The first thing in the job market is your resume. It is not a simple list of jobs but your own personal marketing tool. A resume that is done well can create openings to interviews and finally your dream job. However, there are a lot of other applicants and you are all competing to be noticed, so how are you going to make your application unique?
It is necessary to know how to write a winning resume whether you are joining the workforce or considering changing career. The bad is that it is not that difficult to master this art. Having a bit of understanding of structure and content you can make a document that can show your strengths.
It is time to jump into the important aspects of the resume that will take your resume to a whole new level!
Understanding the Purpose of a Resume
A resume is the marketing brochure of yourself in competitive world of jobs. It is mostly intended to display your qualifications and experiences and therefore employers can easily determine how suitable you are in a position.
Consider it as a picture of your Careers in Demand. It brings out the important accomplishments, expertise, and applicable work experience that can fit the job you are seeking. In this document, you have to express your identity and what you bring to the table fast.
Resumes are usually piles of paper which hiring managers look through on any given day. You want to make them listen to you in a few seconds. Resume should be well-organized, and its structure must show the professionalism and detail-oriented character.
It is about narrating your story in a very brief manner but pointing out reasons why you are the right person to fill certain positions. The appropriate resume can help in the gap between the receipt of application and the invitation to interview.
Choosing the Right Format for Your Resume
It is very important to choose the proper format of your resume. It creates the atmosphere and produces a good impression at the beginning.
It has three main forms, i.e., chronological, functional and combination. The chronological format emphasizes the work history chronologically backwards. This is actually effective in cases where you have good working experience in your field of interest.
The functional style is skills oriented as opposed to job titles and dates. It is perfect when one has employment gap or switched careers. This style will enable you to demonstrate what you can bring on the table, without focusing on timing.
A combination format is one that combines the two approaches such that skills and experience are equally weighted. It is ideal with candidates who prefer flexibility and at the same time provide a holistic view of their qualifications.
When choosing one of these forms, take into account your own unique situation. Adapt it not only to industry norms, but also to your best as an applicant.
Crafting an Attention-Grabbing Summary or Objective
The first thing your prospective employers will see in your resume is your summary or objective. It lays the groundwork to the rest of your resume and thus must shine.
Begin by stating explicitly what you bring to the table and who you are. Be specific on what you want to achieve in your career and use strong action verbs. Write job-specific statements because generalized statements will not be effective.
Imagine this is an elevator pitch in a couple of sentences. It is possible to draw attention by mentioning the most important skills that could be related to the job.
Don’t forget personality! Even a portion of passion or excitement is a long path towards making you memorable. Keep in mind that you are not only enumerating qualifications but narrating a story that can represent your differentiated value proposition.
Make it to the point yet effective- it has to be attractive enough to make hiring managers pick it up and read instead of passing on your resume without any interest in it.
Highlighting Your Relevant Skills and Experience
In pointing out your skills and experience in question, it is important to be precise. Begin by taking a good read through the job description. Determine the skills that are most important to employers.
Pay attention to transferable skills as well. These may fill the differences between the old roles and your preferred job. Problem solving, communicating, technical know how, be it one or the other, make sure to demonstrate what your greatest strength is.
Make points in bullets. This format will enable the hiring managers to scan through your qualifications fast and not get lost in heavy paragraphs.
Measuring things is better where it is possible, numbers are persuasive and believable. Rather than stating that you have made sales better, provide a percentage change that is made within a particular period of time.
Individualize your resume according to the various jobs that you are seeking. Use the highlight experiences that will directly match the requirements of the position to make a powerful story of why you are the right person.
Showcasing Your Achievements and Accomplishments
The highlight of a successful resume is to show the achievements and the accomplishments. Employers desire to have outcomes, not merely activities. It can help to measure your achievements. Use examples and percentages and numbers to explain how you have helped in previous positions.
Take into account what can make you outstanding among the candidates. Did you undertake a project that made the sales grow 30%? Or maybe did a job that saved your former employer a thousand dollars? These narration breathes life into your resume and shows that you are worthwhile.
Ensure that every achievement is related to the job you are applying. Personalize this section in such a manner that it is a direct appeal to the requirements of the potential employer. This will be a strategic move enabling them to see how you will comfortably fit in their team.
You can also boost this section of your resume with action verbs such as achieved, developed or improved. It puts the heart rate up and makes it obvious what you have done.
Keep in mind it is about trying to position oneself as an asset capable of making their organization successful. What you can contribute to new opportunities is demonstrated in your accomplishments so there are no reasons why you should not shine in presenting them!
