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Resume writing
How can I ensure an acceptable resume for future opportunities?
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7 answers
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Doc’s Answer
Belinda company's are increasingly using automation to screen resumes, so it’s important as a job seekers to use keywords that are also found in the actual job description, in short, more and more artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being used to match the language in your resume to the language in the job posting. With that being the new norm, when you apply for any job, you should pay attention to what the company has written about it — everything from the general description to the qualifications. The language they use has been intentionally crafted to highlight the skills and experiences they are seeking, so weave that language into your resume. In my opinion you'll have a better chance of outsmarting the AI and moving your resume through the initial screening process.
Another tip Belinda, Your resume should tell a story about why you are the best fit for this role. And like all great narratives, it should begin with a hook. Underneath your name and title, include a summary about what you have to offer and who you are as a professional, as well as a key skills section highlighting your strengths — focusing on the ones that are most relevant to the job. A well-written qualifications summary at the top of your resume, a few brief sentences outlining why you are the best person for the job, can catapult your resume to the top of the pile.
Good Luck Belinda, hope this was helpful
After taking the time to write a great resume, you don’t want typos and spelling mistakes to get in the way of submitting a winning application. Reread your resume from top to bottom and then from bottom to top, correcting mistakes as you find them. It’s also a good idea to ask a friend or family member to read it for you—they will look at it with fresh eyes and may find mistakes more readily.
Another tip Belinda, Your resume should tell a story about why you are the best fit for this role. And like all great narratives, it should begin with a hook. Underneath your name and title, include a summary about what you have to offer and who you are as a professional, as well as a key skills section highlighting your strengths — focusing on the ones that are most relevant to the job. A well-written qualifications summary at the top of your resume, a few brief sentences outlining why you are the best person for the job, can catapult your resume to the top of the pile.
Good Luck Belinda, hope this was helpful
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Updated
Kathy’s Answer
Hi Belinda,
Here are a few things to consider when polishing up your resume:
1. Make sure everything you add/include is updated (any experience past 2+ years should be removed, unless you've had a severe employment gap)
2. Make sure there are no typos/misspellings.
3. Make sure everything is concise (no lengthy paragraphs, bullet-points or one-liners are best!)
4. Make sure it addresses and speaks to the particular job description you're using it to apply for.
5. Make sure to attach your references! (Many potential employers will want to contact your references, don't wait for them to ask you for them!)
6. Put your more EXCITING, GLAMOUS, and WONDERFUL experiences at the TOP! (You want to make sure, at a glance, your resume is WORTH looking into).
7. Don't be afraid to add in personal projects, freelance work, or works-in-progress! (Especially as creators, most of the work you may do is entirely freelance/project-based, don't be afraid to add in projects you're still working on as that STILL COUNTS as experience).
Here are a few things to consider when polishing up your resume:
1. Make sure everything you add/include is updated (any experience past 2+ years should be removed, unless you've had a severe employment gap)
2. Make sure there are no typos/misspellings.
3. Make sure everything is concise (no lengthy paragraphs, bullet-points or one-liners are best!)
4. Make sure it addresses and speaks to the particular job description you're using it to apply for.
5. Make sure to attach your references! (Many potential employers will want to contact your references, don't wait for them to ask you for them!)
6. Put your more EXCITING, GLAMOUS, and WONDERFUL experiences at the TOP! (You want to make sure, at a glance, your resume is WORTH looking into).
7. Don't be afraid to add in personal projects, freelance work, or works-in-progress! (Especially as creators, most of the work you may do is entirely freelance/project-based, don't be afraid to add in projects you're still working on as that STILL COUNTS as experience).
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Belinda,
The short answer is, you start with a master resume and then tailor it to match the job you are applying for. It's not something you do for every job you apply for, only the ones you really truly want. Look at what they are asking for, and see how you can show that you meet that requirement. If you cannot meet a particular requirement, identify your transferrable skills and show how they relate to that particular job! For example, a job announcement for a doggy day care facility placed great emphasis on cleaning. The applicant I was working with had only fast food experience. And, worked the midnight shift. So, not only do you say that you cleaned, you show that you understand the importance "sanitized the grill on a nightly basis to comply with regulations for the prevention of food-borne disease." (I'm not fully awake right now, but, you get the idea!) Both food service and animal care are focused on not spreading disease!
And of course, you spell-check, proofread, and most importantly, get feedback from ONE other person who will be brutally honest with you. You don't need someone who will tell you how great it is! Don't get feedback from too many people, as, it will definitely be conflicting. While there are many wrong ways to write a resume, there is no one right way. Also, if you are applying for jobs that are industry-specific (lab technician, librarian, etc) you should try to seek out a person in the industry, or at least use a google search for guidance.
Try to keep it brief. Use bullet points. Everyone speedreads nowadays. Use keywords. The first "read" of the resume is often a computer. Don't use fancy formatting options, as that might throw off the computer. When I see resumes with fancy formatting, my first thought is, "what are they trying to hide?" Let the words do your selling!
Hope this helps!
Kim
The short answer is, you start with a master resume and then tailor it to match the job you are applying for. It's not something you do for every job you apply for, only the ones you really truly want. Look at what they are asking for, and see how you can show that you meet that requirement. If you cannot meet a particular requirement, identify your transferrable skills and show how they relate to that particular job! For example, a job announcement for a doggy day care facility placed great emphasis on cleaning. The applicant I was working with had only fast food experience. And, worked the midnight shift. So, not only do you say that you cleaned, you show that you understand the importance "sanitized the grill on a nightly basis to comply with regulations for the prevention of food-borne disease." (I'm not fully awake right now, but, you get the idea!) Both food service and animal care are focused on not spreading disease!
And of course, you spell-check, proofread, and most importantly, get feedback from ONE other person who will be brutally honest with you. You don't need someone who will tell you how great it is! Don't get feedback from too many people, as, it will definitely be conflicting. While there are many wrong ways to write a resume, there is no one right way. Also, if you are applying for jobs that are industry-specific (lab technician, librarian, etc) you should try to seek out a person in the industry, or at least use a google search for guidance.
Try to keep it brief. Use bullet points. Everyone speedreads nowadays. Use keywords. The first "read" of the resume is often a computer. Don't use fancy formatting options, as that might throw off the computer. When I see resumes with fancy formatting, my first thought is, "what are they trying to hide?" Let the words do your selling!
Hope this helps!
Kim
Updated
Lan’s Answer
How can I ensure an acceptable resume for future opportunities?
- Adjust resume based on the job description and makes sure the resume addresses each of the requirements
- Be brief but concise to the job requirements
- Highlighting/impact accomplishments with metrics/quantitative numbers
- If you have at least 50% of the job requirements, it would be good to still apply to the job. You can speak on how your skills are transferrable to address any gaps and there could be opportunity to grow
- DE&I, showcase passions for charitable causes
- Use resume templates, a template that serves where you are in your career.
- Spellcheck and review your resume to ensure grammar issues are addressed. It would be helpful to have someone else review your resume.
- You can still add summer jobs to showcase your responsibility
- Create a LinkedIN profile so you can add your jobs as you grow your career
- Be mobile friendly (google how to make your documents are mobile-friendly) in case recruiters are viewing on their mobile phones
- Adjust resume based on the job description and makes sure the resume addresses each of the requirements
- Be brief but concise to the job requirements
- Highlighting/impact accomplishments with metrics/quantitative numbers
- If you have at least 50% of the job requirements, it would be good to still apply to the job. You can speak on how your skills are transferrable to address any gaps and there could be opportunity to grow
- DE&I, showcase passions for charitable causes
- Use resume templates, a template that serves where you are in your career.
- Spellcheck and review your resume to ensure grammar issues are addressed. It would be helpful to have someone else review your resume.
- You can still add summer jobs to showcase your responsibility
- Create a LinkedIN profile so you can add your jobs as you grow your career
- Be mobile friendly (google how to make your documents are mobile-friendly) in case recruiters are viewing on their mobile phones
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hello! I highly recommend utilizing the job description for the position you're applying to find key words that align with the description. You can then use those words in your resume. It'll also help you when you interview. Also, if you have a mentor that has a lot of work experience, ask that person to review your resume with you. They may be able to provide useful feedback to help improve what you started with. I agree with the others that including volunteer experience is great. It can be a talking point in interviews too. Lastly, I encourage you to keep your resume to one or two pages. Don't exceed two pages. I hope this helps!
Updated
Aneil’s Answer
Hi Belinda,
A goo starting point is to tailor your resume specifically to whichever job you are applying for. Research the position and its requirement, and draw upon your own past experiences to craft a resume highlighting your strengths and key attributes as related to the position. Keep your resume to the point and relevant, and most employers would like a cover letter as well.
A goo starting point is to tailor your resume specifically to whichever job you are applying for. Research the position and its requirement, and draw upon your own past experiences to craft a resume highlighting your strengths and key attributes as related to the position. Keep your resume to the point and relevant, and most employers would like a cover letter as well.
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Belinda, thank you for your question. There are a few things you can do to ensure your resume will stand up to scrutiny. First of all, make sure you have the resume written by a professional, secondly make sure they know your full history, so this doesn't mean just your work history this means any kind of volunteer work or other training you may have had. Lastly don't try and guess what you feel is important that's why you hired a professional. Best of luck