The process of writing a resume can be difficult. Most of the time, the problems that afflict us the most result from a miscalculation in perception. The most common mistake, regardless of your industry or knowledge, is the idea that you have to reduce the entire work experience to just one or two pages.
To begin with, this isn’t at all an option. Anyone who is just beginning their journey in the work world hasn’t got a plethora of accomplishments to his name? Yet, this is often what bogs down individuals when they are creating resumes. They will swap specific job information and swap out other achievements, alter and tweak in hopes of revealing the “secret combination” that results in a resume that gets interviews. However, it’s rarely successful.
Do not waste your time on this path. Instead, concentrate on answering the three questions that every prospective employer will be looking at when they scan your resume:
1.) Is the applicant qualified? Does it have work experience?
It’s the initial obstacle your resume must overcome and must be cleared as quickly as possible. Why do you want to apply for this position? What achievements and skills can you showcase to prove your candidature? If you’re not applying for an internship or a job, nothing which gushes about your enthusiasm or “desire to learn/grow” is likely to be effective in this case. What you should do is:
A succinct opening sentence that outlines 3-4 essential qualities. Concentrate on articulating qualities that are sought-after by the jobs that you’re applying to.
– Use the majority of the space on the section on the work history of your resume to list relevant positions. Have you worked in different industries? Don’t worry; just write about them in a straightforward manner and then move to something that is more relevant. This signals to an employer who is interested in hiring you to show that you’re an expert who has an objective with a clear vision (always an excellent thing).
Include any certifications or advanced training credits in the “Education” section of your resume which may be relevant to the job you are applying for.
2.) Is this an investment that is safe?
A potential employer doesn’t want to take risks that are not worth it. Do you have any red flags on your resume? If yes, they need to be dealt with effectively before submitting your resume for an opportunity. If not, the application will, in all likelihood, be discarded. Keep an eye out for:
– Any “work gaps” in your career. The time between jobs is okay. But any time, a gap of 5 to 6 months should be addressed by a brief “Career Note” that addresses the period of time. It’s fine to include that you are taking care of family obligations in this case. Be honest about it.
Information that could be seen in a negative way. The most frequent offenders are reasons the reason you were let go at work and a list of any health or physical information. If you are unsure, take it off.
3) Are they special?
Although maintaining a professional look is crucial, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t talk about something that you’re pleased with. If you’ve recently run an ultra-marathon or started an event for charity at the last job, be sure to mention your accomplishments! These personal details will help you stand out from others and serve as an effective ice-breaker during the interview process.
I wish you the very best of luck during the job hunt! If you have any questions regarding your documents for job searches, Please don’t be afraid to contact me. I’m here to assist you.
