Is Your Resume Still Relevant? 4 Steps On How to Improve It
Guy Clennett
In the fast-paced world we live in, crafting an eye-catching resume can be challenging. Strategies that were effective a year or two ago may now be obsolete. The cover letter you once used might now be seen as out of date by recruiters and the traditional bullet points in your resume may no longer cut it. If you’re seeking advice on resume writing that’s in line with the latest trends, look no further!
How to jazz up your resume
Bear in mind that the initial impression of your resume isn’t necessarily about the content it contains, but its overall appearance. Consider the job ad, the ethos of your potential employers, and what the HR team might be after. If the job ad is targeting creative individuals, ensure your resume mirrors this.
If the job description reads formal, align your job application that way. Whether it’s a conventional resume or a creative one, immerse yourself in the hiring process by ensuring your resume looks professional. Even if the new job leans towards a rigid financial role, maintain consistent fonts and spacing throughout, prominently displaying your contact information.
Avoid simply replicating resume templates, instead tailor them to portray your unique attributes.
Use LinkedIn as an extension of your resumes
Your LinkedIn profile and other social media platforms can be powerful tools to showcase relevant experience and extra skills that perhaps didn’t fit into your resume. Most organizations, irrespective of their size are likely to check out your LinkedIn. Utilize this platform to expand on your current job, dream job, and any other professional experience you’ve acquired, including volunteer experience demonstrating your commitment to certain causes.
For recent graduates, LinkedIn can be a platform to display other accomplishments, ones that aren’t typically listed on a resume. Always keep your profile updated, even if you aren’t an active poster, hiring managers should be able to see the progress you’ve made in your career.
If you’re unsure of best practices for your LinkedIn profile, here’s a useful article on how to optimize your LinkedIn presence!
Leverage your experience
Don’t underestimate the impact of work experience. Even though grades might be considered for entry-level positions, your work history and job experience are what recruiters focus on. In the current job market, most job seekers boast some form of qualification, meaning HR will scrutinize your current job, previous jobs, and what they imply about your career goals and learned skills. Never overlook the importance of soft skills that can only be acquired through work experience during your job search.Lacking work experience? Check out this article on how to acquire it.
Keep it professional
Regardless of whether the company culture is casual or creative, maintaining professionalism is key. This entails having a serious email address. Also, verify all your details are correct to avoid getting lost in the shuffle if the company uses an applicant tracking system.
Dodge common resume mistakes by having at least three individuals proofread your resume. Avoid simply mimicking a resume example or template. Double and triple-check them— the last thing you want is to miss out on your dream job due to a minor error in your resume format.
Ultimately, your resume should act as a comprehensive guide to your work history that motivates HR to invite you for a job interview. To foster this, don’t just rely on a resume builder or generic resume templates.
Implement the aforementioned steps to create a well-rounded profile that will make hiring managers want to invest in your career growth by helping you land your next job within their organization.
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