession or job role. Generally, this refers to language and computer skills.
Use the same criteria for the date, institution, and degree earned.
When it comes to languages, be sure to mention any international language exams you’ve passed. It’s best not to include language proficiency tables, as they’re subjective and of little use to the interviewer.
Work History
Once again, we will sort in descending order, starting with the most recent entries; we will keep the list organized by date (start and end), company, and position.
Here is a brief summary of the main responsibilities. Remember to list them as specific actions rather than in narrative form.
Internships, volunteer work, or jobs done at family-owned businesses or on a freelance basis are all valid. Once you gain your first formal work experience, you should stop listing those previous ones.
References
There are two types of references: professional and personal.
If you don't have any professional references yet, you can use personal ones.
To do this, you will need to provide the names of two university professionals you know (they can be university professors). You will need to include their full name, profession, and phone number.
For every job you've held , you'll need a reference. The person must have been your supervisor or someone in the company who held a higher position than you. Family members and coworkers in lower positions than yours are not valid references. You'll need to provide their full name, job title, company name, and contact phone number.
In either case, don't forget to ask the person for permission to use their name as a reference.