A resume is a marketing tool, a chance to sell yourself. Be sure to include all relevant experience and skills. Your resume and the contacts who may speak on your behalf serve as your “commercial.” It is imperative the right messaging is conveyed in the right way to attract the right “buyers.”
Tips to help your resume stand out:
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Keep it up to date. This is ongoing, not just when you are looking for a job. It’s important to always have an updated resume on hand. You never know when you will need to produce a current resume.
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Tailor. Know what kind of job you are looking for and tailor your resume to each job. You should develop several versions of your resume not only to emphasize certain skills and experiences to match particular job openings, but to accommodate different dissemation vehicles (in-person delivery, mail, electronic, etc.). Make certain your qualifications statement, objective or profile is customized to best suit the position you are seeking and the company to which you are applying. Keep it honest though!
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Ensure your resume is in a clean and uncluttered format. White space is OK. Avoid overly fanciful formatting (unless you’re seeking a position in a creative arts field, perhaps).
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Have a summary of qualifications section. You only have a matter of seconds to impress an HR or hiring manager. Don’t make them search for the important material. This section provides a snapshot of your skills and accomplishments.
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Proofread, proofread, proofread. One or two typos could be enough to have your resume put in the “no” pile. Be sure to check spelling and grammar, and, if not your forte, have someone you trust to proof it for you.
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Focus on accomplishments, not just duties.
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Leave out personal information. This is not a time to share your hobbies; keep it professional.
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Make sure you include all your contact information and your email address is suitable for employers.
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Do not put why you left your last job on resume (e.g. “I was let go”).
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Leverage your strengths. How do you stand out from competition?
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Use buzz words. Many employers rely on resume-reading tools and tracking systems that seek out certain keywords tied to particular vacancies. Ensure you use key words from job posting into your resume, but make it your own.
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Highlight transferrable skills. These are skills you have acquired from past experience that are transferrable to a different type of job, industry or environment.
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Avoid gaps whenever possible: Volunteer or take a class to keep your skills up to date and to fill gaps on a resume. If you do have gaps, consider a functional resume where you list your experience by skill categories rather than chronologically.
- Be proactive! Keep a job log; follow up with companies when appropriate. Keep applying and do not give up. Use the tools and resources available to you, including online sites, a career coach, employment agencies and networking.