A resume is a very important document. It is often the first point of contact between an employer and a prospective employee. First impression matters and your resume is your first opportunity to impress your prospective employer.
To ensure that you properly impress your prospective employer, you should tailor your resume in line with the job you are applying for. Below are some tips on how to write your resume to get a job.
Start by giving a title to your CV
The title of your resume is often stated at the top of your resume and it should be your name. Certain job seekers often out “CV” or “Resume” as the title of their resume which is wrong. The title of your resume should be your name.
Don’t forget your phone number, email address and links to your Twitter or LinkedIn account
After the title of your resume, your contact information is the next set of information. Social media is an important tool and can help you when searching for a job.
Do not hesitate to put your email address, social media handles and phone number. This information makes it easier for the employer to contact you.
The presentation of the CV: original or classic?
The debate of whether to use a classic resume or a modern resume is not one-sided. Both CV styles have specific cases to which they apply. A classic CV is often used for higher level management roles or roles that do not incline towards creativity.
On the other hand, ut is essential you use a modern CV format for creative roles like those of a graphic designer or an entry-level role.
Young graduates, start with the Training section
Young graduates often lack “work experience.” They are just fresh out of school with almost no work experience save for some industrial training. Most of them do not know that these training can count as work experience.
When writing your resume as a young graduate, start with those training you underwent as a student trainee. You can also include volunteer jobs you did, as long they are in line with the job you are applying for.
The “Skills” section should not be too full
Job seekers tend to think that having “many skills” will help them land the job. As a result, they add too many skills. This includes skills that they do not possess as well as those that are not relevant to the job.
When writing your resume, add only the necessary soft and technical skills that the job requires. You can improve on your skills to meet the demands of the job instead of lying about your skills.
Really Personalize Your Interests
The area of interests is often ignored by most job seekers. When they include their interests, they do not personalize it to the jobs they’re applying for.
Job seekers should personalize their interests and tailor it to suit the job they are applying for.
Put a photo on your CV, yes or no?
It is often advised that job seekers do not add too much of their personal information on their resumes to avoid discrimination. This includes age, state or country of origin, photograph and so on.
To this effect, avoid putting a photograph on your resume unless the employer or country requires that you add a photograph to your CV.
