Preparing your first resume can be quite challenging when you start thinking about all the information you need to share with employers. Your employment history, qualifications, educational background, and skills are to be presented in a way which will help you to get selected for a job interview. It is important to include specific information specific to the positions you are applying for.
What is a resume? Why is it needed when you are searching a job?
Resume is a written document that compiles your work experience, education, credentials & accomplishments. Applicants for most of the professional positions are required to submit a resume and cover letter. It is a part of the application process. Your resume is your first document which a hiring manager will look at when he reviews your application. Therefore, it is the – first impression. So, it is quite important to give time and efforts to develop and maintain an updated aa well as an accurate resume. Whether writing your first resume, or in case you have not updated it in a while, it needs refreshing. Here are some steps to guide you while writing a resume that helps you get the job you desire.
Look at this easiest way, the step-by-step process, to make it much less overwhelming. Once are preparing your first resume or refreshing the old one, you can simply edit it to match with any job you apply. See the things required in an interview-winning resume. Read about what all to include in each section and how to format the resume. Therefore, here are some tips for writing a good resume that will positively catch the attention of the hiring managers.
What to do before you begin preparing your first resume?
Select a Word Processor
Before you start to build your resume, you will need any word processor. If there is not a word processing software installed on your PC, go in for some free online word processors ready to use. While you are working online you can update the resume, send, and share it from any computer or device you use. That makes the application process very simple as you will be able to apply easily for jobs from any convenient place.
Plan the Framework of Your Resume
Now, consider the basic framework for resume. So, aim for the conciseness over length. Employers look for a synopsis of your credentials, rather than everything you have accomplished in your career. In most of the cases, a one-page resume is sufficient. A longer one may be required if you have extensive experience. Generally, shorter is better. Use a few bullet points for each job, short and to the point sentences, descriptions that are action and accomplishment oriented, and all of this spaced out on the sheet.
Remember that your goal is to leave an impact on the hiring manager and present a resume that portrays you as an ideal candidate for the position. Check out these tips for framing a resume that will help you get job interviews.
Where to begin and what all to include?
1.A proper heading
2. Job objective
- A professional resume must contain the objective of a candidate. This means that you have to express your views. Also, about how you can contribute to the success of the firm.
- Be short and assertive.
- Do not cover more than 3 lines.
3. Education-
- Remember, your education is your greatest asset.
- So, place a section named “Education” towards the top of the sheet.
- Do not hesitate in highlighting all your achievements.
- You must cover up the following points-
The school you went to.
The degree you received
Achievements.
Your high GPA.
If you have studied abroad.
If you were a topper or medallist.
4. Experience-
Now, being a fresher, you have limited work experience, but you may have plenty of other experiences.
You may include some below mentioned information under – “Related Experience” or a similar category.
- Clubs you have participated in.
- Internships you have held.
- Volunteer positions you have worked for.
Don’t write stories. Be short and to the point. Drop out on whatever is irrelevant. Emphasize those things that demonstrate your potentials, your value to the company.
Do not mention hobbies or experiences unless they are connected to the job.
5. Achievements
Just below experience, you can list the responsibilities you held as well as some of your outshining achievements.
Before you started off, you had put down a list of keywords, the common skills and requirements for the job. Use some of them keywords throughout your resume. This will reflect that you are a good fit for the job.
6. Community service
Group activities reflect your capability of working with a set team. In addition to this it also shows your keen interest in giving something back to the society. It surely leaves a positive impression.
7. Personal details
This may include-
• Name,
• Date of birth,
• Father’s name,
• Address,
• Phone number and
• Email id
• Contact information.
Make sure you consistently represent your name on all your personal branding materials like your business cards, LinkedIn profile, and online portfolio/ blog.
Give one email address and a phone number on your resume.
• Online presence
A Job social recruiting survey discovered that 93 percent of recruiters search for your online profiles. So, save them little time, include the URL to your LinkedIn profile. You can also include a personal website, portfolio, or blog or other social media accounts such as Twitter, Instagram, and so forth.
8. Language skills
Language skills are often a great selling point on your resume. If you’re multilingual, list each and every language you speak. You may also mention your proficiency level.
9. Your capabilities
This is one such area where you can brag and brag but to a certain level. Be assertive. Mention all that you can or have done in the past. For e.g.- Ability to make a strong and healthy relation among the employees.
An effective communicator with excellent interpersonal, logical thinking & analytical abilities etc.
Do not write more than 5-6 lines. This is maximum. Do not write stories. It is effective if your assertions have some evidences from the past.
10. Awards and Groups
If you have won certain awards and trophies, do mention about them.
Do not forget to include if you are working or have worked with some organisation, non-profit ones, or some social group working for certain social cause.
11. Be short and to the point
If this is your first resume, you don’t have a lot of information to include. So, restrict your resume to one page. Fill the whole page. It should not appear too blank as if you have very little to tell about yourself.
12. Check Errors
Make sure you thoroughly proofread your resume before sending it. Spelling and grammar errors are simply intolerable. Check out for any inconsistencies in format (such as using different styles of bullet points).
13. Design and layout
The resume design is just as important as content. The employer takes less than 20 seconds to make a decision. Your resume should be eye-catching and easy as well.
Using a template makes it easier to create your resume beautifully. It saves time and reduces formatting errors. Some resume templates are available through Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
These are a few tips we have mentioned here. For more visit, our website- wantcv.com
