Build a better resume
Do you feel bored with your current resume?
Two of my friends asked me why I was asking about resume formats recently. Most job seekers would feel strange about this, since it is a basic thing to know.
To me, a resume is the ticket to your next job. Without it, you're lost and may get rejected, even if you're already at the door. Needless to say, a good resume is important.
For some people, a resume is just a one- or two-page text describing their work experience. But it's more than that. It's a way to express other aspects of yourself, including your style, vision, and more.
I know talking about resumes can be boring. After all, you'd rather do the job than decorate a short file that you'll only use occasionally. It's like having a house that you only have visitors in every few years. Would you clean or decorate it frequently? Probably not.
In my previous role, I had to read, skim, or scan many resumes per day to shortlist candidates for interviews. I promise you, it's a boring task when you have to look at the same boring resumes over and over again.
Before I go further, I want to admit that these are my views on boring resumes. Not all resumes with the points I mentioned are bad. It's just that I find them boring.
1. Simple and plain text
I appreciate simplicity in design and content, but I find plain text to be unengaging. Reading pages filled with excessive text tends to bore me. I remember when I was younger, many of my friends would rave about how amazing the Harry Potter books were, but I never gave them a chance. The sheer amount of text intimidated me. Instead, I indulged in the world of Dragon Ball books. Despite not having enough money to buy the newest releases, I patiently waited for several weeks until they became available as second-hand copies in the bookstore.
2. Too many details
Recruiters often ask me about details from my first job, which is more than 10 years old. Do I really need to include those details in my CV? I think we can skip unnecessary information to keep it short and focused.
3. Too many contact information
I understand that you want to provide recruiters with multiple ways to contact you, but I recommend only including your email, phone number, and LinkedIn profile on your CV. For developers, you may also want to include your GitHub profile if you have relevant projects to showcase.
Last but not least, new opportunities can arise at any time, so it's important to be prepared. Spend an hour each month to review your resume and make sure it's up-to-date and highlights your skills and accomplishments.