Any job search can be a challenge if you don’t have the proper tools in place. Having a well-built resume that follows the best resume practices can make or break an application, but what makes a well-built resume? Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRWs) have a series of best resume practices that they follow to ensure a clear, concise, and effective document. Here are a few best resume practices that you can incorporate into your resume brought to you by one of our experienced resume writers.
Maintain a Consistent Tense
While it may seem odd to write your current role in past tense, it is a best resume practice to use the same tense throughout your document. Not only does it make the resume easier to read, but this best resume practice also will fit with your aspirations to make a change from your current role. It may sound that simple, but this best resume practice can be tough to follow at times, so make sure to double-check your work.
Include a Professional Summary
Following best resume practices means following the changes in style for crafting the perfect resume. While the Objective Statement was popular years ago, the newest resume practice is to expand on that statement with the Professional Summary. Instead of a single line, brand that statement into a three or four sentence paragraph. This will help to highlight keywords about your experience, which is the best resume practice in itself.
Limit your Career Experience
Some people have more experience in their careers than others, but it is not necessarily a best resume practice to include everything on the resume. The best resume practice concerning the length of the resume should be one page for about 8-10 years of experience, with a maximum of 20 years reflected in depth on the document. This best resume practice not only highlights relevant experience but also keeps your reader engaged and gives a better understanding of your level of experience.
With these best resume practices in hand, you’ll be on your way to writing a high-quality resume just like the professionals.