Resume writing can be difficult, but, trust us, it doesn’t have to be. All you need is a little time and attention to detail. Follow these tips and soon you’ll be on your way to the job of your dreams!
Make a List
Oftentimes, recruiters receive resumes that are pages long. While you should have a list of all your past jobs, you should never send that list to a prospective employer. Start by writing down every job you’ve had and the major responsibilities from each one. This doesn’t need any special formatting since it’s simply a guide to use while creating your tailored resume. While you’re making the list, it helps to name your supervisors and anyone you worked with who you could use as a reference later.
Choose a Format
Once you have the information you’re going to include on your resume, you should choose a format. If you don’t already know how to format a resume, you can find templates in Microsoft Word or by searching the internet for resume templates. Find something that looks clean and professional.
Your name and contact information should always be at the top of the page. Experience should be next, followed by education and special skills.
Include Relevant Details
One you start to write your resume, you’ll want to think about the job you’re applying for, the description of that job and what experience you have that lines up with it. If you worked as an assistant on a construction site, that should be included if you’re applying for a construction job; however, that experience probably isn’t relevant when applying to an administrative or customer service position. The included experience should be tailored to fit each job you apply for. Some exceptions include management positions of any kind or if you don’t have very much job history.
Unless you have 20 years of relevant experience, your resume should be one page only. Cut down on irrelevant job duties. For example, if you worked as the manager of a retail store, you don’t need to include that you know how to operate a cash register. Recruiters will be more interested on whether you know how to make schedules, train employees, and control inventory. Give the big picture with the most important details only.
Sell Yourself
So, what details should you include? You should tell the things that make you stand out. Remember, the reviewer is receiving several other resumes. Tell them why they should call you before anyone else. Did you increase sales by 20% at your last store? Did you cut down on packing time in the warehouse? Do you know how to use a special computer program? Let the recruiter know what is unique about you!
Make sure to sell yourself and the skills you know, but don’t ever lie. If you only used Adobe Photoshop once in your high school yearbook class, don’t put Expert at Adobe Photoshop on your resume. When you’re asked to prove your skills, you don’t want to embarrass yourself (not to mention, waste your time and the recruiter’s time). Just be honest about what you know and sell those attributes. It will likely land you a job you’re happy with and well-suited for.
Proofread
Most importantly, don’t forget to use proper grammar and spelling throughout your resume. Then, read it over again to make sure it’s all correct. If spelling and grammar aren’t your strongest skills, ask someone else to look at it for you.
Finally, Priority Staffing Group is here to help you. Our website has a resume builder that helps you get started. And when you apply with us, we’ll look at your resume and make suggestions for you too. All you have to do is ask! Make an appointment today so that we can get you on your way to a new job!
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