Before writing a resume, think that dozens of job seekers have already applied for your dream job. How to get around competitors and get a job? These are some tips from professional resume writers and human resources managers.
How to choose a format
There exist several standard resume formats.
- Chronological. Pros of this format: traditional style familiar to potential employers; cons is a common, non-creative format.
- Hybrid. Pros – you can highlight the basic skills; Cons – an unusual, modern format, not recommended for entry-level applicants.
- Functional (based on skills). Pros – it draws attention to your qualities and qualification, not the lack of experience; cons – HR managers may think that you are hiding something.
Most applicants choose a chronological template, which first lists the last positions, and then the earlier ones, in reverse chronological order. Such a summary is easy to read.
How to fill in the form and specify contacts
The questionnaire contains items the applicant must fill out, but there are personal data and additional information that the job seeker can omit.
Necessary information:
- Name, surname ;
- Phone: it’s better to put a mobile phone number;
- Email Address: It’s usually a preferred method of communication.
Additional Information:
- date of birth: indicate it if only candidates of a certain age are considered for a vacancy;
- social networks, blog, website: add a link to them only if they are related to your activities and future work.
Do not include information that does not correspond to your position. Everything should be to the point and concise.
Why do you need a subtitle and when should the job seeker apply it
An employer spends only 6 seconds to view a resume. The clear subtitle at the top of the page will catch her/his attention. Further, if you have impressive experience, make sure to place it in one paragraph, summarizing the skills and qualifications associated with the position. Focus on achievements, not on daily responsibilities.
If the applicant doesn’t have work experience, or it is not associated with the position, indicate objective reasons why you want to get this job. Select skills from other areas, so you can show that if you do not have experience in this position, then you have qualities related to it.
How to describe work experience correctly
If you have little or no professional experience, provide education information at the top of the page. Add a few entries to your resume about previous work experience, start from the last position and then write in reverse chronological order.
What and how to indicate in the Experience column
It’s best to describe your career path concisely using keywords. Keep im mind some simple rules:
- The position should be indicated at the beginning of each record of work experience.
- On the second line, indicate the name of the company of the previous employer, as well as the city in which the company worked.
- Duration – indicate how long you have worked in the company.
- Main responsibilities – do not list everything in a row, focus on the responsibilities that are important for a new job.
- Achievements – they are often overlooked, and in vain, employers already know what you did, they need to know how well you did it.
Why are keywords so important?
Resume keywords should be used in the section on work experience. Large companies use applicant tracking systems – ATS. The software automates the initial stages of the hiring process, searches for keywords, and assigns points to each candidate. Go back to the job description and find keywords related to responsibilities to mention them in a resume.
How to draw up a skills section
Do not include inappropriate skills in a CV. In the IT resume, the applicants do not need to disclose veterinary successes, and in the resume of the chef, it’s not necessary to write about the ability to use Photoshop. Divide your skills into groups:
- soft skills (social skills, non-verbal communication, interpersonal communication skills);
- hard skills (knowledge necessary to perform certain tasks, for example, computer science);
- personal qulities (leadership qualities, organizational or critical thinking skills, initiative, decision-making speed).
In general, it’s enough to list 5-6 key skills. Include additional sections where you can talk about hobbies and languages that you speak.
Rules for filling out a resume for sending to an employer
It’s better to save the resume in Word Doc or PDF and send to the HR manager. Check in the job description what you need to indicate in the subject line of the letter. If there are no requirements, write the position’s name and your name.
Pay attention to the font, select the standard one that will correctly display on any computer:
- Cambria;
- Calibri;
- Arial;
- Times New Roman;
- Helvetica.
Forget italics and underlining. Choose a single line spacing of 11pt or 12pt for body text and 14pt-16pt for headings. Use bold to draw attention to specific words or phrases.
