If properly created, your resume is the most valuable and essential marketing tool you have at your disposal. It only takes seconds to create, and its contents can make or break your chances of getting an interview.
It's
imperative to ensure your resume is current and highlights all your attributes
in the best possible light. In summary,
here are five essential tips that will set your resume apart from the rest.
Include a Career Summary
Your resume only has seconds to impress the hiring manager. Make it organized and easy to read by chunking together relevant material. Stick to lists when you can and bold, essential features.
By including a detailed career summary at the very top of your resume, it provides managers a quick snapshot of your talents, accomplishments, and skill sets.
Keep it Up to Date
Regardless if you are currently seeking work or not, always have an up-to-date copy of your resume and portfolio available.
Whenever you achieve something significant or your responsibilities are increased, immediately include that information on your resume. You may need to produce a current copy of your resume at any time.
Incorporate Important Keywords
Tracking systems are notorious for weeding out unqualified candidates for potential jobs based on a lack of keywords.
In fact, over 50% of all HR managers say they use them throughout the hiring process. Therefore, it's in your best interest to directly integrate essential keywords from the job posting into your resume.
Use words related to the specific job or industry to ensure you get through the screening for generic summaries.
Make it Functional
List your work experience based on skill categories instead of chronological order. This quickly shows potential employers your expertise and any relevant skills you possess instead of any you lack.
Include Relevant Experience
Whether you want to broaden your job search to include new industries, or you're a graduate fresh out of college seeking an online master's in electrical engineering, you may not have the experience that's necessary to land the job you desire.
That's why it's so important to include any and all relevant experience in your resume, including any specific community involvement, leadership roles, or volunteer work as well.
Your Resume is Updated. Now What?
Now that you have the perfect resume and you're ready to jump headfirst into a new career, the very worst thing you can do is simply send out generic copies to the masses, sit back and wait for the call that's going to kick start your career.
Instead, utilize every social networking site available to host your resume, along with submitting it to the company for the position you're seeking.