<h2>Landing your dream career starts with writing up an effective resume that makes you stand out. A good resume will get you through the first hurdle of job hunting – the chance to interview with a potential employer!&nbsp;</h2><h3>Getting started can be overwhelming so before you make any mistakes that will cause you time, here are<strong> 5 things to consider before putting your achievements on paper</strong>:</h3><h2><strong>1. Using a template to design your resume</strong></h2><p><img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://blog.hiredly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-view-of-recruiter-holding-resume-near-empl-2021-09-14-20-23-59-utc-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-view-of-recruiter-holding-resume-near-empl-2021-09-14-20-23-59-utc-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-view-of-recruiter-holding-resume-near-empl-2021-09-14-20-23-59-utc-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-view-of-recruiter-holding-resume-near-empl-2021-09-14-20-23-59-utc-1-768x513.jpg 768w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-view-of-recruiter-holding-resume-near-empl-2021-09-14-20-23-59-utc-1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-view-of-recruiter-holding-resume-near-empl-2021-09-14-20-23-59-utc-1-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></p><p>Unless you’re already a savvy designer yourself, designing your resume can be a daunting task for anyone. The first step is to consider what your resume should look like so that it fits the job description you’re applying for.&nbsp;</p><p>A <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-personal-summary-for-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>resume</strong></a> for an engineer will look vastly different from a resume for a creative designer so it’s important to tailor your resume according to the specific role or industry.</p><p>Using a resume template can be a clever hack if you want to get a resume created easily and quickly. The perk of free resume templates is that they are accessible to almost anyone with an internet connection – that also means you won’t be the only one using them.&nbsp;</p><p>If you use one without any customization, you’ll be left with a resume that may look good, but unfortunately unmemorable. We highly recommend modifying your resume design to suit your <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/why-your-career-depends-on-your-personal-brand?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>personal branding</strong></a>.</p><p>Even so, resume templates are a great jumping-off point to start building your resume. You can get started using templates from Microsoft Word, Google Docs, <a href="https://novoresume.com/resume-templates" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Novoresume</strong></a>, or Canva.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>2. Choosing a resume format</strong></h2><p>Once you have a <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/is-resume-design-important?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>general design</strong></a> in mind, the next step is to consider the formatting of your resume. Employers or recruiters may request resumes in different formats so it is wise to have your resumes in different forms ready to go.</p><p>Here are the <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/resume-profile-photo-dos-donts?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>pros and cons</strong></a> of the different resume formats. Consider these before settling for the ones that work for you and the position you’re after:</p><h3><strong>Word Document:</strong></h3><p>Word Documents are arguably one of the most convenient ways to create a resume as a job seeker.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Pros</strong></p><ul><li>Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are able to read and screen your resume easily</li><li>No complex technical skill needed to design your resume</li><li>Easy and quick to use</li></ul><p><strong>Cons</strong></p><ul><li>Hiring managers may face formatting issues and misalignment when opening your resume file</li><li>Resume design possibilities can be limited</li></ul><h3><strong>Plain text</strong>:</h3><p>Keeping your resume in a plain text format can be great when sending applications via email. Although it isn’t a common practice anymore (most employers will request your resume to be sent as a file), a resume in plain text format will be great to keep as backup for future resume revamps.</p><p><strong>Pros</strong></p><ul><li>Can be inserted into the body of an email</li><li>Easily readable by applicant tracking systems</li></ul><p><strong>Cons</strong></p><ul><li>No formatting or design</li><li>Possible issues with text spacing</li></ul><h3><strong>PDF:</strong></h3><p>PDF is the most common format for sending and receiving resumes these days. It is what we recommend using on the Hiredly platform too!&nbsp;Here’s why we prefer PDFs:</p><p><strong>Pros</strong></p><ul><li>Compatible with both Mac and PC systems</li><li>No risk of viruses</li><li>No formatting issues</li><li>Resumes can be designed and written in other formats such as Word or Canva before saving as PDF</li><li>Today’s applicant tracking systems can now read PDF files. Just make sure you don’t save your resume as an image.</li></ul><h2><strong>3. Fonts you should use on your resume</strong></h2><p><img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://blog.hiredly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fonts-1-1024x678.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fonts-1-1024x678.jpg 1024w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fonts-1-300x199.jpg 300w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fonts-1-768x509.jpg 768w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fonts-1-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/fonts-1-2048x1356.jpg 2048w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></p><p>The importance of picking a format is using one that makes your resume as readable to both the hiring managers and the software they use as possible. We recommend using fonts that are simple, easy to read, and commonly found in all devices (eg. Arial, Helvetica, Calibri).&nbsp;</p><p>You may think using unique fonts will set your resume apart from the rest, but you risk making your resume unreadable – whether it be due to its complicated design, or the fact that it doesn’t show up on the employers’ device.&nbsp;</p><p>To ensure further readability, use a maximum of 2 different font types (1 for your header, and the other for the body text) and keep to a standard font size of 12.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>4. Use bullet points whenever you can</strong></h2><p>Recruiters go through hundreds of applications and resumes when looking for the right candidate and your job is to make it easy for them to spot you as the one they’re looking for!</p><p>Use bullet points when listing out your experiences, achievements, education, etc. This will not only make your resume easier and quicker for recruiters to read but for you to write too. Get straight to the point by mentioning keywords that reflect the descriptions of the role you’re applying for.&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>5. Use the reverse chronological order</strong></h2><p><img class="image_resized" style="width:100%;" src="https://blog.hiredly.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/job-candidates-filling-cv-forms-2021-09-02-23-28-00-utc-1024x683.jpg" alt="" srcset="https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/job-candidates-filling-cv-forms-2021-09-02-23-28-00-utc-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/job-candidates-filling-cv-forms-2021-09-02-23-28-00-utc-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/job-candidates-filling-cv-forms-2021-09-02-23-28-00-utc-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blog.wobbjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/job-candidates-filling-cv-forms-2021-09-02-23-28-00-utc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="100vw" width="1024"></p><p>When it comes to writing an effective resume, you should always be listing your <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-about-your-projects-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>experiences</strong></a>, <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-about-extracurricular-involvement-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>achievements</strong></a>, or education in reverse chronological order. A <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/write-your-experience-in-chronological-order?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>reverse chronological</strong></a> resume means the most recent experience will be placed first, followed by the least recent ones.&nbsp;</p><p>It helps employers see your career progression more clearly and quickly determine if you have the <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/stop-rating-your-skills-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>qualifications</strong></a> needed for the role you are applying for. It also helps that your more recent experiences and achievements are most likely more significant than the ones prior.</p><p>Since the reverse chronological order is the most familiar for employers and hiring managers, listing your achievements in chronological order will lead them to read your lowest qualification first and assume you are less qualified for the position than you actually are.</p><h3>Looking to perfect your resume and stand out to employers? Here are some helpful resources on the Hiredly blog:</h3><ul><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-work-experience-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><strong>Resume Writing Tip: How to Perfectly Describe Your Work Experience&nbsp;</strong></span></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/how-to-write-work-experience-on-resume?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><strong>How to Write a Standout Personal Summary for Your Resume (With Examples)</strong></span></a></li><li><a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/resume-profile-photo-dos-donts?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);"><strong>Picture Perfect: Resume Photo Do’s &amp; Don’ts</strong></span></a></li></ul><h3>Now that you know what to look out for, you’re all set to start creating a winning resume. Make sure you don’t miss out on any crucial information by going through our <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/advice/perfect-resume-checklist?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>Resume Checklist</strong></a>.&nbsp;</h3><h3>Once your resume is good to go, make job searching easier by <a href="https://x.hiredly.com/?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">dropping your resume with our headhunters at Hiredly X</a>. They’ll call you when they find a role that matches you!</h3><h3>At <a href="https://my.hiredly.com/jobs?utm_medium=article&amp;utm_source=career_advice&amp;utm_campaign=5_resume_tricks_recruiters_will_thank_you_for_using&amp;utm_content=freelancing_malaysia,_job_seeker,_job_opportunities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hiredly</a>, we connect job seekers with roles that match their goals and expertise. Uploading a polished resume to your Hiredly profile can open doors to countless opportunities!"</h3>

<p>Not every resume is made equal. Here are some useful tricks to format your resume to make it easy to catch a recruiter&#8217;s attention.</p>
