What to Include in a Resume
If you’re looking for a new job, you probably already know that your resume is one of the most important tools you have. But what should you actually include on your resume?
It can be tricky to figure out the best way to present your qualifications and experience, especially if you’re targeting a specific role. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a quick overview of the foundation of a great resume. By following these guidelines, you’ll be sure to make a strong impression on potential employers.
Summary Section
A resume should always start with a strong career summary. This is your opportunity to sell yourself to the employer and highlight why you are the best candidate for the role. The summary should be tailored to each specific role you are applying for, as each position will require different skills and qualifications. Objectives are no longer used in resumes, as the summary should demonstrate what you can do for the employer, rather than what you want from them. Think of this section as your elevator pitch – it should be concise and to the point, highlighting your most relevant experience and skills.
Keywords for your Job Target
When you’re tailoring your resume for a specific job posting, one of the most important things to keep in mind are the keywords that are used in the posting. Many times, employers will use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to help them screen resumes and decide who to interview. If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords, it may not make it past the ATS.
To figure out what keywords to use, start by looking at the job posting itself. Make a list of all of the skills and qualifications that are required or preferred for the position. Once you have your list, take a look at similar job postings and see what common keywords they use. In general, you want to focus on using industry-specific keywords as well as general keywords that describe your skills and experience.
Some examples of general keywords that could be used for any resume include: results-oriented, team player, leadership, adaptable, communication skills, motivated, etc. As you’re looking at job postings, pay attention to any unique or specific requirements that are mentioned and be sure to include those keywords on your resume as well.
For example, if a particular job posting mentions that they’re looking for someone with experience in a certain software program or type of equipment, be sure to include those words on your resume. The more closely your resume matches the job posting, the greater chance you have of being selected for an interview.
Work Experience
When it comes to your experience section, there are a few different ways you can go about it. You can list your work experience in chronological order, starting with your most recent job and working backwards. Or, you can list your experience in order of relevance, starting with the job that is most relevant to the position you’re applying for. If you have a lot of work experience, you may want to consider using a combination of both chronological and relevance when organizing your experience section.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to include the following information for each job:
-The name and location of the company
-Your title
-The dates you worked there
-A brief description of your responsibilities
In addition to including this basic information, you also want to make sure that your descriptions are tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. To do this, look at the job posting and see what keywords are used. Then, use those same keywords in your descriptions of your past experience. For example, if the job posting says they’re looking for someone with excellent customer service skills, be sure to mention how you provided excellent customer service in your previous jobs. By doing this, you’ll show employers that you have the skills and experience they’re looking for.
Accomplishments
When it comes to your resume, there are a few things you should always include – and one of the most important is your accomplishments.
Your accomplishments are a key part of your resume because they show potential employers what you’re capable of and what you’ve achieved in the past. They can also help to set you apart from other candidates who may be applying for the same role.
There are a few different ways you can showcase your accomplishments on your resume. Here are some tips:
– Use action verbs: When listing your accomplishments, make sure to use action verbs such as ‘achieved’, ‘developed’, ‘improved’, or ‘managed’. This will help to make your achievements sound more impressive and show that you’re proactive.
– Be specific: It’s important to be as specific as possible when listing your accomplishments. For example, rather than simply saying ‘increased sales’, you could say ‘increased sales by 10% in the first quarter’.
– Use numbers: Numbers always help to make things more impressive, so if you have any figures or statistics relating to your accomplishments, make sure to include them.
– Give examples: If possible, try to give examples of your accomplishments rather than simply listing them. This will help potential employers to understand exactly what you did and how it benefited the company or organization you were working for.
Education/Certifications/Training
When it comes to your education, you should list any relevant degrees or certifications that you have. If you’re a recent graduate, you can include your GPA if it’s above 3.0. You should also list any relevant coursework that you’ve taken, especially if it’s related to the position you’re applying for. If you did not complete a degree but attended college coursework this counts too and should be included on the resume.
If you have any professional training or certifications, be sure to list them as well. These can include things like industry-specific certifications or computer skills. Any relevant experience you have should also be included here.
Professional Affiliations
When it comes to professional affiliations, there are a few things you should include on your resume. First, list any relevant professional organizations you are a member of. These can be industry-specific organizations or simply groups that relate to your field of work. Second, mention any leadership positions you hold within these organizations. This will show potential employers that you are actively involved in your professional community. Finally, don’t forget to list any relevant conferences or events you have attended. This will show that you are staying up-to-date with the latest trends in your field.
By including these items on your resume, you will be sure to impress potential employers and give yourself the best chance of landing the job you want.
Technical Skills
When it comes to technical skills, there are a few things you should include on your resume. First, list any relevant software programs you are familiar with. Be sure to include both common programs like Microsoft Office as well as any industry-specific software. If you have experience with coding or website development, be sure to list those skills as well.
In addition to listing the specific software programs you know how to use, you should also mention your level of proficiency. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced user? If you’re applying for a job that requires advanced skills, be sure to highlight your experience in your resume.
Finally, don’t forget to mention any other relevant technical skills you may have. This could include experience with hardware, networking, or troubleshooting. If you have any unusual or unique skills that could be relevant to the job you’re applying for, be sure to include them on your resume.
Free of Sentence and Grammar Errors.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when writing your resume is to avoid any errors in grammar or punctuation. A small mistake can make you look careless and unprofessional, so it’s important to proofread your resume carefully before sending it off.
If you’re not confident in your grammar skills, there are a few things you can do to improve them. First, try reading your resume aloud to yourself or someone else. This can help you catch any errors you might have missed when simply reading it silently. There are grammar checkers online; however, these are not fool proof in fact we have found that they sometimes contradict each other. Finally, have someone else take a look at your resume before you send it off – a fresh set of eyes can often spot errors that you’ve missed.
By taking the time to proofread your resume and avoid any grammatical errors, you’ll be sure to make a good impression on potential employers.
If you would like help in creating your new resume, check out our Resume Writing Packages, Resume Bundle Packages, or contact us for a customized approach to your needs.