A refined and up-to-date resume takes any application to the next level and puts you on a strong footing to ace your interview.
But in an ever-changing job market, what should your resume look like?
Your resume questions may seem too obvious, or too complicated, but we’ve got your back.
Follow our tips to craft a polished resume and put your best foot forward.
1. Why is a resume important?
Your resume communicates your qualifications and your brand—who you are and what makes you different—to employers and recruiters. In a tough job market, you need a resume that helps you stand out in a sea of applicants. Ultimately, the purpose of a strategically targeted, polished resume is to get you an interview.
When you’re in the midst of a job hunt, constantly editing your resume can be exhausting. But representing yourself with a polished, professional document that shows off your experience and reflects your personality can give you an edge on other applicants. If you haven’t updated your resume in a while, now is a good time to dust it off.
2. If I use an online template, will my resume be boring?
Whether you create your resume from scratch or go with a snazzy online template, use your judgement to settle on a design that is unique, sleek and professional. If layout isn’t for you, check out our free resume template for a boost getting your foot in the door.
It's just fine to use resume templates, if you use them wisely. They aren't as “evil” as some people claim them to be. In fact, sometimes resume templates can be quite helpful.
3. Should I attach a photo?
Don't put a picture on your resume. Too many employers will toss it from fear of a discrimination lawsuit. Do add a logo to your resume to personalize it (if you like). Also include your LinkedIn address in your resume.
It’s only natural that you want to show off a great headshot, but you should probably leave it off your resume. Use that photo as your new profile picture instead. Dazzle employers with your spectacular resume, and when they search you up they’ll be dazzled by your radiant smile.
4. Should I describe my roles in the past or present tense?
The present tense is your best option when you are listing current responsibilities on your resume. If you are presently working at a company, include that position on your resume by using action verbs in the appropriate tense.
How would you talk about your experiences in real life? If you’re sharing an anecdote from a past position, you’d use the past tense. But when you have a stressful day at your current job, you vent to your friends about the big project you’re tackling, the high expectations your boss has and the goals you’re setting for yourself, all in the present tense.
5. What about references?
You’ve got glowing references and you’re eager to show them off. But don’t jump the gun — if an employer wants to check your references, they’ll follow up with you. Even writing ‘references available on request’ takes up valuable space which you can put to better use.
Three Types of Resume are -:
Employment references include past employers, co-workers, subordinates, or clients.
Professional references are people who know you on a professional basis.
Academic references are instructors and vocational counselors.
6. I volunteer in my free time. Is it worth the resume space?
Including volunteer work on your resume not only demonstrates you have the required skills, it shows that you are passionate, have a positive attitude, are motivated by things other than money, and that you're willing to help others. These are attractive attributes for any employer
Imagine talking about this volunteer experience in an interview. Are you nailing it, or are you babbling? If your volunteering is relevant, shows off your skills and makes you stand out, it might be worth including (especially if it fills a gap). But if it’s more of a distraction, go without.
7. Should I hire a resume writer?
It's tempting—especially if you're desperate for a new job or your search has dragged on for a while. Is it a good idea to have your resume written by a professional? The short answer is yes, it can definitely be beneficial to your job search.
Bringing in a resume writer to shape up your resume can take your job application to the next level. A professional pair of eyes will make sure your resume is polished, tells a cohesive story, and clears all the hurdles to stand out to recruiters. As an investment in your success , why not?
8. Should I post my resume online?
Posting your resume online increases the chances of a recruiter or hiring manager finding you. While applying for jobs online is a strong start, your completed job application often only reaches the one hiring manager for that specific position.
Use your LinkedIn profile or a personal website to expand on your resume, showcasing the portfolio of projects through which you learned your professional skills. But if you post a downloadable document, your tailored resume might look less unique to employers.
9. Will resumes ever become obsolete?
Despite arguments that we should ditch resume as part of the hiring process, they are still a bellwether for recruiters seeking strong applicants. LinkedIn gives you more space to share your experience and skills, but it’s not replacing clean printed paper anytime soon.
The market may be changing, but your resume is still your first impression and your golden ticket to an interview, so it’s worth taking the time to make sure it’s perfect.
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Reading books is the most common trait in the life of all successful people, because it exposes you to new information & perspective. New understanding to handle your real situations.
1. Getting Things Done
BY David Allen
Is your workflow overwhelming? Do you want to increase your productivity and achieve your goals? We all struggle with being productive, but Getting Things Done presents the reader with a simple yet detailed system for increasing productivity. Written by the world's leading expert in a personal and professional organization, the methods in this book are used by millions of people across the world, as well as by companies like Microsoft and Lockheed. Read More ...
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