In this day and age there is a huge difference between those looking for a job and those who are landing them. In a job search, the resume is one of the most important tools you have in your corner, so it is important to make it a good one. Whether you already have an existing resume you would like to work with or you are charged with the task of creating a great resume from scratch, there are some things that you can do to set yourself apart from the rest.
Start With Great Overview
Your overview sentence is an extremely important part of your resume. The objective statement can also be the toughest to write.The Professional Communication Center at Georgia Tech says that objective statements often fail at capturing the reader's attention and summarizing the job seeker's idea effectively, so it is important to pay close attention to your statement.
Rework it as many times as it takes to get it just right. Read it to others and ask for feedback. Your statement must be a well-written, concise sentence that gives a basic overview of your resume. In one sentence, sum up your qualifications and desires for your new position. Try to sum up your objective in less than 20 words.
List Education First
Many people make the mistake of putting their education at the bottom of the resume, when it should go at the very top. In a competitive job market your education is your most important qualification and it should be the first thing a hiring manager sees when they are reviewing your resume. This is especially important when you are a recent college graduate and don't have much relevant experience.
Highlight Relevant Employment
Job applications may require that you list all of your employment history, but your resume doesn't have to go into that much detail. The Rockport Institute recommends listing jobs in reverse chronological order and only going into more detail with regards to those jobs that are directly related to the position you are applying for.
Include Relevant Unpaid Experience
Paid jobs that you have had are not the only thing you can claim as far as experience is concerned. Internships, volunteer work and audited college classes are all things that may help boost up your experience. Remember to highlight how these things are related to the position you are applying for.
List Relevant Professional Experience and Affiliations
If you belong to any community organizations or have any professional affiliations that are relevant to the position you are applying for, include them. Highlight them with bold typeface if you want them to really stand out.
Make It Fast Read
Make your resume a quick and satisfactory read. One page resumes are best. They should be easy to scan with bold lettering highlighting the most important aspects. If your resume is successful, a hiring manager should be able to assess your qualifications for the job in less than a minute just by glancing over it.
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