Resume Writing Tips

The job market can be very competitive in any industry, especially with current unemployment being near the lowest in history. Stressors may consist of job searching, what to say in an interview, and, last but not least, how to market yourself effectively on "paper" (meaning your resume/CV).

We have gathered the following tips for writing and revising to help you along your journey:

• Perfecting your resume takes time. If you are juggling other priorities or have outside distractions, it might be best to carve out a different time to dedicate to this task.
• Customize your document for each opportunity you apply to. It is ok to start with a base version of your resume, but you will want to then tailor it to the current opportunity. Carefully read the job description and pull important keywords and responsibilities to highlight in your resume. 
• Keep in mind that your document may run through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before it hits human eyes. These systems can't parse over images, tables, boxes, scans, or screenshots because they don't recognize these items as being text. Any important info included in these sections will be lost in the scan. The key for best success will be to keep your text, font, and style simple!
• Be mindful of what you include. Your document should include experience relevant to the opportunity you are applying for. It is not necessary to include every job, internship, or volunteer opportunity you have ever had if they are not relevant to your current career goals.
• Talk about your accomplishments rather than your responsibilities when possible. Give concrete examples. If you’re able to provide goal improvement percentages or dollars won, this is an attention grabber. For example, did you land a big deal worth a lot of money to your organization? Or did you lead your team in increasing client satisfaction by a specific percentage? Include these details!
• Proofread! Spelling and grammar mistakes do hurt your chances of moving on in the hiring process. We all make them, and they can be hard to catch when you have read the same document over and over again. Ask someone else to read your document as they may pick up on any mistakes you missed.
• If you have a LinkedIn, be sure it aligns with your resume. They don't need to be exact copies, but be sure they don't read like they are representing two totally different candidates. 
• Make sure your contact information is current and professional. This is a great time to start a new email account dedicated to your career search if you don't already have one. Leave any emails with quirky handles for your personal use.
• When you are ready to save your document, be sure it is in an easily accessible form. Word .doc or .docx or PDF are typically used.
  
  

Have you come this far and still feeling stuck? You aren't alone, and there are resources available to help. Professional resume writing is an entire industry built upon taking the heavy lift of self-marketing off of your plate, and helping you shine no matter what your industry or experience level. How do you know if it's time to take the leap?

1. You're not sure where to start - Whether you are fresh out of university with little work experience or a seasoned professional who isn't sure how to best express many years of accomplishments, a resume writer will be able to help make sure you're best marketing yourself for your next opportunity.

2. You're too humble - You have accomplished great things, but you aren't sure how to express them on your resume to make yourself shine. A resume writer can take the facts of your education and career history and turn them into strong, stand-out accomplishments and skills.

3. You aren't hearing back on applications - It is frustrating to put your time and effort into applying for opportunities only to never hear back. A resume writer can put fresh eyes on your document to check for gaps or areas of improvement that you might not have thought of!

Are you feeling like you are ready to try a professional resume service? We can help! Please check out our page on Job Seeker Premium Services for more information.