Looking for a job is one of the most overwhelming things a professional goes through, from job seeking to making the perfect resume. Because of this, one of the most common questions job seekers have is how to create an outstanding resume that can capture any recruiter’s attention. In this article we’ll share with you the most useful tips and tricks you can apply to your resume so you can land your dream job.
What to include
- Contact Information
Your contact information should always include your name, phone number, and a professional email address. Don’t use your middle school email.
2. Skills
This is one of the most important parts of a resume as it showcases relevant skills that hiring managers look for. It’s the best place to show off and use keywords that match the job description.
3. Experience
Your professional experience should make up the body of your resume. It’s important to mention that you don’t need to include all of your experience. Best practice is to include the last 10-15 years of relevant experience and try to leave out any significant gaps. Other tips are below:
- Include the name of the company you worked for, your title, and at least 3 bullet points (6 at most) that outline your work and accomplishments at that job.
- Start each bullet point with action verbs followed by a quantifiable point. For example, turn “Deal with suppliers” to “Manage the negotiation, contact, and maintenance of more than 30 suppliers.”
- Tailor your experience and skills to fit the job you’re applying to. If you have experience with a certain activity listed on the job description, make sure it’s clear on your resume!
- List your experience in reverse-chronological order, with the most recent job at the top.
4. Education
The education section should also be written in reverse-chronological order with your most recent degree at the top. This is where you should highlight the name of your university, the type of degree, and any additional certifications obtained while studying. If you have little to no relevant professional experience, add your GPA from your most recent degree and consider adding descriptions of any projects you completed. Avoid including high school information.
What not to include
- References - if a company requires them, they will ask for them.
- Unnecessary information such as the number of members in your family, marital status, etc.
- Your full address - just the city and state is enough.
Optional things to add
- Headshot
Nowadays, adding a photo is not essential, but if you want to include it you must be careful since it is the first impression that you will give any company you are applying to. If you decide to include a headshot, make sure it’s a professional picture taken with a clear background and good lighting.
- Summary or Objective
If you decide to include a summary or objective, it should be a short, 1-2 sentence section explaining who you are and why you’re qualified. This is a section where you can add keywords from the job description.
What we’re trying to say with all of this is that, although the application process can be intimidating and stressful, one of the most important aspects of it is your resume. Remember that hiring managers, recruiters, and companies in general are going through hundreds of resumes, make yours easy to read, keep it simple and professional. Now that you have your new outstanding resume, check out our job openings and apply!