A resume is a formal document created by a job applicant to showcase their qualifications for a desired position. This document is typically paired with a personalized cover letter, expressing an applicant’s interest in a specific job or company and pointing out relevant details from the resume.
Key Highlights
- Resumes are usually sent via email or as part of an online application.
- Stick to the traditional one-to-two-page limit for your resume, but consider adding a brief video introduction or other multimedia if relevant.
- Customize your resume for each job application to align with specific job requirements.
Understanding a Resume
A resume is a necessity for those applying to office jobs. Employers and recruiters use resumes as a first step to identify candidates who may be invited for further discussions or interviews. Successful resumes underscore tangible achievements, such as reducing operational costs, exceeding sales targets, increasing profits, and building teams.
There are various resume formats tailored to different professions, from investment banking to the fashion industry. Most resumes, regardless of format, include a brief summary of skills and experience followed by a list of prior jobs arranged in reverse chronological order. Additionally, degrees earned are listed, and a final section might highlight specific skills such as language proficiency, software know-how, relevant hobbies, professional memberships, and honors earned.
The Resume Heading
The heading of your resume must include your name, email address, mobile phone number, LinkedIn profile, and personal website or blog (if applicable). Savvy job seekers anticipate that hiring managers will perform online searches of their names, so it’s prudent to conduct a self-search to see what potential employers will find. Optimize your search results or manage any problematic entries to strengthen your online presence.
Resume Trouble Spots
Recruiters scrutinize job histories for considerable employment gaps or frequent job changes. It’s essential to prepare explanations for these during an interview or in the cover letter. If an applicant has held numerous short-term jobs, it might be beneficial to omit some older or irrelevant positions.
For instance, if you’ve transitioned from food service to physical therapy, focus your resume on your recent training, skills, and relevant experience. You can mention unrelated early careers during interviews to emphasize responsibilities or skills learned.
Resumes for applicants targeting tech companies must emphasize current and relevant skills. Older qualifications that suggest outdated expertise can harm your candidacy. The strongest resumes demonstrate how you’re equipped to excel in the current opportunity.
The Evolution of Resumes
Modern resumes are sent as email attachments or uploaded during online applications. Despite the preference for brevity, enhancing resumes with multimedia such as video introductions, infographics, and other relevant visual aids can make an applicant stand out.
What You Should Not Put on a Resume
While plenty of advice exists on what belongs in your resume, it’s equally important to know what to exclude. Refrain from including your age, marital status, or number of children. Also, avoid listing your current salary, religion, political beliefs, or personal hobbies, unless directly relevant to the job.
Common Resume Mistakes
Frequent resume mistakes include typos, vague descriptions, lack of specificity, being overly verbose or too brief, grammatical errors, improper verb usage, including irrelevant information, and not adequately showcasing skills.
Should I Create More Than One Resume?
If you are applying for different types of employment, tailor multiple resumes to highlight the specific skills and experiences relevant to each role. For instance, a resume for an office manager position should focus on leadership and organizational abilities, while one for a retail position should highlight retail experience.
What If I Do Not Have Any Work Experience?
A lack of professional experience doesn’t preclude crafting an effective resume. Highlight volunteer work, responsibilities undertaken during volunteerism, academic associations, leadership roles, and relevant projects completed during your education.
The Bottom Line
Your resume is crucial for securing job interviews—a vital step toward getting hired. Ensure it is professional, accurate, and succinct. Remove irrelevant details and highlight why you are an ideal candidate. Update regularly, keep it concise, and relevant. A well-crafted resume attracts attention, paving your way toward desired employment opportunities.
Related Terms: CV, cover letter, curriculum vitae, job interview, job application, career change, professional profile.
