As you can see from the title, today I am going to be talking about applying for a job, namely, the well-written resume. There is a lot of literature on this subject on the internet, but I have not found clear and understandable instructions. If you do not understand very well what a resume is, I propose to define it.
A resume is a written complication of your professional skills, accomplishments and personal qualities that you plan to successfully implement at the future workplace in order to get compensation for them (for example, in the form of money or other types of compensation). In the past, I used to create my resume when applying for a job. It is one of the most important pieces of any job application.
I remember the first time when I sat down to write my resume, it took me a lot of time to properly write and arrange it by all standards. I learned very deeply the correct writing of a resume. I talked with professional experts in HR and learned a large number of related articles.
By the way, there is a very good tool to write a resume Amazing Cover Letter Creator by Jimmy Sweeney. It is very easy to create a resume with it and get the job of your dream. Before proceeding to the steps, I want you to remember the three main rules to write a successful resume:
Write the truth, but not all
Put emphasis on your pros and do not mention much about your cons. You will be asked about them during the interview, so be ready for it. Recently, on our website appeared an article entitled “How to get a job interview.” I interviewed the expert on recruiting Elizabeth Wahl. Now you will know how to write a resume and learn all the nuances of interviewing.
Keep a clear structure
Your resume should be 1-2 pages. It is your ad; it does not have to be comprehensive. Use a professional format, and make sure your resume is simple, clean and easy to get information from.
Be optimistic and cheerful
Positive-minded people attract success. In your case, it is a new job.
So, now proceed to the structure of a resume.
Step 1: The title of a resume
Here you should write the word “Resume” and indicate to whom it belongs. All of this should be written on one line. Your potential employer will immediately understand to whom belongs the resume. For example, you have called a company to know if they still have a free vacancy and you have been given a positive response and offered to send them a resume.
Step 2: The purpose of a resume
It is necessary that your resume should have the purpose. Correctly formulate it as follows: The purpose of the resume –to get an accountant vacancy.
Step 3: Information on the candidate
Here you should write the following:
- Date of birth;
- Address;
- Contact number;
- E-mail;
- Marital status.
Step 4: Education
If you have several educations, then write them in order.
Step 5: Work Experience
The “Work Experience” section of your resume should start from your last workplace and include experience for which you were paid.
Step 6: Job duties
This section is not important if you would like to apply for a quite common vacancy, and you held the same position at your old job. Sometimes this paragraph can be included in the previous section.
Step 7: Achievements in previous jobs
Section “Achievements” – one of the most important sections in a resume! The most effective type of resume is which focuses on your achievements, i.e., not just the duties you performed in previous roles but the positive impact you made while you were there.
The “Achievements” section of your resume has to be structured carefully if you want to impress the hiring manager. One very important part of the “Achievements” section is finding the best way to list your contributions to the company. Be accurate and concise. Highlight the relevant information that relates to the position you are applying for. In general, use brevity and avoid hyperbole and wordiness.
For example:
Write:
- I increased sales volume to 30 percent for 6 months;
- I designed and implemented a new technology;
- I reduced equipment costs to 40%;
Not this:
- I increased sales volume;
- I participated in a project of new technology;
- I reduced equipment costs.
As can be seen, it is important to write specific numbers, because they reflect the essence of your achievements.
Step 8: Additional Information
Here you need to describe your strengths, professional knowledge, and skills that help better and more qualitative perform your tasks when joining a new job.
Typically, write here the following:
What computer skills do you have and what programs are you comfortable using? Nowadays it is important for office workers to use a PC because computers are used practically everywhere. Computer skills are important for designers, accountants, programmers, office managers, etc.
What foreign languages do you speak? If you are fluent in more than one language, list the multiple languages here. Be sure to make note of your level of knowledge – for example, beginner, intermediate, advanced, fluent, etc.
Do you have a car and driving skills? If your job involves travel and you often have to drive a car, then you should specify the availability of the car, as well as the category of driving license and experience.
Step 9: Personal skills
There is no need to describe too many qualities, particularly if they do not relate to your future work. You can be a kind and sympathetic person who loves children and respects friends, but a potential employer does not need your rich inner world.
For example, if you are applying for the post of accountant, then you should note qualities, such as self-discipline, attentiveness, punctuality, efficiency, mathematical mind, the ability to analyze. Or if you are applying for a creative job, then you should note qualities, such as creative imagination, sense of style, non-standard approach to the problem, healthy perfectionism.
Step 10: Recommendations from the previous employers
It would be great if at the end of the resume you mention the full name, contact phone and position of your previous employer (or employers), so your potential employer or his representative can make sure of your professionalism from your previous managers.
Existence of contacts for recommendations will increase your credibility, even if your potential employer will not call your previous managers. At the end of the resume, you should indicate in what period of time you are ready to get started and here you also can specify the desired level of salary. Congratulations! Your resume is 100% ready!