You have taken that first step in looking for jobs. If you want to be successful, you need to have a resume that makes it to the top of the pile. There are dozens of applicants, so how do you stand out?
Getting your resume to the top of the pile can seem like a daunting task. With that said, you only have to build your resume once. From that point forward, all you have to do is update it! So what does it take to build a strong resume; one worth reading?
Firstly, a resume is NOT a log of your job history, or a summary of your skills. While these are great things for an employer to know, they don’t automatically land you the job. CHange the way you think about a resume. A resume is an advertisement, and you are the product. You want the heroine manager to ‘buy’ what you’re selling. You need to use your resume as a marketing tool. This is what gets you the interview.
It’s really sad to realize that 8 out of 10 resumes get discarded after a 10 second glance. There are some keys to make sure yours is not discarded.
Choose a Format
There are three primary formats that you can choose from.
- Reverse chronological is the most traditional format. This is a flexible resume style that can be used by applicants with all levels of experience. It’s the perfect way to show a blossoming career. It shows all experience from the most recent to the oldest.
- Functional resumes are skilled based and heavily emphasize the applicants qualifications. It is typically used by those with expert level skills, or ample experience. It doesn’t list all of the work experience. It allows you to highlight the most relevant experience and gives space to highlight the skills you bring.
- Combination resumes combine the reverse chronological and functional components. These are typically used by someone who has a lot of experience, but is entering a more specialized role. In this case, it is important to highlight the relevant skills, but display your ability to work.
Your resume needs to be built to suit your needs. When you are just entering the market, use the reverse chronological resume. This allows you to easily update, and apply to multiple roles with an identical resume.
Contact Information
If you want the job, you need to be reachable. As the world has various forms of communication, it is important to give many communication options for the employer. Here are key components of communication information that you should include in your resume.
- Name
- Mailing Address
- Telephone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn Profile
- (Optional) Online Portfolio
The online portfolio is optional, and heavily based on what career you are interested in. In a design and development position, it is important to build a portfolio of things that you have done and accomplished. This will show the hiring manager that you have high skills, that you can back with evidence.
Hard and Soft Skills
Hiring managers are always on the lookout for skilled individuals. While having a large quantity of skills on your resume seems like a strategic way to get a job, it doesn’t prove that you are skilled. This is what you need to show various capabilities through your resume. Showing your hard and soft skills will show a greater level of versatility.
Top of the Pile
Your resume is marketing yourself to the company, so when building your resume, ask how you want to be perceived. Through a balance of work experience, skills, and accurate information, your resume can make it to the top of the pile. Don’t be one of the 8 thrown away.
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Launchpad can launch you to the top of the pile. Through mentorship, development, and experience, you can get a leg up on other applicants. Want to you more? Contact Us!
