5 Resume Rules: 2021 Edition

Resume rules have transformed to stay up to date with the changes in recruitment. For instance, using one resume for all the job posts is not recommended by any professional.

New rules dictate the candidates to incorporate industry-related keywords, ensure proper formatting, and make an easy-to-read resume.

In this guide, we will cover the five resume rules in 2021 to make a job-winning resume.

Let’s start.

Table of Contents

Cover the basic outline

One thing that you need to maintain in your resume is the basic element of an outline. For instance, the idea of standing out from the crowd to catch the attention of the hiring manager is correct, but you need to make sure that it does not happen at the expense of the messing about the outline.

Recruiters screen resumes within 6-10 seconds, so introducing new section headings or rearranging the outline can have negative consequences on your job application.

So, choose a resume template that allows you to keep the outline intact along with helping you modify the document as per your requirements to achieve a balance between the two.

Take a look at the below points to learn what should you add to the basic outline:

Name: Write your resume just once and do not repeat it.
Header: Add your contact info and links to projects, LinkedIn, or portfolio.
Summary: Include 3-4 sentences in a paragraph form about your expertise and achievements.
Skills: Mention all your proficiencies here.
Professional experience: Cover all your work profiles along with the job description.
Education: List all your degrees here.
Additional details: Include your certifications, training, volunteering work, languages, publications, academic achievements, awards, etc.

Prioritize the additional details according to your profile. For example, a social worker should focus on the volunteering experience more and position the section in the beginning part of the document.

ATS-optimized

In 2021, you need to understand that you are writing the resume just for the recruiter.

A good number of organizations are using applicant tracking systems to automate the initial screening process of resumes. Basically, ATS is helping companies shortlist resumes that possess keywords relevant to the target profile.

As an applicant, incorporate the requirements and keywords outlined in the job post so that it passes the ATS. But, make sure that you only add information that you can validate.

Easy to read

Recruiters should be able to understand your professional portfolio and skills by just skimming through the document. One thing that helps in ensuring that is an easy-to-read resume.

Here is how you can improve the readability of your resume:

One-liner bullets: Use one-liner bullet points to write your job description and achievements. Also, use power verbs to write your statements.
Result-oriented statements: Don’t just mention what you did, mention why you did it, and how it helped the organization you worked for.
Quantify your achievements: Use numbers wherever possible to validate the result of your work.
Bolding: Highlight phrases, keywords, and numbers across all your bullet points.

Online presence

In 2021, recruiters want to see the kind of impression you have made online. So, it is highly likely that they are googling your name.

But, online presence basically means that you need to add a link to your LinkedIn or GitHub profile.

Moreover, depending on your profile, you should add a link to your online portfolio, website, blog, Instagram, etc. For example, a UI/UX Designer should add a link to their website for correctly showcasing their work.

Presenting your expertise

A resume should convey your skills and expertise correctly. Recruiters want to see what you are proficient in and things you can do for them.

But, that does not mean adding unnecessary words like “good communication skills” or “hard-worker. These skills should be around your core-competencies and in-line with the profile you are targeting.

Here is how you can present your skills and expertise in a resume:

Skills section: Your resume should have a separate skills section covering all your proficiencies. Also, tech professionals should create another “technical skills” section for all their tools and methodologies.
Form buckets: For every 3-4 relevant points, form subheadings/buckets that showcase your skills. For example, the subheadings can be “team leadership & mentoring”, “report generation & marketing strategy”.MORE INFO:- beamintro