One of the key parts of finding a new job is having a resume that is going to get you an interview. Yes that’s correct I did say interview, not offer. No resume is going to get you straight into a new job, but the resume is your first opportunity to sell your skills and experience, and to move you forward to that precious interview, where you may well clinch the deal and get offered the job.
These tips are relevant whether you are applying for a job as a waitress or as a CEO. Yes the details will of course change, but the way you apply the process remains the same. In my role as an HR Manager I am amazed at the simple lack of care people take in putting together their resume, from spelling mistakes to factual inaccuracies and sometimes just strange pieces of information which really do not need to be included. One day I may just write an article on some of the humorous ones that have come my way, but that’s for another day. For today let’s list the top tips to get your resume in interview attracting order:
Length: Firstly think about the length of your resume. I would always recommend that this be no longer than 2 pieces of foolscap paper, printed on one side. When you are in the position of sifting through these resumes in order to shortlist for interview, you really appreciate those people that put across succinctly what they have to offer
Content: Think about the key areas that you need to include in your resume and sort these out into clearly defined sections. You should at the minimum include a section on your name and your contact details, your objective, i.e. the type of role you are seeking, your educational background and your work experience
Relevancy: Make sure that the skills and experience are tailored to fit very well with the skills sought for the position for which you are applying. Now by this I don’t mean twist what you have to exactly fit, but try and demonstrate that your background could be very well suited to what the company needs
Accuracy: Always ensure that your resume is true and accurate and accounts for any gaps. If you do have any gaps in your resume, due perhaps to childcare issues or illness, state this truthfully but always ensure that you reassure the potential reader that these issues have now been resolved. You can sell yourself in the best possible light on a resume, but never enhance the truth or lie. In this day and age it is all too easy to get caught out and besides, when you get the job you do want to be able to do it, and if you have invented a skill or qualification that you don’t actually have you are storing up a lot of problems for the very near future
Proofreading: One of the biggest turnoffs to any future employer is a lack of care and attention to detail taken over your resume. If you can’t be bothered to check that, they wonder, how are you going to perform in the job. In this world of text speak and e-mail, always ensure that spelling and grammar is accurate. Capitals are important, both at the beginning of sentences and on the word, I. Read your resume over and over again to ensure it is error free and then ask a couple of other people to review it, as it is easy to miss something in your own work, as I myself am only too well aware.
If you follow these tips you will be well on your way to putting together an excellent resume. If you need further advice on successfully securing your next role then check out:
The Career Planning Guide Toolbox
