Uncover the most efficient approach to writing, organising, and presenting your experiences in a concise resume.

Did you know that hiring managers spend an average of seven seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to keep reading or move on? That’s why in today's competitive job market, crafting a resume that grabs attention is essential. 

We explore five resume writing tips to help you create a compelling CV that showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements effectively – no matter if you’re a recent graduate entering the job market or a seasoned HR professional looking to advance your career.

6 CV writing tips 

1. Tailor your resume to each application

A common mistake in job applications is using the same generic resume for every position. This can make it obvious to hiring managers that little effort was put in, which isn't likely to leave a good impression. Instead, take the time to customise your resume for each job.

Start by carefully reading the job description and noting the key skills, qualifications, and experiences required. Then, tailor your resume to highlight those specific points. Use the same language and keywords found in the job posting to make sure your resume matches what the employer is looking for. This approach shows that you're serious about the position and increases your chances of being considered.

2. Put the spotlight on your achievements

While it's essential to include your job responsibilities on your resume, focusing solely on these can make your resume blend in with the crowd. To truly stand out, highlight your achievements and quantifiable results. 

Instead of simply listing your duties, provide specific examples of how you excelled in your role. For instance, if you have increased retention or streamlined processes, quantify these achievements with numbers or percentages to demonstrate your impact. For example, 'Implemented a leadership development programme and trained hiring managers on an effective hiring process that reduced attrition from 30% to 15%'.

3. Keep things concise

With limited time to make an impression, hiring managers value resumes that are clear, concise, and easy to read. A cluttered resume can be overwhelming and may lead to disinterest. Clearly outline what your company does, the scope of your role, and the size of the team you are leading, for example.

Consumer Electronic International

CEI is a multinational Consumer electronics company headquartered in the United Kingdom. The company employs 55,000 worldwide, with 12,000 employees and 22% of its global revenue derived from APAC.

HR Director APAC           Oct 2019 - Present 

Based in Singapore, reporting directly to the CHRO with a dotted line to the CEO APAC. Oversee the HR function for APAC as a member of the Regional Leadership Team. Lead a team of 30 in a HR BP, COE & HR Shared Service HR model. Total coverage of 12,000 employees with annual revenue of US$1.4 billion.

To enhance readability, ensure your resume has a clean, professional layout with ample white space. Make sure the formatting style across the entirety of the document is consistent, and organise information into digestible bullet points for easier comprehension. Remember that brevity often yields greater impact!

5. Use action verbs 

Rather than using passive language, strengthen your resume with powerful verbs that  effectively communicate the breadth of your previous responsibilities. Think using action verbs like "achieved," "implemented," "led," "increased," and "optimised" to describe your accomplishments. 

For instance, rather than blandly listing "Responsibilities included managing a team," showcase your leadership capabilities with "Led a team of four to successfully do diligence on a potential M&A."

6. Include an executive summary

Concluding our essential list of resume writing tips is the executive summary. This is a concise yet impactful paragraph positioned at the top of your resume to provide a snapshot of your qualifications and career goals. It ensures your most relevant attributes are immediately recognised by hiring managers, and swiftly communicates your suitability for the role.

An example of this could be: “Results-driven HR Leader with a proven record of enhancing organisational effectiveness and driving employee engagement. Skilled in team leadership, strategic planning, and implementing HR initiatives”

Seeking your next career move?

Apply these resume writing tips to land an interview for your ideal job. Explore our job listings to find opportunities aligned with your goals. We specialise in recruiting for permanent and fixed-term contracts in various sectors. Visit our career advice page for additional interview and hiring success strategies.