A resume is the first impression that potential employers have of an applicant. It is a document that summarizes one’s education, work experience, skills, and achievements. Building a resume that stands out is crucial to landing a job that one desires.
Here are some tips to create a resume that stands out:
1. Tailor the resume to the job
One of the most important things to remember when building a resume is to tailor it to the job that one is applying for. Look at the job description and use the keywords and requirements. By doing so, one can show the employer that one is a good match for the position.
2. Highlight achievements
Many people make the mistake of listing only job responsibilities on their resumes. Instead, focus on achievements and quantify them when possible. For example, if one increased sales, mention by how much. If one implemented a new process that led to increased efficiency, highlight the percentage of improvement.
3. Use a professional format
A resume should be clean, easy to read, and well-organized. Use bullet points to make it easier to read and ensure the formatting is consistent throughout the entire document. It’s also important to use a professional font and size.
4. Include relevant skills
Include skills that are relevant to the job and that show one’s ability to do the job well. For example, if applying for a customer service job, highlight communication and interpersonal skills.
5. Use action verbs
Use action verbs to describe job duties and achievements. Action verbs are more powerful than basic verbs and give the resume energy and direction. For example, if one organized an event, use “planned” instead of “organized.”
6. Include education and certifications
Include all relevant education and certifications that relate to the job. If one is currently pursuing a degree, list the expected graduation date. This shows the employer that one is motivated and committed to learning and growing.
7. Keep the resume up-to-date
It’s important to keep the resume up-to-date and relevant. Update the resume as new skills are acquired or new experiences are gained. This ensures the resume is always current and ready to be submitted at a moment’s notice.
8. Proofread and edit
Finally, take the time to proofread and edit the resume. Spelling and grammar errors can leave a bad impression on the employer and can make one appear unprofessional. It’s important to read through the resume thoroughly and have someone else review it as well.
In conclusion, building a resume that stands out is crucial to landing a job that one desires. By tailoring the resume to the job, highlighting achievements, using a professional format, including relevant skills, using action verbs, including education and certifications, keeping the resume up-to-date, and proofreading and editing, one can create a resume that catches the employer’s attention and increases the chances of landing the job.
