As a job seeker, you know how important a resume is when it comes to landing your dream job. But, what makes a resume stand out from the rest? What should you include, and what should you leave out? How should you format your resume? These are just a few of the questions that job seekers commonly face. In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more to help you craft a standout resume.
Key Takeaways:
- A standout resume is essential to landing a job.
- Tailoring your resume to the job description is key.
- Including achievements and results on your resume helps to distinguish it from others.
- Proper formatting of your resume is crucial to getting it noticed.
- Keywords and key phrases can help your resume get past applicant tracking systems (ATS).
How to Stand Out:
The first step to crafting a standout resume is to make sure it stands out. This might sound obvious, but many job applicants create resumes that are generic and lack personality. To help get noticed, consider including a personal statement or summary of yourself at the top of your resume. This statement should not just focus on what you’ve done in the past but also highlight your skills and qualities that show why you are the ideal candidate for the job.
What to Include:
The information that you include on your resume can make a significant impact on whether or not you get the job. Here are some essential sections to include: – Contact Information: Name, phone number, email, and address. – Experience: List your previous work experience. Make sure to mention your wins, accomplishments, and any recognition you received. – Education: List any degrees or certifications you have received. – Skills: Highlight skills that are relevant to the job position you are applying for. – References: It’s always useful to have references that potential employers can contact to verify your qualifications.
What to Exclude:
Knowing what to exclude on your resume can be just as important as knowing what to include. Here are a few things to leave off your resume: – Your photo: Unless you’re applying for a modeling job, don’t include a photo on your resume.- Personal information: Don’t include personal details such as your age, religion, or marital status on your resume. – Unrelated job experience: If you have previous work experience that is not related to the job you are applying for, leave it off your resume. – Typos and grammatical errors: Make sure to proofread your resume to avoid any typos or grammatical errors.
Tips for Formatting:
Formatting your resume correctly helps to make it stand out from others. Here are a few tips to consider:- Use bullet points to highlight your achievements and responsibilities in your previous work experience. – Highlight important information using bold or italics.- Use keywords and phrases relevant to the job posting.- Keep it concise and straightforward, ideally one or two pages in length.
Tailoring Your Resume to the Job Description:
Tailoring your resume to match the job posting is one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of landing an interview. Make sure to carefully read the job posting and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases into your resume. If you have any achievements or experiences that directly relate to the requirements listed in the job posting, make sure to highlight them on your resume.
FAQ:
Q: How long should my resume be?A: Ideally, your resume should be one or two pages in length. However, if you have an extensive work experience that is relevant to the job posting, you may need to go beyond two pages.
Q: What font should I use on my resume?A: Use a clean and easy-to-read font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid fonts that are hard to read or are too fancy.
Q: Should I include my GPA on my resume?A: Generally, no. Your GPA is only relevant when applying for entry-level jobs. Once you have work experience, it is no longer necessary to include your GPA on your resume.
In conclusion, crafting a standout resume involves careful consideration of what to include and what to exclude, proper formatting, and tailoring your resume to the job posting. By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job.