Applying for a job usually begins with preparing your resume and cover letter and customising it to your desired job. Even if you already have a resume, you may want to regularly improve its contents to present the best version of yourself to a potential employer. Learning how to improve your resume can help you increase the chances of successfully proceeding to the next stage of the job application process. In this article, we explain how to improve your resume and why it's important to do so.

How to improve your resume

Before submitting your job application, review this guide on how to improve your resume. Then check your resume and consider what sections or areas you can improve. Review everything from the font you chose to the content you included. This can help you create a resume that effectively presents you as a strong candidate. Use these steps to improve your resume:

1. Use a reverse-chronological format

A reverse-chronological format means that you begin by listing your most recent achievements first, with your past successes following. This is a system that many employers and applicant tracking systems recognise as it's an easy way to understand your professional timeline. Apply this method to all sections of your resume. For example, in the work experience section, begin by stating your current job position and your roles and responsibilities.

2. Highlight your relevant qualifications

It's best if your resume can list all the qualifications that show you're the right candidate for the job. This can include relevant educational background or skills for the position you have an interest in. Ensure your resume's experience and education sections align with the requirements for the role. For example, if you're applying for a teacher position, it's important to include any roles in education you held in the work experience section of your resume.

If you have multiple qualifications that suit the job, consider listing the most relevant and most recent qualifications at the start. This has a higher chance of gaining the hiring manager's attention for you to advance to the next stage of the hiring process. You can also consider highlighting any other qualifications during subsequent interviews.

3. Use keywords from the job description

Read the job description and note any keywords or phrases. Then consider how they match your qualifications and use them throughout your resume. Since many employers use an applicant tracking system, keywords can help it detect your resume and attract the hiring manager's attention. In addition, the use of these keywords and phrases emphasises your relevant qualifications to hiring managers.

4. Quantify your achievements

To make your resume attractive to the hiring manager, consider quantifying your achievements. Include figures within your previous job experience examples so that the reader can understand your effectiveness at work. For example, if you're applying for a retail manager position and have relevant experience as a retail assistant, you can state that you managed three different wa

5. Optimise your resume for digital devices

It's common for hiring managers to review candidates' resumes and profiles on digital devices, such as tablets, laptops or mobile phones. By ensuring that they can access your application on a digital device, you enhance your chances of a hiring manager paying attention to your application. It's best if the digital version and the hard copy of your resume match to ensure consistency.

6. Use readable fonts

Check that the font type and font size are readable. This can mean using Calibri, Times New Roman or Arial and at least font size 12. By doing so, you maximise the chance that the hiring manager reads the entire resume and considers that you're suitable for the job position. Having a readable resume is important as the hiring manager may have many resumes to read in a day.

7. Be clear and concise

Keep your resume clear and concise. Review your resume and only include the necessary words, graphics and elements that add value. Make sure everything you include promotes you as a suitable candidate. Keeping your resume concise means that you only include the most important information. Focusing on your skills and qualifications makes it easier for the hiring

8. Stay organised

Check that your resume includes section headers. By grouping relevant information together, it's easier for the potential employer to locate information about you. Titles include educational background, work experience, skills and hobbies. You can use bullet points within each section to list the relevant information for the hiring manager. Consider colour coding information if you think it helps the hiring manager notice the key information about you.

9. Use the same style as your cover letter

Match the style of your resume to your cover letter. For example, use the same fonts and colours for both documents to increase a sense of cohesiveness. In addition, use the same type of paper for your hard copies. Matching your resume to your cover letter ensures a unified job application that shows the hiring manager that you're meticulous and put effort into your work.

10. Proofread your resume

It's important to proofread your resume after you complete it. This includes checking for spelling or grammar errors and ensuring that the facts in the resume are accurate. You can read your resume multiple times to check it. Alternatively, you can ask a friend or family member to go through it as they may identify errors that you missed. Ensuring that your resume is error-free gives the impression that you're professional and conscientious.

11. Add references

You can boost the credibility of your resume's contents by including references. These references may be reliable contacts, such as a manager from a previous job position or a professor from a university. By listing their contact details and testimonials, you demonstrate to the hiring manager that others are willing to corroborate your qualifications. This may help differentiate you from other candidates without references. Also, ensure that the people you use as references are willing and able to testify to your competencies.

12. Research resumes

You may want to see how other resumes look to improve your resume. You can research some common resume formats and content that others use to gauge how your resume looks in comparison. If you find any good points in these resume examples, you can incorporate them into yours to make it better.

13. Replace your objective with a summary statement

Consider using a more modern approach with a resume summary at the beginning. This may replace the resume objective in more traditional resumes. Whereas a resume objective explains your career goals, a resume summary outlines your unique and relevant qualifications. The latter gives hiring managers a quick way to determine your skills and abilities before reviewing the rest of your resume.