With recruiters often spending just a few seconds reviewing each one, it’s critical that yours stands out for all the right reasons.
But here’s what many overlook: a winning resumé must be customised not only to the job but to the expectations of the industry. Here’s how to get it right.
Understand the industry expectations
Each sector has its own resumé standards — what works in one industry may fall flat in another.
Corporate/administrative roles
- Use a clean, professional layout with standard fonts and formatting.
- Emphasise quantifiable achievements (eg, “Improved client onboarding time by 25 per cent).
- Use bullet points and strong action verbs like managed, implemented and streamlined.
Creative industries (design, marketing, media)
- A visually dynamic resumé is often welcome. Consider layout, subtle use of colour and modern typography.
- Include links to your online portfolio or samples of work.
- Emphasise collaboration, campaign success and storytelling.
Technical and IT roles
- Focus on technical skills, programming languages and relevant certifications.
- Place a technical skills summary near the top.
- Highlight outcomes from specific projects (eg. “Developed API that improved processing speed by 30 per cent”).
Skilled trades and vocational jobs
- Prioritise practical experience, hands-on skills, and licences.
- List certifications (eg. First Aid or trade-specific credentials).
- Mention equipment expertise, safety compliance and efficiency gains.
Education and healthcare
- Emphasise credentials, continuing education and relevant licences.
- Use terminology that reflects care, service or pedagogy.
- Highlight outcomes such as test score improvements or patient care achievements.
Structure for impact
A strong resumé structure is essential across all industries. A good format to follow:
- Header: Name, contact details, LinkedIn or portfolio link if applicable.
- Professional summary: A concise three to four line snapshot of your strengths and goals.
- Skills summary: Tailored to the job posting.
- Work experience: Reverse chronological order, emphasising achievements.
- Education and certifications: Include dates and institutions.
- Optional sections: Projects, volunteer work, language skills or awards.
Tailoring the content and order of these sections can help you align better with specific job requirements.
Customise every time
Sending out the same resumé for multiple applications is a missed opportunity.
Adjust your resumé to match each job’s specific requirements:
- Mirror the language and keywords from the job posting.
- Emphasise relevant experience for that particular role.
- If the posting values “collaboration” or “strategic planning,” make sure these are reflected clearly in your resumé.
What to avoid
Even a well-written resumé can be undermined by avoidable missteps:
- Don’t use a generic career objective. Focus on what you offer, not just what you want.
- Remove outdated skills unless specifically relevant (eg fax machines, basic MS Office).
- Avoid vague phrases like “hardworking” or “team player” — show these through your achievements.
- Never exaggerate or falsify information. It’s easy to check, and trust once lost can’t be regained.
Insights from hiring professionals
Here’s what recruiters commonly say about resumes that grab attention:
- Make your strengths obvious within the first few lines.
- Use numbers where possible — metrics help validate your contributions.
- Keep it concise: one page for entry-level roles, up to two for experienced professionals.
A strong resumé tells your story clearly, confidently and strategically.
Whether you’re entering the workforce, switching industries, or climbing the ladder, tailoring your resumé to your field — and the job at hand — will set you apart in a competitive market.
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