Jeremy Kaplan
Your resume is the first thing that any prospective employer will see of you. It’s your chance to create a killer first impression, and if you waste it, you could have lost your chance at that job.
So, make that impression count. Of course, a solid resume doesn’t guarantee you a position, but it doesn’t hurt either. You have to give yourself the absolute best chance at success, and this is one way to do so.
Whether you’re on the job hunt or are in a comfortable place, you should still make sure your resume is up to scratch. You never know what opportunities could come knocking, and you need to be in the best possible shape if they do.
This post will detail a number of ways you can take your resume from average to awesome. Good luck!
Don’t waste those first few lines. That first impression I mentioned at the start of the post? This is it. It’s the first thing the employer will read, so it’s your first shot to show them what you’re made of. It can be tricky to get this part right, so take the time so create a killer personal statement.
You want to tell them how your skills are relevant to their job. If you’re applying for a teaching position, now is not the time to mention you worked at McDonald’s for a few months at university. Let them know what you can offer them, and you’re off to a good start.
Get help. You don’t have to do it alone, and there are many resources available to help you. From resume help here to even the most popular of websites, take the time to stay well-informed and your CV will reflect your skills adequately. This isn’t a document you can just blurt out in an afternoon. It takes time and careful construction.
Cut any unnecessary information. Your birthday might be on the 27th of August, but the employer doesn’t care. They also don’t care that you’re good at baking cookies, and that your eyes are blue. Cutting any unnecessary information helps the person reading it to get to the important stuff a lot quicker. You want them to read about your skills and experience, not your hair color or high-school PE class.
Fill it with keywords. Using keywords related to the job is a great way to help your resume click with the employer. If they’re looking for a skilled role, using jargon and terms associated to that role lets them know you mean business. For example, for a graphic designer, frequently mention Photoshop and other similar applications. But don’t lie! If you can use them, great. These skills could land you a career.
Keep it concise. Employers don’t have all day, so don’t waste their time. They could be reading hundreds of applications in that day alone, so keep yours brief. Make it short, concise and to the point. Highlight your skills, and why you’re good for the job. Anything else, you can chop.
So, that just about does it! If you’re on the job hunt, make sure your resume is up to date. It could make all the difference.
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