How to build your resume in 2015

The average time spent by a recruiter on a resume is 6.25 seconds. Your resume is going to be the first ever impression you make on your potential employer, so if it lacks that ever-elusive wow factor, then it's off to the shredder before you can blink. But whether you're a veteran job-switcher or just entering the job market, resume-writing can be a soul-devouring process. And in an attempt to include every little accomplishment, your resume turns into a hideous 10 page-long black-and-white opus magnum with close-to-no line spacing and shameless page margins.    

So, keeping up with times, here are some ideas for making that unforgettable first impression.

1. CALL-OUT BOXES

Humans are above all, visual beings. Visuals are refreshing and keep the reader interested. It's also a strategic way to direct the recruiter to short pieces of vital information and makes them easy to remember. Like highlighted text in a magazine that's in a type style different from the rest, call-out boxes stand out and the reader's eye will be immediately attracted to it. Save the call-out boxes for the deal clinchers – the things that you know if recruiters know about you, they'll have to interview you.

2. THE VALUE PROPOSITION

This is the most important reason why the recruiter should give you a pass and hand you over to the interviewer. Your resume must communicate your value proposition so that the recruiter knows why they should hire you over the next guy – it's what you can offer them something that no one else can. What's most remarkable about your career? Play this trump card right by placing the info in a call-out box or by present it as a breakaway text.

3. THE NETWORKING SNAPSHOT

Networking is increasingly becoming an inevitable part of our job hunting experience. So why not prepare a snapshot of your accomplishments, experiences and skills which you can pass on to your networking circle. Keep it short, visual and to-the-point. A snapshot of your resume would be easily shareable so that word of your expertise can be spread to interested employers or partners if they hear about a great opportunity that aligns with your line of work.

Restrict yourself to a one-page bio that emphasises events most relevant to your goals now. Keep in mind that this is not the ultimate collection of career-related information you might want to put in the hands of a prospective employer, but it's a great way for them to "see" what you can offer.

4. FORMATTING

Piggybacking on a previous point, ever wondered why magazines are so popular? If you got to choose between a full-coloured copy of The Economist and a black-and-white copy of the International Affairs page of your daily newspaper, which would you pick? Regardless of the fact that they might contain similar (if not the same) information, you'd pick the magazine any day. Using visuals has nothing to do with compromising content. Colours, graphs and the layout add to the appeal of a resume. They also offer an alternative way to represent the same information and it's a sign of innovation. Graphic design pieces, borders, shading and so on can maximise the effect of content, engaging your reader so they continue reading. Note in point, avoid direct visual content likes photos unless you're a photographer or a graphic designer.

Also, if it's not done already, switch the font of your resume to Helvetica, Arial or Times New Roman – in other words, make sure it's discernible and stuck in Word's standard Calibri. While you're at it, increase the line spacing to at least 120% of the font size to improve readability. And if you can't do without a little more space, reduce your top and bottom margins to 0.5" and your side margins to no less than 0.75".

5. INCLUSION OF VIDEO

Want to try something different? More and more job seekers are starting to create 30 second long intro videos so employers get a better feel for the person's personality, presence, and cultural fit within the organisation. While a video resume will never replace a written one, if you're in the agency world, consider including a link to your video resume on your written one. However, the importance of the right script and rehearsal cannot be stressed enough. Don't make a video just for the heck of it – make it if you can truly communicate something extra that words alone cannot do justice to.

6. CUSTOMISE

Recruiters are specific so it's your job as a job seeker to be just as particular. There is no one-size-fits-all resume. If you learn this early on, you'll get into the habit of constantly updating and tailoring your resumes to match the target positions or situations. Better response rates will follow. Never get sloppy with your resume and take your time to cut our or insert information, and rephrase content. Job descriptions always come with objectives and specifications of the opening, and while following them is crucial, never directly reiterate them word for word.