9 answers
willa
Student
Grafton, Ohio
4
Questions
Asked
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Do you have any tips to make a good application/resume for a very professional job?
#college-jobs #job-market #higher-education
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9 answers
Alexia Cox
2
Answers
Updated
Alexia’s Answer
Here are my tips for an awesome job application:
(1) Make sure that your resume has no grammar errors. Ask someone to review it for you to ensure that it is misake free.
(2) Choose a solid format/template for your resume. Your resume should be easy to read and concise.
(3) Use the job description to write your cover letter. Not all job applications require a cover letter but if they do, you'll want to ensure that yours speaks to what the hiring manager is looking for. If the job description says, for example, that they are looking for a person who is a team player, discuss a time where you had to work in a team in your cover letter.
(1) Make sure that your resume has no grammar errors. Ask someone to review it for you to ensure that it is misake free.
(2) Choose a solid format/template for your resume. Your resume should be easy to read and concise.
(3) Use the job description to write your cover letter. Not all job applications require a cover letter but if they do, you'll want to ensure that yours speaks to what the hiring manager is looking for. If the job description says, for example, that they are looking for a person who is a team player, discuss a time where you had to work in a team in your cover letter.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1590
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Willa if you are worried about writing your first resume or are struggling with the task, you’re not alone! However, it does not have to be intimidating. Before you even start to write your resume, there are a few steps you can take. Keep in mind that the goal of your resume is to show the employer that you are a strong candidate for the job and that you will add value to the company.
HIGHLIGHT YOUR EDUCATION
If you are a student or a recent student, your education is one of your greatest assets. Put the “Education” section of your resume towards the top of the page. Include not only the school you went to and the degree you received but also any other achievements. Perhaps you had a high GPA or made the dean’s list. If you studied abroad, you might include that as well. Employers are impressed by recent graduates’ academic achievements, so highlight these.
EMPHASZIE RELATABLE EXPERIENCE
You might have limited work experience, but you have plenty of other experiences you can draw on. Think about clubs you have participated in, internships you have held, and volunteer positions you have worked. All of these can be listed under “Related Experience” or a similar category. Beneath each experience, you can list some of the responsibilities you held in that job or position. However, go beyond simply saying what you did. List any achievements that prove you can add value to an organization. For example, perhaps you won “Employee of the Month” at work. Or maybe you created a new filing system that increased efficiency at an office. Include any examples of times you added value to a company or achieved something.
SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS
Mention the skills you have that are most closely related to those listed in the job description. You can feature your relevant skills in a resume skills section and include them in the descriptions of your experience. Make a list of keywords you find in the job listings, such as frequently mentioned requirements or skills. You will want to focus on these in your resume to impress the employer. Try to use some of these keywords throughout your resume. This will show the hiring manager, at a glance, that you are a good fit for the job.
PROOFREAD AND EDIT
Because employers get so many job applications, something small, such as a typo, could cost you a job. Be sure to thoroughly proofread your resume before sending it to an employer. Read it for any spelling and grammar errors, as well as for any inconsistencies in format (such as using different styles of bullet points). Ask a friend or family member or a guidance or career services counselor to look at it for you as well. Many people are surprised to learn that resume design is just as important as content, but it’s absolutely true. Research suggests that your resume has only seconds to make the right impression, so it must be eye-catching and easy to read.
Hope this was Helpful Willa
HIGHLIGHT YOUR EDUCATION
If you are a student or a recent student, your education is one of your greatest assets. Put the “Education” section of your resume towards the top of the page. Include not only the school you went to and the degree you received but also any other achievements. Perhaps you had a high GPA or made the dean’s list. If you studied abroad, you might include that as well. Employers are impressed by recent graduates’ academic achievements, so highlight these.
EMPHASZIE RELATABLE EXPERIENCE
You might have limited work experience, but you have plenty of other experiences you can draw on. Think about clubs you have participated in, internships you have held, and volunteer positions you have worked. All of these can be listed under “Related Experience” or a similar category. Beneath each experience, you can list some of the responsibilities you held in that job or position. However, go beyond simply saying what you did. List any achievements that prove you can add value to an organization. For example, perhaps you won “Employee of the Month” at work. Or maybe you created a new filing system that increased efficiency at an office. Include any examples of times you added value to a company or achieved something.
SHOWCASE YOUR SKILLS
Mention the skills you have that are most closely related to those listed in the job description. You can feature your relevant skills in a resume skills section and include them in the descriptions of your experience. Make a list of keywords you find in the job listings, such as frequently mentioned requirements or skills. You will want to focus on these in your resume to impress the employer. Try to use some of these keywords throughout your resume. This will show the hiring manager, at a glance, that you are a good fit for the job.
PROOFREAD AND EDIT
Because employers get so many job applications, something small, such as a typo, could cost you a job. Be sure to thoroughly proofread your resume before sending it to an employer. Read it for any spelling and grammar errors, as well as for any inconsistencies in format (such as using different styles of bullet points). Ask a friend or family member or a guidance or career services counselor to look at it for you as well. Many people are surprised to learn that resume design is just as important as content, but it’s absolutely true. Research suggests that your resume has only seconds to make the right impression, so it must be eye-catching and easy to read.
Hope this was Helpful Willa
Thank You Kelly. “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” — Helen Keller
Simone Scudder
Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
2
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Simone’s Answer
Create multiple resumes that work for different types of jobs. Describe your skills and experience in different ways that highlight how they fit into the specific job you are interested in. Include volunteer roles, especially if you have a leadership role.
Erika Sartain
Accountant
6
Answers
Twentynine Palms, California
Updated
Erika’s Answer
Hi Willa! I agree with both Simone and Alexia. While it is good to have one standard resume that you keep updated, you should save new versions of it and tailor it to each specific job for which you apply. At one point in my career, I had 5 different resumes "in play". They all had the same information on them, but in the details, I would change what I focused on from each of my previous jobs. All of it was true, but I simply tailored the resume to put my best foot forward for each specific job.
A resume should be very easy to read with zero grammar errors. It doesn't necessarily need to be on one page only, but should be brief, concise and hold only key details and dates. Do not use "unprofessional" fonts. If you're going to offer references on your resume, speak with those references in advance to make sure they are willing to speak as a reference on your behalf. Best wishes!
A resume should be very easy to read with zero grammar errors. It doesn't necessarily need to be on one page only, but should be brief, concise and hold only key details and dates. Do not use "unprofessional" fonts. If you're going to offer references on your resume, speak with those references in advance to make sure they are willing to speak as a reference on your behalf. Best wishes!
Waleed El-Jack
Full-time Student
12
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Waleed’s Answer
1. Spell and grammar check
2. Don't write in first-person
3. Begin every point with a strong action verb
4. Choose a template that matches the industry and position that you are pursuing
5. Use a professional font (e.g. Times New Roman)
6. Make sure your resume is a one page PDF file
2. Don't write in first-person
3. Begin every point with a strong action verb
4. Choose a template that matches the industry and position that you are pursuing
5. Use a professional font (e.g. Times New Roman)
6. Make sure your resume is a one page PDF file
Frank Holloman
Audit Director
38
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Frank’s Answer
Two quick resume/cover letter tips:
1) Make sure they are both tailored for the job for which you area applying. Not everyone includes an objective in their resume, but if you do, it should relate directly to the job/company/field. In the cover letter, you should be specific about why your skills are valuable for that job. You also need to be conscientious about changing this when you apply for different jobs.
2) If possible based on your experience, use some of the same verbiage from the job posting in your cover letter and resume. Large companies that get hundreds of resumes might use an automated tool to reduce the number of resumes for the hiring manager. Your resume has a better chance of making it through if the automated tool finds matches between the job posting and your resume/cover letter. For example, if the posting states that a bachelor's degree, Excel skills, and experience working in teams are required, and you have that, list these three things in your resume, and then briefly mention something about your Excel skills and team experience in your cover letter.
1) Make sure they are both tailored for the job for which you area applying. Not everyone includes an objective in their resume, but if you do, it should relate directly to the job/company/field. In the cover letter, you should be specific about why your skills are valuable for that job. You also need to be conscientious about changing this when you apply for different jobs.
2) If possible based on your experience, use some of the same verbiage from the job posting in your cover letter and resume. Large companies that get hundreds of resumes might use an automated tool to reduce the number of resumes for the hiring manager. Your resume has a better chance of making it through if the automated tool finds matches between the job posting and your resume/cover letter. For example, if the posting states that a bachelor's degree, Excel skills, and experience working in teams are required, and you have that, list these three things in your resume, and then briefly mention something about your Excel skills and team experience in your cover letter.
Ethan Gabriel
4
Answers
Elon, North Carolina
Updated
Ethan’s Answer
Hi Willa!
To have a really good resume/application, just make sure that you are able to showcase your identity within your resume. Of course, make sure that everything is proofread and that there are no grammatical errors, but make sure that you are putting the best version of yourself on one page. Depending on your interests, you would cater to your resume too. First, you want to have a master resume, so a document that just has all of your experience on it, so then when you're applying for jobs, you can tailor it to best fit the job you are applying for. If you are someone interested in an artistic-based field, it would be really great if you have a designed resume, that way you are showcasing your skills upfront on top of just what the hiring manager is going to read.
Then make sure you read the job description closely to have a great cover letter. You want to look over your letter many times to make sure everything makes sense and that you are putting your best experiences forward. I hope this helps and good luck!
To have a really good resume/application, just make sure that you are able to showcase your identity within your resume. Of course, make sure that everything is proofread and that there are no grammatical errors, but make sure that you are putting the best version of yourself on one page. Depending on your interests, you would cater to your resume too. First, you want to have a master resume, so a document that just has all of your experience on it, so then when you're applying for jobs, you can tailor it to best fit the job you are applying for. If you are someone interested in an artistic-based field, it would be really great if you have a designed resume, that way you are showcasing your skills upfront on top of just what the hiring manager is going to read.
Then make sure you read the job description closely to have a great cover letter. You want to look over your letter many times to make sure everything makes sense and that you are putting your best experiences forward. I hope this helps and good luck!
Tracy Gill, DPT, MPA
Higher Education Adviser: focused to work with teams to grow and support student affairs.
34
Answers
North Brunswick Township, New Jersey
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Hello Willa,
I believe that you have a great start with asking what makes a good application/resume. The best way to approach resume writing is to focus on the job description and compare your qualifications to the job. Employers usually look for the following:
1. Does the candidate meet the minimum qualifications either with years of experience or education?
2. Does the candidate have a clearly written, no grammatical, or spelling errors on the resume?
3. In my experience a summary of qualifications statement above the list of jobs and volunteer experiences assist with the employers getting an overall understanding of what you can offer the employer.
4. In my experience having key words that reflect the description of the job listed. Shows that you have similar background experiences that the employer is looking to hire a candidate.
5. It can also be helpful to have fonts that the computer will detect. Sometimes a computer sorts through the resumes before it gets to a live person.
Good Luck!!
I believe that you have a great start with asking what makes a good application/resume. The best way to approach resume writing is to focus on the job description and compare your qualifications to the job. Employers usually look for the following:
1. Does the candidate meet the minimum qualifications either with years of experience or education?
2. Does the candidate have a clearly written, no grammatical, or spelling errors on the resume?
3. In my experience a summary of qualifications statement above the list of jobs and volunteer experiences assist with the employers getting an overall understanding of what you can offer the employer.
4. In my experience having key words that reflect the description of the job listed. Shows that you have similar background experiences that the employer is looking to hire a candidate.
5. It can also be helpful to have fonts that the computer will detect. Sometimes a computer sorts through the resumes before it gets to a live person.
Good Luck!!
Pavan Rangavajhala
Software Engineer
1
Answer
Fremont, California
Updated
Pavan’s Answer
I agree with all the great answers above.
1) Ensure your resume is short, ideally not more than a single page.
2) Ensure you present the content based on the job you are applying for
3) It should highlight your achievements and objectives concisely and precisely. One of the great examples: https://enhancv.com/resume-examples/famous/marissa-mayer/famous-resume. Indicate results you achieved in a measurable way. Choose compelling words that reflect the impact you made previously, but keep honest
4) Ensure resume has clear and working contact info
5) Review the content not to have grammar or typos
1) Ensure your resume is short, ideally not more than a single page.
2) Ensure you present the content based on the job you are applying for
3) It should highlight your achievements and objectives concisely and precisely. One of the great examples: https://enhancv.com/resume-examples/famous/marissa-mayer/famous-resume. Indicate results you achieved in a measurable way. Choose compelling words that reflect the impact you made previously, but keep honest
4) Ensure resume has clear and working contact info
5) Review the content not to have grammar or typos