15 answers
1
Question
Asked
1161 views
What makes a resume different from others?
Im a senior kinesiology college student interested In gaining experience. #student #college-student #networking
Login to comment
15 answers
Updated
Karmina’s Answer
A resume that highlights results instead of a list of job responsibilities stands out. It helps provide a better picture of your capabilities and is an effective way to demonstrate initiative, commitment, ability to manage - all qualities that a hiring manager is looking for.
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Omar,
Good advice has been mentioned. I may add that a visual resume presentation really sets an applicant apart, giving the employer a break from that typical Times New Roman 12pt font. Add a link on your resume to a visual resume presentation. You could create a PowerPoint presentation then upload it to a site such as SlideShare. Some ideas to incorporate into the visual resume could include: where you're from, your hobbies, your education, work experience, volunteer work, clubs and professional organizations that you are a member of that relate to your field, skills, future plans (both personal and professional), why you chose your field of study, your contact information, and a picture of yourself.
I have found that having a visual resume presentation in addition to my text resume has landed me more interviews than otherwise not having a visual resume presentation.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
DSM
Good advice has been mentioned. I may add that a visual resume presentation really sets an applicant apart, giving the employer a break from that typical Times New Roman 12pt font. Add a link on your resume to a visual resume presentation. You could create a PowerPoint presentation then upload it to a site such as SlideShare. Some ideas to incorporate into the visual resume could include: where you're from, your hobbies, your education, work experience, volunteer work, clubs and professional organizations that you are a member of that relate to your field, skills, future plans (both personal and professional), why you chose your field of study, your contact information, and a picture of yourself.
I have found that having a visual resume presentation in addition to my text resume has landed me more interviews than otherwise not having a visual resume presentation.
Hope this helps and best of luck!
DSM
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
The keys to a standout resume are appearance, clarity, and relevance.
Appearance: It's important for your resume to be clean and eye-catching but also memorable. Browse resume design templates online to get a sense of how you might incorporate your personality into the design and layout of the page.
Clarity: Don't write convoluted sentences for the sake of adding long descriptors to your resume. Keep your accomplishments concise and to the point. Proofreading is essential - make sure there aren't misspelled words or typos.
Relevance: Make sure the resume you're submitting matches the role you're applying for. If necessary, tailor your resume to directly address the job requirements and desired skills.
Appearance: It's important for your resume to be clean and eye-catching but also memorable. Browse resume design templates online to get a sense of how you might incorporate your personality into the design and layout of the page.
Clarity: Don't write convoluted sentences for the sake of adding long descriptors to your resume. Keep your accomplishments concise and to the point. Proofreading is essential - make sure there aren't misspelled words or typos.
Relevance: Make sure the resume you're submitting matches the role you're applying for. If necessary, tailor your resume to directly address the job requirements and desired skills.
Updated
Dan’s Answer
The most basic and straight forward tips are to make sure you have proper formatting, and proper grammar/spelling. I find that it's extremely helpful to customize your resume for the job that you are applying for. In a job description, they will list key responsibilities and roles to the job. Use the wording that the organization you are applying for uses, and then tie back your own experience with quantifiable data points.
Updated
Kait’s Answer
- For inspiration, start by taking a look the job descriptions and build your resume from there. Look for the commonalities you see across all of these jobs. That will give you a sense of what you should be highlighting in your resume.
- Do the work! Resumes can be a painful exercise but customize them for individual jobs you are applying for - don't send the same resume to every job.
- Get creative with the layout to make your resume stand out. Visit canva.com for layout and formatting ideas.
- Look for keywords in the job description of the role you are applying for and plug them into your resume. This helps you stand out to recruiters.
- Make your resume results and action-oriented (eg. spearheaded XX activity, leading to XX result.)
- When you start a new job, start a running document and start adding your big wins. When it comes to time to apply for a new job this will make the resume updating exercise a lot easier. Additionally, jot down the state of your team when you start so you have a clear picture of the impact you made in your role.
Things not to do:
- Leave out things that are bland and vanilla (eg. proficient in MSWord or your hobbies)
- Do the work! Resumes can be a painful exercise but customize them for individual jobs you are applying for - don't send the same resume to every job.
- Get creative with the layout to make your resume stand out. Visit canva.com for layout and formatting ideas.
- Look for keywords in the job description of the role you are applying for and plug them into your resume. This helps you stand out to recruiters.
- Make your resume results and action-oriented (eg. spearheaded XX activity, leading to XX result.)
- When you start a new job, start a running document and start adding your big wins. When it comes to time to apply for a new job this will make the resume updating exercise a lot easier. Additionally, jot down the state of your team when you start so you have a clear picture of the impact you made in your role.
Things not to do:
- Leave out things that are bland and vanilla (eg. proficient in MSWord or your hobbies)
Updated
Nitin’s Answer
A very relevant question and glad you asked it.
The basic question one needs to ask when making a resume is to put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter and think through what are the key qualities/ experiences/ qualifications required for this job. The second thing to assess is how much of those experiences/ qualifications you have and can you tweak your resume to highlight the relevant experiences upfront, so those specific experiences stand out.
Most of us keep a standard copy of the resume which is supplied for various positions, completely ignoring what the interviewer/ the job actually demands. Recruiters often have to read through 20-30 resumes in a single day. Imagine how boring a task it may be for someone to read pages and pages of profiles and try to match what the profile requires to the resume?
While the above sounds very logical, not many people think that ways and are rather happy circulating the same resume copy for every position.
Some other points to consider:
1) Keep description short, you don't need to have a resume that runs into more than 2 pages (1 page is the best and 2 pages is the maximum length). You want to keep the details for the interview.
2) Highlight all the good work that you've done outside of academics, like social work/ mentoring non-profits etc.
3) Always include your picture on the resume, it adds a personal touch and a great recall value.
4) Keep it easy on the reader, don't squeeze the font so much that the reader needs a magnifying glass.
5) Include a short cover letter, summarizing in not more than 4-5 lines who you are and what experience you bring in.
Hopefully the above helps.
The basic question one needs to ask when making a resume is to put yourself in the shoes of the recruiter and think through what are the key qualities/ experiences/ qualifications required for this job. The second thing to assess is how much of those experiences/ qualifications you have and can you tweak your resume to highlight the relevant experiences upfront, so those specific experiences stand out.
Most of us keep a standard copy of the resume which is supplied for various positions, completely ignoring what the interviewer/ the job actually demands. Recruiters often have to read through 20-30 resumes in a single day. Imagine how boring a task it may be for someone to read pages and pages of profiles and try to match what the profile requires to the resume?
While the above sounds very logical, not many people think that ways and are rather happy circulating the same resume copy for every position.
Some other points to consider:
1) Keep description short, you don't need to have a resume that runs into more than 2 pages (1 page is the best and 2 pages is the maximum length). You want to keep the details for the interview.
2) Highlight all the good work that you've done outside of academics, like social work/ mentoring non-profits etc.
3) Always include your picture on the resume, it adds a personal touch and a great recall value.
4) Keep it easy on the reader, don't squeeze the font so much that the reader needs a magnifying glass.
5) Include a short cover letter, summarizing in not more than 4-5 lines who you are and what experience you bring in.
Hopefully the above helps.
Updated
Simon’s Answer
Focus on presenting your achievements instead of listing out your job/internship responsibilities. Try to follow a STAR Approach in writing your resume. STAR stands for "Situation, Task, Action, and Result". Briefly lay out the context of your challenges, describe in specific what you have done (use more verbs to let the hiring managers know your specific actions), and highlight the value that you added. It's advised to use some figures or percentages to quantify your achievements in the resume.
Moreover, you should emphasize your experience that is related to the roles you are apply for. Take a look at the job descriptions and revise your resume according to the requirements.
Moreover, you should emphasize your experience that is related to the roles you are apply for. Take a look at the job descriptions and revise your resume according to the requirements.
Updated
Kait’s Answer
- For inspiration, start by taking a look the job descriptions and build your resume from there. Look for the commons things you see across all of these jobs that you should be highlighting in your resume.
- Do the work! Resumes can be a painful exercise but customize your resume for individual jobs you are applying for - don't send the same resume to every job.
- Get creative with the layout to make your resume stand out. Visit canva.com for layout and formatting ideas.
- Look for keywords in the job description of the role you are applying for and plug them into your resume
- Make your resume results and action-oriented (eg. spearheaded XX activity, leading to XX result.)
- When you start a new job, start a running document and start adding you wins. When it comes to time to apply for a new job this will make the resume updating exercise a lot easier! Additionally, jot down the state of your team when you start so you have a clear picture of the impact you made in your role.
Things not to do:
- Leave out things that are bland and vanilla (eg. proficient in MSWord or your hobbies)
- Do the work! Resumes can be a painful exercise but customize your resume for individual jobs you are applying for - don't send the same resume to every job.
- Get creative with the layout to make your resume stand out. Visit canva.com for layout and formatting ideas.
- Look for keywords in the job description of the role you are applying for and plug them into your resume
- Make your resume results and action-oriented (eg. spearheaded XX activity, leading to XX result.)
- When you start a new job, start a running document and start adding you wins. When it comes to time to apply for a new job this will make the resume updating exercise a lot easier! Additionally, jot down the state of your team when you start so you have a clear picture of the impact you made in your role.
Things not to do:
- Leave out things that are bland and vanilla (eg. proficient in MSWord or your hobbies)
Updated
Apurva’s Answer
Everyone's resume will be different and tell their story - for it to be different, I would focus on outcomes and results vs just listing out experiences and education. Make your resume stand out by telling how your experiences and your leadership make you the candidate perfect for that job. For your job area of interest, talk about not just professional but personal experiences you've done that make you a fit for the job.
It's not always about jobs and grades but showing your passion that's relevant to the job.
It's not always about jobs and grades but showing your passion that's relevant to the job.
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Omar,
I would say that you have gotten some good advice here. I would add that you might want to look up resumes for the type of job that you are applying for. There are many right ways to do a resume, so you should learn about what works for the industry that you want to enter. Also, I would recommend that you focus your resume on results that achieved during your previous jobs along with the skills that you used.
Gloria
I would say that you have gotten some good advice here. I would add that you might want to look up resumes for the type of job that you are applying for. There are many right ways to do a resume, so you should learn about what works for the industry that you want to enter. Also, I would recommend that you focus your resume on results that achieved during your previous jobs along with the skills that you used.
Gloria
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Here is some advice from my colleagues and I!
- Always quantify your achievements. Provide metrics to show HOW you achieved the task.
- Keep it short - 1 page
- Explain how your degree or experiences apply to the job - tailor your resume to each job; tailor for each position.
Good luck!
- Always quantify your achievements. Provide metrics to show HOW you achieved the task.
- Keep it short - 1 page
- Explain how your degree or experiences apply to the job - tailor your resume to each job; tailor for each position.
Good luck!
Updated
Callie’s Answer
Clean, easy formatting. Most resumes are sent through applicant tracking systems now, so be sure to do some research on do's and don'ts related to that. Also, in addition to what your responsibilities were or what the project was, be sure to focus on what your accomplishments are/were from each of those experiences. Think in terms of action words.
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Omar,
Something that worked for me. . . it may help you in the future, if not now.
Over the course of my career, I had saved up all the "ataboy" letters I got from superiors and customers. I made a single page addendum to the resume, double columned, with one key sentence extracted from each. So, it looked something like this:
"Thank you for being professional
in spite of my lack thereof."
Katherine B.
Airport Patron, March 2, 1995
The various quotes highlighted customer service, teamwork, leadership, analytical reasoning, writing, etc. I had more than enough for one page, so I would tailor it to the type of position I was applying for. The beauty of this document is first, it was only one page. Too many people try adding all sorts of things to their resume. Secondly, through my resume, instead of just ME saying how great I am, now OTHERS were saying how great I am - it carried more weight. Oh, and third, it showed my respect for confidentiality, because I used only the first initial of the last name.
Start now to save every letter, email, performance appraisal, etc.
Assuming you can't do something like this, I encourage you to have someone who will catch all your faults proofread your resume. It's too hard to catch your own mistakes! Keep it "real." Use normal words that you use. Try to paint a picture. Tailor it to the job you are applying for.
I personally like writing cover letters, because they let you tell your story. You are trying to show why you are the perfect fit for the position.
The resumes tend to be a little dry, but cover letters let you come to life. I especially like being able to draw on two or more jobs to show how the experiences from each make me the ideal candidate. Here you can also say what drew you into the field, your understanding of the need to be able to work long and flexible hours, in all kinds of weather, and how your experience in outdoor sports has prepared you for this, etc etc etc. Everyone will say they are up to doing that, but here you can prove that you have already done it. (if you have)! Writing cover letters, like resumes, is a skill. Let me know if you want further pointers on it.
Kim
Something that worked for me. . . it may help you in the future, if not now.
Over the course of my career, I had saved up all the "ataboy" letters I got from superiors and customers. I made a single page addendum to the resume, double columned, with one key sentence extracted from each. So, it looked something like this:
"Thank you for being professional
in spite of my lack thereof."
Katherine B.
Airport Patron, March 2, 1995
The various quotes highlighted customer service, teamwork, leadership, analytical reasoning, writing, etc. I had more than enough for one page, so I would tailor it to the type of position I was applying for. The beauty of this document is first, it was only one page. Too many people try adding all sorts of things to their resume. Secondly, through my resume, instead of just ME saying how great I am, now OTHERS were saying how great I am - it carried more weight. Oh, and third, it showed my respect for confidentiality, because I used only the first initial of the last name.
Start now to save every letter, email, performance appraisal, etc.
Assuming you can't do something like this, I encourage you to have someone who will catch all your faults proofread your resume. It's too hard to catch your own mistakes! Keep it "real." Use normal words that you use. Try to paint a picture. Tailor it to the job you are applying for.
I personally like writing cover letters, because they let you tell your story. You are trying to show why you are the perfect fit for the position.
The resumes tend to be a little dry, but cover letters let you come to life. I especially like being able to draw on two or more jobs to show how the experiences from each make me the ideal candidate. Here you can also say what drew you into the field, your understanding of the need to be able to work long and flexible hours, in all kinds of weather, and how your experience in outdoor sports has prepared you for this, etc etc etc. Everyone will say they are up to doing that, but here you can prove that you have already done it. (if you have)! Writing cover letters, like resumes, is a skill. Let me know if you want further pointers on it.
Kim
Updated
George’s Answer
To stand you you should not only list accomplishments and such, but also make sure your voice and personality come through loud and clear. Often resumes are very dry, bland and repetitive. Make sure yours gives voice to the person behind the words.
Updated
Malisa’s Answer
A well thought out approach and formatting that is easy on the eyes to find information. One that is realistic without sounding like they are using industry buzz words to get in the door. Fact based - what experience do you really have? Personal based - what do you value and why? It needs to be a fit for both you and the company / culture so it needs to be well rounded just not fake. Also be sure you can speak to every single item you have on the resume. If you can't speak to it confidently with at least one example - don't list it.