Best Advice for Your Resume

When you’re in search of your next job, it’s important to stand out. And you can do this by writing an on-point resume. It needs to be relevant to the job to which you’re applying, plus authentically you—and you can make this happen when you follow a few key tips.  

Getting Started 

Let’s face it—putting together a resume can be daunting. It IS an important task, and one you want to get right. But it doesn’t need to feel so overwhelming you’re not even sure where to start. The easiest thing to do is take a few hours on your day off to get some information together, well in advance of needing a new job. Just the basics—then you can fill in extra details when your dream job pops up and it’s time to apply. You’ll want to jot down your objective statement (2–3 sentences that summarize you and your job history to date); your work history, including your title, company, dates and key accomplishments with each past job; and your education.  

Top Five Resume Tips 

Beyond the basics, you’ll need to wait for a specific job (that you want to apply to), then really kick your resume up a few notches. And you can do that with the following tips: 

1. Customize your resume to each job. A generic resume simply will not do in today’s market. When a job comes along that looks particularly interesting, it’s time to go to work! Take that resume framework you put together and get ready to make some customizations before you apply.  
2. Read the job description carefully. You want to tailor your resume to match the person they’re looking for, as much as your skills and past experience apply. In the job description, look for keywords describing soft and hard skills, experience and company culture. Then, sprinkle these into your resume in the applicable sections.  
3. Show your passion. You love what you do, you’re proud of your accomplishments and you’re excited for this opportunity! You can show this in your cover letter but also in the wording of your objective statement.  
4. List accomplishments, not duties. The key in your work history section isn’t just to say what you did—it’s to help a potential employer understand how you can help them. List what you accomplished in each of your past positions and how you helped your team and the company, and use numbers when you can. Don’t make an employer guess why you’re good—TELL them.  
5. Trim out what you don’t need. Your resume is valuable real estate, and you get a potential employer’s attention for a few seconds as they skim. Make your content count. Include only that which is relevant to the position and trim out details that don’t apply. This could include past jobs or skills that are unrelated.  

Ask for Help if You Need It 

If you work with a recruiter, he or she is a valuable ally to have on your side when it’s time to look for a new job. Your recruiter wants you to succeed and can serve as part job coach, giving you tips for how to build or tweak your resume.  

Check out Inter-Connect Employment Services

We work with candidates for light industrial or administrative positions, and we’re looking for you! To learn more, contact us today.