Stand out Resumes

A Resume is your personal branding document – and you only have six seconds to make an impression.

Your Resume acts as your personal marketing tool—and you have only a brief moment to make it count. Employers typically spend about six seconds skimming a Resume before deciding whether it deserves a closer look or gets set aside. That’s why it’s crucial to capture their attention immediately.

Your Resume should clearly present who you are, what you’ve achieved, and what you can offer a potential employer. Below are seven essential guidelines to keep in mind as you create or refine your Resume.

Tip 1 : Keep it brief

Your Resume should be short, relevant, and easy to read. Its length depends on your experience level—new graduates can usually fit everything into one or two pages, while professionals with longer careers may need up to three. Focus on giving the reader quick access to the most important information. The detailed discussion can happen in the interview.

Tip 2 : Adjust your Resume for each role

Every job you apply for deserves a customised Resume. Go through the job ad, review the position description if available, and look into the company. Use this insight to emphasise the skills and experience that clearly show you’re a strong match for the position.

Tip 3 : Stay authentic

While tailoring your Resume is helpful, it’s equally important to be accurate about your abilities and past experience. Avoid stretching the truth—recruiters can usually pick up on inconsistencies.

Tip 4 : Present yourself professionally

Make sure your email address gives the right impression. If the one you use for personal communication is casual or humorous, create a clean, professional alternative specifically for job applications. This also keeps all job-related emails in one place.

Tip 5 : Proofread carefully

Check your Resume multiple times for spelling or grammar mistakes. These small errors can hurt your chances, even if you’re highly qualified. Review it slowly, read it aloud if needed, and have someone else look it over too.

Tip 6 : Prioritise clear formatting

A well-organised Resume is essential. Since employers scan quickly, make your layout clean and simple. Choose traditional fonts, use straightforward headings, and highlight key skills so they stand out. Avoid overly decorative fonts, bright colours, or busy designs that distract from your content.

Tip 7: Don’t delay your application

When a job catches your eye, apply right away. Waiting until the deadline can work against you, especially in entry-level roles where employers often start reviewing and responding to early applications before the closing date.