Are you struggling to get hired despite sending out numerous resumes? It could be that your resume needs some tweaking. Your resume is your first impression, a reflection of your skills, work experience, and personality. Therefore, you need to make sure that it not only showcases your qualifications but also stands out from the competition.
To help you optimize your resume, we’ve compiled a list of 46 essential steps to follow before sending it to potential employers.
Key Takeaways
- Ensure that your resume is well-organized and structured with clear headings and subheadings.
- Tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for.
- Use strong action verbs and bullet points to highlight your achievements.
- Proofread your resume for errors several times.
- Utilize keywords related to the job posting throughout your resume.
- Include links to your online portfolio, professional social media accounts, and relevant websites.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the steps!
1. Research the Company
Before even starting to work on your resume, research the company you’re applying to. The research will help you understand the company culture, mission, and values, which can help you tailor your resume to the job opening.
2. Understand the Job Description
To tailor your resume, you need to understand the specific job opening. Analyze the job description carefully, and identify the keywords and required skills. Make a list and ensure that your resume highlights those specific areas.
3. Choose the Right Resume Format
There are three main resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. Choose the format that best highlights your qualifications and work experience.
4. Use a Professional Email Address
Your resume is your professional representation. Therefore, use a professional email address that includes your name and not a casual address like “crazycatlady”.
5. Add a Professional Summary
Add a short professional summary that highlights your skills and experience at the top of your resume. This summary can grab the reader’s attention and make them read further.
6. Focus on Achievements
When listing your work experience, focus on your achievements rather than only your duties. Use bullet points to highlight concrete examples of your accomplishments with quantifiable results.
7. Use Action Verbs
Action verbs can help you to showcase your achievements better. Start your bullet points with strong and eye-catchy action verbs like “Led,” “Created,” “Achieved,” and “Implemented.”
8. Be Specific
When writing your resume, be specific and concise. Avoid vague words or phrases that don’t provide any real information or value.
9. Include Relevant Skills
Include relevant skills that match the job description. Be honest about your proficiency level in these skills.
10. Highlight Your Education
If you are a recent graduate or have little experience, highlight your education on your resume. Highlight relevant coursework that aligns with the job you’re applying for.
11. Add Professional Certifications
If you have relevant professional certifications, always include them on your resume.
12. Include Volunteer Work
If you have done any volunteer work that aligns with the job description or shows that you have a passion for the industry, include it on your resume.
13. Add Relevant Work Experience
Your resume should focus on relevant work experience. Therefore, limit the irrelevant information on your resume.
14. Utilize Keywords
Utilize pertinent keywords related to the job description throughout your resume. This can help your resume make it through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
15. Keep It Short
Keep your resume concise and limit it to a single page if possible.
16. Left-align Your Text
Left-align your text as it is easy to read and skim.
17. Use Simple Bullet Points
Use simple bullet points to break up your resume and make it easy to scan.
18. Utilize White Space
Use white space to make your resume clean and streamlined.
19. Use Easy-to-Read Fonts
Use easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times News Roman. Avoid fanciful fonts that are hard to read.
20. Use Standard Font Size
Use a standard font size of 12 points for regular text and 14-16 points for headings.
21. Proofread Your Resume
Before submitting your resume, proofread it for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.
22. Get a Second Opinion
Have someone else review your resume for a fresh perspective.
23. Save Your Resume as a PDF
Save your resume as a PDF to ensure that the layout remains intact when opened.
24. Customize the Filename
Customize the filename with your name and the job title to make it easy for the hiring manager to find it.
25. Create an Online Portfolio
Create an online portfolio that showcases your work experience, skills, and certifications. Link your portfolio to your resume.
26. Add Professional Social Media Accounts
Add links to your professional social media accounts like LinkedIn and Twitter. The accounts should reflect your professional persona.
27. Don’t Include Personal Information
Avoid including personal information like your political affiliation, religion, marital status, or ethnicity.
28. Review Your Social Media
Review your social media profiles and make sure that there’s nothing on there that can harm your chances of getting hired.
29. Use a Professional Profile Picture
Use a professional profile picture on your resume, LinkedIn, or other professional social media accounts.
30. Keep It Positive
Focus on the positive aspects of your work experience and avoid negativity.
31. Avoid Overused Terms
Avoid overused terms like “team player” and “results-oriented.”
32. Be Honest
Be honest about your qualifications, work experience, and achievements.
33. Use Active Voice
Use active voice instead of passive voice. This makes your resume more engaging.
34. Avoid Abbreviations and Acronyms
Not everyone understands abbreviations and acronyms. Spell them out for clarity.
35. Highlight Relevant Training and Seminars
Include relevant training, courses, and seminars you’ve attended that relate to the job description.
36. Use Relevant Keywords in Your Cover Letter
Use relevant keywords from the job description in your cover letter. This can help your application get through ATS.
37. Follow Instructions
Follow the instructions on the job posting when submitting your application.
38. Use a Custom Cover Letter
Write a custom cover letter that reflects your personality, skills, and experience.
39. Address the Hiring Manager
Address the hiring manager by name in your cover letter.
40. Highlight Why You’re the Best Candidate
Explain why you’re the best candidate for the job and how you can add value to the company.
41. Use an Appropriate Closing
End your cover letter with a professional closing that expresses gratitude and optimism.
42. Utilize Professional References
Include professional references in your application. Make sure that you have permission to use their name and contact info.
43. Network With Relevant Professionals
Network with relevant professionals in your industry. They can provide you with valuable insights into the industry and may even introduce you to job openings.
44. Attend Job Fairs and Industry Events
Attend job fairs and industry events to connect with potential employers and learn about job openings.
45. Send Follow-Up Emails
Send follow-up emails to the hiring manager after submitting your application. This shows your interest in the job and may help you stand out from the pool of applicants.
46. Don’t Give Up
Finally, don’t give up if you don’t get an immediate response. Keep honing your skills and improving your resume, and the right job will come along!
FAQ
What if I have gaps in my employment history?
You can explain the gaps in your cover letter without providing too much information.
Should I include hobbies on my resume?
Only include hobbies that are relevant to the job.
How do I reformat my resume for online applications?
Create a text version of your resume that is easy to copy and paste into online applications.
Can I use colorful designs on my resume?
Avoid using colorful designs or images that may detract from the content.
What if I don’t have any work experience?
Focus on your education, relevant coursework, and any volunteer or internship experience you have.
Optimizing your resume before sending it out can help you stand out from the competition and increase your chances of getting hired. Follow the 46 essential steps outlined in this article and watch as your job prospects improve!