Resume/Biodata tips

My tips on making an impactful resume and standing out.

(Includes my resume from IIM Bangalore days)

A thread 🧵:

What to write in the CV

4-5 relevant sections
-Resume Summary (More on this later)
-Work-Ex
-Education
-Internships
-Achievements
-Projects
-Extra-Curriculars
-Anything else that makes u stand out
How to write in the CV:

- No need of complete sentence. Phrases work
- Begin each point with an action verb -> Skill you are trying to highlight
- Focus only on your most relevant skills and experience.
- Mention numbers and specifics to show tangible achievements
How to write about your workex:

- Use Action words like Directed/Managed/Spearheaded instead of Duties included
- Convey stories - What was the Problem ? What actions you took? What were the results? What skills did you use & develop?
Very IMPORTANT to get shortlisted:

- More than 90% companies now use software (called ATS) to shortlist
- Software checks keywords to match job description (JD)
- Hence, you need TO include relevant keywords in your CV and tailor each CV based on the specific job
Resume Summary:

- Not required for freshers
- Not more than 3 sentences.
- Mention experience, top achievements
- What type of role you are looking at
- Helps in computerized shortlisting if you include relevant keywords
Dos:

- Send file as firstname_lastname, not as cv/resume
- Send pdf file and not as a word file
- Include action words from Job Description
- Choose a neat template
- Fit most points in 1 line
- Length: 1 page for work-ex < 10 yrs, 2 pages max
Donts:

-Don’t make bold claims that cannot be backed up
-Don’t just list job duties; focus on accomplishments
-Avoid personal pronouns (I/me/my)
-Unprofessional email ID like coolguy352
-No need for Photo/DOB
-Don't bold too many words
Common Mistakes:

-Typos/ grammatical errors
-More than 2 lines on any point
- Inconsistent font size/line spacing
- Being unethical like disclosing confidential info
- Verbose resume with length > 2 pages
Technical aspects

-Select a professional font eg Arial/ Calibri/Garamond
- Readable size (10.5-12) for text
- Leave ample white-space so that it is soothing to read
- 1/2-1 inch margins on all sides
- Single spacing works best
And finally, sharing my CV when I was applying for my first job in 2007!
Resume is as much about presenting what you have done in an impactful way, as it is about doing a lot in life.

Best of luck for the placements! Post your questions as comments. Will try to make a follow-up thread

Follow me @divyamittal_IAS for more & share it with ur friends https://t.co/oW0BGeyObK

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