A resume is a summary of educational qualifications, professional certifications, experiences and skills sets of a candidate, relevant to a particular job.
Building a solid foundation which can be easily personalized towards each position will enhance your chances of landing interview. It is important to remember a resume is designed to get an interview and an interview is where you get hired.
The perfect resume contains three major components.
- Appropriate format
- Appropriate content, and
- Appropriate length
Resumes with all these three components will be noticed by a potential employer.
Resume formatting
The initial response to the layout of a resume can have as much of an impact as the content it contains. A proper format will be easy to read, concise, and attractive. It should include a heading containing your name and contact information. Address, phone number, and email should be placed underneath your name. If your name is gender neutral it is a good idea to include a Mr. or Mrs. for clarification.
Use bullets with short, formal, and informative language when discussing qualifications. Never include slang or negative sounding words. The length of each bullet list should be only long enough to coherently describe previous experiences relevant to the job. It is a waste of time and space to include every position ever held.
Resume content
Many employers use a digital database to find potential candidates. By including commonly searched keywords specific to the position applied for you will increase the chances of your resume being seen. Numerous websites are available with appropriate keywords for different positions if unsure of what to include. The title of your resume and the position applying for are a crucial place for searchable keywords.
Do not include irrelevant information to the position applying for. Your hobbies and personal opinions well not aid in finding a job. List what you accomplished at your last job and not your responsibilities. The most important piece of information to keep in mind is proofreading. A single mistake can turn off an employer. Leaving an error on a one page resume will inevitably be viewed as carelessness. Dependability is one of the most important qualifications to an employer.
Resume length
The most common length for a resume is one page, although it is possible for some jobs to require up to two.
A properly constructed resume reflects the job seeker’s dedication, qualifications, experiences and the willingness to do the tasks assigned by the employer. If you do not care enough to learn how to write a proper resume, why would an employer assume you would suddenly start to care once hired? A well-made and professional looking resume shows more than your skills and qualifications. It demonstrates your ability to function within the confines of established standards.