Ah… the resume, a primary tool for professional success that is dreaded by every first-timer in all business history. On average, hiring managers, recruiters, and employers spend six seconds looking at each individual resume. This is why your resume must effectively express your unique skills while also preventingemployers from tossing you in the “seen that before, not impressed” pile of resumes. Your goal is to stand out while effectively portraying your best professional self.
One of the most important things to know is that a great resume does NOT get you the job; it is your tool to get in the door for an interview which subsequently seals the deal. In simpler terms, it is a single-page document that convinces employers or hiring managers into believing you are the best person for the intended job! As a business major, I have certainly had to write my fair share of resumes; and if you are in a similar situation, this article is for you!
- Creative Simplicity Is KEY
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A resume’s essence is how it should be effortless to read while maintaining a clean and easy-on-the-eyes format. It is best to have your text formatted between 10 and 12, with decent sentence space and straightforward headers to follow this preferred style. Upkeep a consistent theme throughout the entirety of your resume and focus on its readability. However, there is a way to stand out while keeping a resume classy, simple, and easy to read. Items like simple icons, graphics, and topic separators are beautiful ways to make your resume a tad more unique.
Extra Tip: If applying through an online processor, keep it as minimal and readable as possible.
- Keep It Recent & Relevant
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When including information in your resume, it is essential to include only the details that correspond to the position you are applying for. However, if your work experience doesn’t relate to said position, make sure to include transferable skills which COULD be employed in your new job! Focus on the things you have DONE, what you are able to bring to the table makes employers consider you as a candidate much more than your intentions. Keep bullet points minimal and straightforward while also pinpointing their attention to your facts, figures, and expertise. SHOW, SHOW, SHOW!
- Education & Awards
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When noting your educational experience, focus on specifying your degree plus the skills obtained from the said degree, and good academic recognition. If your GPA isn’t the best, you can overcome this by including extra-curricular participation in your institution’s clubs and organizations. Keep all history in reverse chronological order (most recent to least recent), and always put the education section under your experience bullet points. Absolutely FLEX your successes! Let them know you worked extra hard and did your best. Awards and recognitions make you stand out!
- Please… PROOFREAD
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I beg, please proofread your resume before submitting it to an employer or resume software. I cannot stress enough how incredibly important it is that you appear to have crafted this resume with all your heart and soul. This single-page document is the representation of your skills and effort into work itself to employers; it would be awful if a typo eliminated you from a position just because you forgot to proofread. Trust me, it’s more important than you think.
Now that you know the fundamental basis of creating the perfect resume, you are ready to begin your career ventures! Always remember to keep it simple and readable, but make sure you effectively stand out from the mountain of resumes sent along with yours. I wish you the best in your professional life, and I hope this article lowered all resume-making nerves.
Just remember: if you believe you’re equipped for the job, make sure to strut your stuff!