How your Resume Can Affect your Career Path
Did you know that a second's glance at a resume can make an employer say 'yes' or 'no'? A resume is the metaphorical clothing you wear to present yourself. It's the outfit you wear before an interview and it displays in detail your work ethic. How you present your resume to your future employer is extremely important. It doesn't matter what your background as long as you have a detailed, well-thought resume without fluff. Whether you're fresh out of high school or have been considering perusing your business endeavor, a resume will make or break your career path. Let's take a look at some of the qualities that make a hire-worthy resume.
Talk is Cheap
Unless you have a resume to back up your speech, you aren't going to impress your employer. A resume is a document that lets your employer know of your experience, education, and history. Believe it or not, your resume is the first impression that your future employer has before an interview. But what if you have no work experience in the field you're applying for? No worries! You can surely include your relevant work in parts of the field that you have managed or worked under.
No matter what position you are applying for, don't lie. You may be 'good' at some things, but if you aren't experienced in a particular avenue, it will show in the initial process and hurt your recommendations in the future. Instead, be sure to include your exact experience so that can decide whether or not you would be a good fit for their company. Phrases such as 'team player', 'developed', and 'managed' are great keywords that stand out to a potential employer. Overdoing it with these keywords is referred to as 'keyword stuffing', and we want to avoid that.
First Timers
If this is your first resume, you don't need to add the 'fluff' or filler. For example, if you've babysat or sat in with a teacher during their class, leave it at just that. Nothing more, nothing less. Provide enough details to give your employer to look at who you are and your level of expertise.
Be a Nit-Picker & Improve your Heading
Proofread your resume each time before you send it along. You want to be current, up-to-date with information, and be aware of any misspellings you may have overlooked. In fact, HR reps are equipped to spot errors right away. Be sure to have a professional editor proofread your resume before completion. And always be sure your most important information is on that page. Yep. It's time to improve your header! The header is the statement that defines who you are. So, be specific, professional, and to the chase.
Include everything!
Even if you think you have it all down. Take a second (or sometimes third!) look. Chances are that you've washed over an important element that could be linked to your success at this new position. Always keep things professional and include metrics. Metrics are the bottom line and demonstration of how you are going to cut costs and add benefit to the company's future.
Keep the Focus
Lastly, keep the focus centered on the company needs or requirements that you are applying for. Research the industry you are seeking to apply and tailor your resume around it instead of developing your resume while you are job searching.
Your Successful Resume Starts Here
Are you ready to create an eye-catching resume? Here are some tips on how your resume should look no matter what profession you're applying. This is a general order of how your resume and will probably change with experience and job.
- Contact Information
- Opening statement/paragraph
- List of skills
- List of technical skills relating to the desired position
- Personal information/career skillset/
- Educational background
- Employment history/volunteering experience
- References