You have heard it time and time again – a resume is your key to getting that dream job you’ve always wanted. Yes, it may sound cliché, but it is true!
Resumes often serve as the first impression a potential employer has on you. Just like Thor wouldn’t go into battle without his hammer, you shouldn’t go into the job hunt without a strong resume.
To help put your best foot forward, here are our top 5 tips to create a resume that will make you stand out from the pack.
1. Review industry examples
No two resumes are alike. A resume for a graphic designer is not going to look the same as one for a Machinist. Before you get started, or even if you already have one created, take some time to review examples from your industry to use as inspiration. Tailor your resume to best fit the industry you are applying to.
2. Use an easy-to-read font
Remember such fonts you used in high school, like Comic Sans, Papyrus, or Brush Script. Well, time to let those go and choose a more professional font for your resume. Try using Calibri, Garamond, or Georgia, and be sure to keep it consistent throughout the entirety of the document.
3. Keep experience relevant
So many times, applicants use the same resume to apply for every job. Just like shoes, there is not a “one size fits all” with resumes. It is imperative to customize yours for every job you apply to.Another good tip is to use keywords from the job description and sprinkle them throughout your resume. In this technological world, more and more large-scale companies are using automated computer programs to filter through online applications. So, by having those keywords in your resume, it will tell the computer that yours is ready to be seen by the hiring manager.
4. Add numbers that quantify accomplishments
Yes, it is good to know what your job duties were in your last position, but what employers really like to see are tangible examples of what you have accomplished. Instead of saying, “Updated departmental files,” try saying something like, “Implemented a new system of filing” or “increased sales by 15%.” When you write accomplishments in your resume, you are showing recruiters that you are an achiever who goes above and beyond your job responsibilities.
5. Use the active voice
Before we dive into our final tip, let’s get a little technical. The active voice describes a sentence where the subject performs the action stated by the verb. Example: “Susan increased Twitter engagement by six percent.”
In contrast, the passive voice is when the subject is acted upon by the verb. The best example (especially for any Star Wars fans) is Yoda. “The Dark Side I sense in you,” is not the phrasing you want to use in your resume.
When you write your resume in the active voice, you add impact to your writing. Some examples of active verbs to include in your resume are: increased, created, enforced, implemented, tested, managed, and designed. Using these words will help set your resume apart.
It may take some time, and a few revisions, but your resume is the first step towards getting an interview with an employer, and eventually that dream job. But, these are not the only tips out there. If you are looking for more information, take a look at what our recruiters recommend as other “Do’s and Don’ts” for writing a resume.
By: Brianna Ek
