How to Make a Comprehensive Resume That’ll Help You Get a Job Offer

To land a job that you like, you need an impressive resume. However, the definition of “impressive” can differ from one country or industry to another and change over time.

Read further to learn how to make your resume appealing and relevant, and discover LinkedIn profile tips on optimizing your social media for job search.

5 tips to make a resume that stands out

Crafting a solid resume can be easier than you think if you follow these five tips:

Customize your resume for each job application

To land the awesome job you want, you need to adjust your resume accordingly. Your current work experience can be impressive and diverse or relatively niche, but in any case, you have to make it look attractive to this particular offer. This includes highlighting the skills, qualifications, and experiences most relevant to the job you’re applying for.

To do this effectively, carefully review the job posting and identify key requirements. Then, emphasize relevant experiences and qualifications in your resume to make it clear to the employer that you’re a good fit for the role.

Start your resume with a concise summary or objective statement

A concise summary or objective statement should be one of the first things your potential employer sees when they open your resume. It should be specific to the job you’re applying for and communicate how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs. Such a statement helps the employer quickly understand your intentions and qualifications.

Focus on accomplishments and impact, not just job duties

While everything you do is amazing, employers are particularly interested in things that can benefit their business. That’s why instead of merely listing your job duties, use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and the impact you’ve had in your previous roles.

Describe how you contributed to your previous employers by achieving specific goals, improving processes, or exceeding targets. This approach provides a clear picture of your value as an employee.

Don’t forget to add relevant keywords. The Cultivate Culture study shows that the average resume includes only 51% of them. At the same time, such keywords are critical as many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) for resume screening. ATS scans resumes for specific keywords relevant to a particular job description and discards those that don’t have those keywords.

Create a clean and easy-to-navigate resume layout

A well-organized and visually appealing resume is crucial to capture the recruiter’s attention. Here are some tips for improving your resume layout:

• Use clear headings and subheadings to categorize different sections, such as contact information, summary, work experience, and education;
• Choose an easy-to-read font and maintain consistent formatting throughout;
• Use bullet points to make information easy to scan;
• Leave enough white space for readability;
• Use a professional, uncluttered design that complements your industry and job level.

Thoroughly review your resume for errors and seek feedback

One of the essential resume rules is proofreading. No matter how great your professional experience is, typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies can cast a shade on it and create a negative impression. After all, attention to detail is one of the essential skills for a professional.

After you review your resume, consider seeking feedback from the people you trust, such as career advisors, mentors, or colleagues. They can provide insights and suggestions to help you improve your resume further. You can also use online proofreading tools and software to catch errors you might have missed.

FAQ: What is the easiest way to write a resume?

The easiest way to write a resume is to use a resume template. Many platforms like MyPerfectResume offer pre-designed templates that you can customize. Simply input your information into the template, and you’ll have a well-structured resume.

FAQ: How do you start a resume for beginners?

Before you get to the process of writing a resume, research its requirements in your industry and country. Some companies prefer only black-and-white minimalist templates in PDF format, and some allow you to be more creative. After you figure this out, pick the right template builder for your needs and start creating your resume.

How to use social media to find a job

Using social media to find a job can be a powerful strategy. According to statistics, 67% of employers use social media sites to research potential job candidates.

So, here are five tips to help you effectively leverage social media in your job search:

1. Ensure that your social media profiles, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, are complete and up-to-date. These days, you need to have a well-maintained social media presence, especially on work-related platforms. You can start by creating a LinkedIn profile with a professional photo, compelling headline, concise summary, work experience, education, skills, and recommendations. Ensure your contact information is accurate, and consider customizing your LinkedIn URL to make it more professional.
2. Connect with professionals in your industry. Building a network on social media can become one of your most significant advantages. Connect with professionals, colleagues, mentors, and potential employers in your industry. Add a personalized message to your connection requests to explain your reason for connecting. Engaging with industry peers can open up opportunities for networking, informational interviews, and job referrals.
3. Share and comment on industry-related content. Consider actively engaging with industry-related content to demonstrate your expertise and interests. Share articles, research, and your own insights; comment on posts if you have something relevant to add. This not only demonstrates your knowledge but also helps you become a recognizable and respected figure in your professional field.
4. Follow companies you’re interested in. Many companies have an active social media presence, sharing updates, news, and job postings. Following the companies you’re interested in working for allows you to stay informed about their latest developments and job opportunities. This also helps you gain insight into their corporate culture, values, and the type of content they share, which can be valuable when preparing for interviews.
5. Respond promptly to recruiter messages. When a recruiter views your profile on LinkedIn and reaches out to you, respond promptly even if you’re not interested in their particular offer. This demonstrates your professionalism and interest in potential opportunities. If a recruiter sends you a message or connection request, take the time to review their profile and the position they’re offering. Respond with a concise message that either expresses your interest and willingness to discuss the opportunity further, or encourages them to contact you in the future when they have a more relevant position.

FAQ: How do I make my own resume?

To create your resume, choose a format (chronological, functional, or combination) that suits your career history. Include sections for contact information, a summary or objective, work experience, education, skills, and any additional relevant sections like certifications or volunteer work.

To sum up

While it’s not always easy to land a desired job, you can increase your chances by crafting a compelling resume and making the most of your social media presence. Consider the tips listed in this article to capture the attention of a chosen employer.