Dos and Don’ts in Your Resume

What makes a great resume? There are probably thousands of opinions on this topic. However, there are some fundamental aspects that can help you optimize your CV, as well as common mistakes you should absolutely avoid. We’ve compiled the most important Dos & Don’ts from our perspective:

🌟 Dos in Your Resume 🌟

These key points will help you create a clear, professional, and compelling resume:

✅ Include a short profile: A concise yet impactful summary 📝 belongs at the top of your resume. In 4–5 bullet points, highlight your experience, skills, strengths, and competencies. Think of it as your “elevator pitch” for the job.

✅ Use a clear layout: Utilize formatting techniques such as bold text, paragraphs, and visual elements to create structure, emphasize key points, and guide the reader’s eye 👀. This makes your resume easier to skim.

✅ Bullet points over paragraphs: Long blocks of text are discouraging. Bullet points make information easy to scan—ideal for decision-makers who have limited time. ⏱️

✅ Less is more: Your resume should be clear and to the point. Focus on relevant information that truly matters for the position you’re applying for. Avoid redundancy and overly detailed descriptions. Concise wording beats lengthy explanations!

✅ Group related job roles together: If you’ve held multiple positions at the same company or within affiliated organizations, list them under a single time period while specifying each role separately.

🚫 Don’ts in Your Resume – Avoid These Common Mistakes! 🚫

Opinions on this may vary, but as a recruiter and headhunter, I’ve compiled the key Don’ts that can negatively impact your first impression. Here’s what to watch out for! 👇

❌ 1. Large blocks of text
You have about 30 seconds to make an impression! Use bullet points to enhance readability and clarity. Studies show that bullet points improve reading speed and help recruiters quickly grasp essential details. 📝

❌ 2. A cover page with only a photo and personal details
First impressions matter! If you choose to include a cover page, make sure it offers more than just a photo and your name. Add a short profile with relevant details so recruiters get a meaningful overview right away. 📋

❌ 3. Listing only years for job positions
Avoid vague dates like “2018–2020.” This could mean anything from 14 months to nearly three years, leading to misinterpretation. Always include months to provide clarity. 🗓️

❌ 4. Incorrect order of job experience
Your current position should ALWAYS be listed first, followed by previous roles. The same applies to education and training! 🔄

❌ 5. Lack of formatting
Design matters! I always say, “Guide the reader’s eye.” 👀 Use formatting techniques like bold or italicized text, bullet points, spacing, color accents, and headings to make your resume visually structured. This helps highlight key details and ensures a smooth reading experience.

Not everyone is a resume expert or can create the “perfect” CV in an instant. We hope these tips help you craft a top-tier resume.

And if you need support, our Candidate Services are here to help you prepare for your next career move!