Your resume is a bridge between you and your prospective employer. So if there’s a job on the line that piques your interest, make sure you build it, so it’s strong, sturdy, and impactful. In a nutshell, your resume should:
- Describe you as a professional.
- Convince a hiring manager that you’re the best candidate for the position.
- Sell your skills and how they would benefit the company and meet its current needs.
- Serve as the critical first step in securing an interview.
So, whether you’re a brand new grad or a seasoned professional, your resume should include these key elements:
Clear Headings
On first review, the average resume is scanned for six to seven seconds. Specific headings help readers – or automated tracking systems (ATS) – find exactly the information they want.
- Use boldface, italicized, or underlined text to make your headings stand out.
Details of Your Relevant Experience and Skills
Your resume should list information on your previous jobs. But as you do so, be sure to place emphasis on the skills and experience you’re had that are relevant to the job being offered.
- Focus on jobs and duties that connect directly to the position. Condense others – or omit them altogether.
- Include any skills listed in the job description that you have. Tell how you have successfully used them in your past roles.
Highlights of Your Best Achievements
Provide details of how you have achieved desired results and made a positive impact. Cite quantifiable outcomes by using numbers, such as dollars or percentages, whenever possible.
Keywords that Align with the Job Description
An ATS – or an actual person responsible for initial resume scans – will automatically seek out keywords that match the job description. Be sure to match them exactly. For instance, if a posting reads “information technology specialist,” don’t abbreviate in your resume to say “IT professional.”
- Read postings thoroughly before you apply. Pull out the most important keywords and integrate them into your skills section, experience, education, and even headings.
One final tip: You may also want to include a summary statement, right at the top of your resume. While this is not generally a deal-breaker, this short, compelling statement tells who you are, what your relevant experience is, and the unique value you would offer if hired. Not everyone needs one, but if you have a lot of different experiences or are looking to make a career change, it can help sum up your value to an employer.
The career development experts at PrideStaff Fresno can help develop or perfect your resume, so it’s tailored to the job of your choice. We can also help you find that opportunity, including access to unadvertised positions in your field. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.