Once you have created your first resume you may find that you need to update it from time to time. This is especially true if you are applying for a promotion at your current employment or if you are submitting an application elsewhere. You will want to ensure you update your resume with each position you have, for example, if you are leaving your current job then you will want to make sure that you have that job listed on your resume. Doing so will help you have a better chance of standing out against your competition when applying for a new job position. Here we wanted to shed some light on some advanced tips for improving your resume.
Improving your Resume with your Format
- The first thing you will want to look at on your resume is your format. Take a moment to research other resumes and templates online for the position that you are applying for such as a receptionist. Take note of these templates and what makes one stand out from the others. Once you have found a resume template that is appealing, you will be able to format your resume the same way.
- Think about the font that you used in your resume. Is it easy to read and professional looking? You do not have to make your resume font look boring, but you do want it to remain professional looking. You want your font to match throughout your resume, as well.
Improving your Resume with Phrasing and Keywords
How you choose to word your resume can make a big difference to your potential employer. You should not overlook this when you are creating or updating your resume. You can use sentences as well as lists in order to highlight your skill sets. The way you phrase things will need to help hold the attention of the reader.
- When writing your experience and skills you do not want to be generic. You will want to give details. For example, if you were to say “ordering supplies” this is very vague. Instead, give additional details, “I oversee the inventory and purchasing for a staff of 30+ people”. This will give your potential employer a better understanding of what your actual tasks were at your previous place of employment.
- Avoid using generic phrases and making statements such as “I’m a motivated sales person.” Why are you a motivated sales person? Give specific reasons instead of making a general statement. It will show action that is one thing that employers are looking for.
- Each industry has their own language when it comes to the job tasks and duties. Make sure that you are using proper phrases and language in your resume. This will demonstrate that you are well versed within that industry. In turn, this will help you stand out from your competition.
If you are submitting a resume online, you will want to make sure to utilize keywords that will help you stand out from the crowd. However, make sure, these keywords you choose to use stand out.
READ ALSO: How to Tailor a Resume to Fit the Job
Upgrade your Resume with Experience
Ensure that any new experience you have out in the field you are working has been added to your resume. Just make sure that this information you are adding is useful to the field you are applying for.
- You will want to start your resume with your most recent job title and your experience with this job. Be sure that you list any special training or development you completed. This can be things such as certifications, college classes, continuing education classes and any professional conferences.
- Any training that you have received such as marketing sales pitches, conference training, web seminars, specific product training, staff training and other types of training should be listed, as well. Any time you have completed public speaking should be mentioned, as well.
If you have had any type of work published during your career like research, white papers, magazine articles, policy manuals, chapter books or a variety of other things then be sure to list them in your resume as well.
List any products that you have created or developed. Examples of this would include a software program or workflow procedure that were a benefit to the field you are applying to work. Check that any supervisory experience has been listed. Make sure that you add how many employees you were responsible for overseeing.
Targeting an Audience
Any time that you are applying for employment, you will need to adjust your resume to fit the company and position you are applying for. Doing so will make submitting your resume more effective versus just using a generic resume for each position you apply for on job boards. Keep updated versions of your resume to use for specific fields and positions.
- When applying for a job, you will need to read the job description to make sure that you have answered all the job requirements for that position. In order to show that you are the one they want to hire for the position and to show that you are the most qualified, read the job description.
- While it is true that cover letters are very important, your resume should be able to stand out on its own without having to use a cover letter. Anything you have chosen to highlight in your cover letter needs to be in your resume. In the event that your cover letter was not given to the person who will be interviewing you, you can recap those highlights from the resume.
- Saving all variations will allow you to have a recent version saved for the different positions you are qualified. This is more effective versus just having an overall generic resume.
Once you are all finished with this step, you are ready to start filling out job applications for the top companies in the US.
Cover Letter
The last way that you can improve your resume that you will be sending to potential employers is a cover letter. A cover letter can be just as important as a resume especially if an employer decides to screen applicants based off of cover letters.
- You do not want your cover letter to sound generic. When you are putting your cover letter together, remember to use care as this is your way of selling yourself to your potential employers.
- In your cover letter, you will want to start with a greeting and use a business letter format. Make sure to include your contact information. Should you happen to know the name of the interviewer or the person that oversees the hiring than address your cover letter to this person, doing so can help show that you have done your research about the company.
- Through your resume, you will need to shift your focus on showing the employer why you would be the perfect fit for their company and the position you are applying for and portray your confidence.
After completing your cover letter, you’re all set to impress employers with your newly revamped cover letter. This concludes a few of our advanced instructions for improving your resume.
Should you have any more questions regarding resumes, feel free to contact us at Gerald (at) EJobApplications (dot) com.