When you are first applying for a job you must remember that the potential employer has no idea of who you actually are.
The first impression employers always look at is your resume. Given the many that apply, this usually takes about 30 seconds and so with the limited words, one must be sure that the resume is well written and grammatically correct.
The resume must therefore say almost everything it can about the person, contained within 2 sides of A4 paper. This should always start with pertinent information such as the person’s name, address and contact details, including where possible a telephone number and an email address. Thus, it will be easy for the company to get in touch with you and be scheduled for an interview.
Next is the career objective which is the reason why the applicant wants to apply for the position. By putting a strong goal in mind and not a general one, the employer will see that this person has a clear career direction and Where possible you should then customize this towards the actual job vacancy you are applying for.
The next section should include the relevant skills and knowledge you have had in your current and/or previous jobs as well as highlighting your major accomplishments. You should be quite detailed in this section as this will show the qualities you possess and the benefits you can contribute to the further growth of the company.
After that, the resume should show your educational background. Some companies prefer someone with a degree in a certain field, a licensed professional to do the job or one who possesses a master’s degree. By showing one’s credentials, it is a good indicator of the type of training one has possessed in school and the accomplishments one has achieved in the course of one’s career.
The latter section should provide details such as hobbies, interests and character references. Employers look at potential applicants who not only have the qualifications for the job but also those who also those who are well rounded. Being active in a certain organization and be seen as a leader in a group shows one’s social skills with others. Character references do the same and give people an idea how one performed working with that person.
There is however no ideal resume. It depends on the job and whether the person themselves is a good fit for the role. However, the resume is a first step towards before being called for that vital interview.
