It’s OK To Brag On Your Resume, Just Do It Right

Your resume is often the first impression recruiters have of you, so making sure you get the good side of your career in the picture is critical. If you’re not having any luck impressing your potential employers, it might be that your resume is missing some critical information that would help you stand out in a sea of also-rans. According to Fast Company, the mistakes most people make on their resume can be easily rectified with a few edits, a dash of braggadocio and even a new font.

Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty

Numbers Are Useful, So Include More of Them

It pays to be specific. Knowing you increased site traffic by 35 per cent over the course of a month is more informative and helpful to recruiters than a vague reference to traffic uptick, even if the number isn’t as impressive as you want it to be. In fact, according to recruiter Nicole Hubbman, a lack of metrics is a potential red flag.

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Use a Template

If you know you’re not the best designer in town, you shouldn’t try your hand at creating a resume from scratch. A seemingly infinite number of resume templates exist online, and while many are indeed gaudy, a good number of them have well-executed layouts that allow for legible reading.

Shorten It Up

Don’t attempt to explain your entire career with a book report. You should keep it concise, and avoid having an employer flip through (or more likely dismiss) multiple pages of information.

And by the way, ditch the photo. This isn’t Instagram.

Highlight Related Skills to Get a Leg Up

Know how to operate Microsoft Office? So does everyone else. It’s time to think outside the box. You have more relevant job skills than you realise, as long as you know how to properly showcase them.

Your time as a hostess may have sharpened your social interaction skills enough to make you a good fit for that human resources gig you’ve been eyeing. While you may have already presented your more obvious qualifications, you should mention experiences that can make you uniquely suited for the role. Don’t be afraid to sell yourself!

Your Oldest Gig Should Be Listed Last

Your resume should tell the story of a progression in your career, and listing your entry-level gig at the top is no way to start the tale. You should keep your most recent and relevant experience front and centre. Don’t be afraid to get rid of a gig or two if you find it to be a distraction from your main goal of conveying a certain skillset.

Recruiters Explain What the Worst Resumes Have in Common [Fast Company]