Following on from last week’s Five steps to cover letter success, we’re now taking a look resumes.
Your resume should demonstrate to a potential employer why you are an ideal candidate for the position and a good fit for their company, leaving a strong first impression and enabling you to stand out from the crowd.
Here are five steps to creating a compelling resume that highlights your value and attracts the attention of the hiring manager
Step 1: Tailor and target your resume for each application
Read the job description and identify key words and skills, then outline and highlight your most relevant skills and experiences throughout your resume. Tailoring your resume shows you understand the job and how you are a good fit for the role.
Step 2: Keep the design simple
Your resume will be stronger with a simple and clear layout. Be consistent with your font, subheadings and format. Use short sentences and dot points.
Step 3: Focus on your achievements
Employers want to see the results you can produce. Outline your key contributions in your previous employment rather than the duties of the job. Start each point with an action verb, such as coordinated, arranged, supported. Consider your relevant volunteer experience, casual work and extracurricular activities.
Step 4: Use a key skills section
Detail your accomplishments or experience related to specific skills.Provide evidence and context to the claim. For example, Data Analysis – analysed company supply chain data, understanding environmental impact and providing advice on reducing carbon footprint, developing a detailed report as part of a university assignment.
Step 5: Proofread and edit
Ensure you check your resume thoroughly for any spelling and grammatical errors. Have a friend or family member check it for you before you submit it.
For more information on creating a successful resume, have a look at our Resume Workbook or take the Getting a Job Challenge online. And if you’d like instant feedback on the resume you’ve drafted, you can submit it through VMock.
Best of luck in your job search.
This article was written by Career Development Consultant, Carol Erkes.
