Making a resume can be a bit of a challenge. Especially if you’re applying for a job for the first time, preparing the requirements needed might be pressuring or nerve-wracking. There are many things that you have to do in the whole process of your job application. Your resume is one of the most important documents to submit because your employer will evaluate whether you are good or capable enough for a job.
Creating a resume is hard, but creating an excellent resume would be even more challenging. In writing a resume, you have to make an outstanding output that will amaze whoever sees or reads it. There are many factors that you have to consider in making a great resume. Not to mention, writing any document or literature is time-consuming, so it is natural for people to want to make things easier for themselves.
If that’s the case, then fortunately for you, in this article, we’ve listed 5 easy techniques that will help you improve your resume.
1. Use appropriate formats
There are multiple resume formats out there, and each resume format might differ for every job. When you make a resume, you have to choose the appropriate format that will be suitable for your preferred job. An outstanding resume usually follows a proper format, so if you want your resume to look organized and neat, you can do the same. If you don’t know what resume formats to use, you can browse for the various resume formats, then follow the one you think suits you or the field you’re applying to work for. Picking the best resume formats is extremely important in enhancing your resume.
2. List relevant experiences and achievements
Impressing your employer might be the best thing you can opt to do in your resume. You can do this by highlighting your prior relevant experiences and accomplishments that have a connection to the job you’re applying for. If this isn’t your first job and you’ve already worked in a similar or the same field, you can add that to your resume. If this is your first time working for a job, you can add your academic achievements and other experiences that display skills and knowledge related to the particular job. Your employer must see what capabilities you can offer and contribute if they hire you to their company. So don’t hold back in listing your team player skills, but make sure you know when it’s enough and is time to stop.
3. Don’t get carried away
You have to keep in mind that you are writing a resume, not an autobiography. There are instances where people get too carried away in making their job documents and start telling their whole life story. Making your resume is not the time for that. Yes, your employers are interested in knowing more about you and what you’re capable of, but that doesn’t mean you have to write every little detail of your life in your resume. Make sure to only write down moments in your life that are connected with the career you’re going for. Your employer will not be interested to know where you took dance classes if you’re applying to be a graphic designer, so as mentioned, you should only choose the relevant highlights of your career and write only those in your resume.
4. Utilize online tools or websites
There are multiple programs online that you can utilize for writing not only your resume but other written works as well. Tools like grammar checkers, resume builders, and paraphrasing tools, just to mention a few, are some of the ones you can use. Not to mention, most of these websites are free or have a free version that you can use. Although some also have a premium version with more offered amenities, you don’t have to pay for those if you don’t want them, and you can just keep using the free versions. These websites are extremely helpful for those that struggle with writing or those who want to take extra precautions and make sure that their work is proper and has little to no errors.
5. Think like an employer
If you’re writing a resume, you have to think “What would an employer think of this?” and do what you can until you believe an employer would be impressed. You have to think of others’ preferences and likes so you would be able to know how to awe them. You must evaluate all thoughts about settling for less or not doing your best. If you think there’s still room for improvement and you can enhance your resume, then you should. An employer is the one responsible for reading your resume, as well as making the decision of hiring you, so if you want your employer to find your resume great, you must think like one and apply the things that you think an employer would like to your resume.
Sources:
Wolkowicz, O. (2022). How to Improve Your Resume: 12 Easy Steps to Beef it Up. Zety.