Creating the best resume possible is an involved process, but it really isn’t that complicated. You can have an eye-catching resume that floats to the top of the stacks if you just follow a few simple guidelines. Experience helps, but a good resume really comes down to presentation and clarity. Showcase your talents and natural abilities and a prospective company will be more likely to hire you to show off theirs.
Creating the best resume possible can be overwhelming, so it’s important to break it down into easy-to-manage steps.
- Think and ReflectMost job candidates fail to give their resume serious thought. They jump right into a resume builder on their computer and start plugging in 4H Clubs and Scouting awards. Before you even start tapping at that keyboard, sit down and think about what you want to present in the resume. Consider the job you are after and what talents you’ll want to reflect for that specific job.Also consider what kind of job you want. In this economy, any job might be great, but be specific in your resume about the job you are really looking for. Narrow down your career choices to specify the job you seek.
- Find Your ObjectiveStart with your objective. Unless you are applying for a fortune teller position, employers won’t be able to read your mind. In fact, you might not even know what you are looking for until you directly state it in the objective, especially if you are in the midst of changing careers. Keep the statement positive, concise and aimed at the needs of your employer. A good resume will subtly sell your skills, as well as target what benefits you have to offer.
- Spotlight Your Work ExperienceStart by writing down your work experience for the past 10 years, or your last 3 employers, whichever first applies. Note the dates that you worked, the name of the company, responsibilities and accomplishments. When it comes to accomplishments, focus on how you succeeded in the responsibilities of each job. Use concrete examples. Solid figures work best, if possible.
- Lay the Education on the TableYour education is essential to employers, so be sure to present your educational credits in the best way possible. No matter your GPA in high school or college, it’s important to demonstrate that you value learning and the importance you placed on getting an education. Only mention good grades if you had them. If not, don’t bother. List the highest level of education first, including the name and location of the institution. Also, list what focus you studied, especially if it relates to the job you apply for.
- Fill in the BlanksNow is the time to list everything else. Be sure to include professional affiliations, volunteer work, publications, activities, foreign languages and any awards and honors. List any public offices held. Include anything you think might be relevant or that showcases yourself in a professional light.References can be listed, but most people don’t list them on the resume, and you really don’t have room. It’s best to mention that references are available upon request, or you could include them in a separate document.
- Be ConciseEmployers are busy people. Give them more than a one-page resume for most positions, and they’ll shuffle you to the bottom because they don’t want to take the time to look at it. Don’t overstuff the resume as it will look crowded and unreadable. Make sure that it looks clean and directly states its purpose from a glance. The average employer will only give a passing glance to a resume, so make sure it catches their eye without being overwhelming. Play to short attention spans by being direct.
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