Staffing Zone

Have you ever heard the expression, "You never get another opportunity to make an impression." The origins of the phrase are not known but it became extremely popular in 1980 when Head & Shoulders shampoo was advertised. It is a reminder to all that the way we present ourselves can have a significant impact on how others perceive us. This is a great way to look at your purpose for creating a resume.

A resume is often the first impression a recruiter or hiring manager has of you. We've all done it. You may have done it before. But there are things you can do that will make your resume stand out from the rest. These are the must-haves for creating a resume that catches attention on job boards.

9 Things to Keep in Mind When Creating a Resume

Do: Include relevant experiences

Your resume should highlight your achievements and skills. Include any relevant work experience or personal information that will prove you are a good match. You should only include information relevant to the job you are applying for. This will ensure your resume doesn't contain unnecessary information.

Don't go back more than 10 years

It is unlikely that you will list every job, even if they aren't directly related to the advertisement, unless your experience spans a decade. It is best to keep your backlog under 10 years if the experience isn't too relevant.

List concrete examples/numbers past success

Concrete examples and numbers will make your resume stand out from other applicants. This will give a clear picture of how your previous job has helped you. Instead of saying "Managed social networking profiles", you could say "Increased social media followers by 10% within 6 months." This will give you a tangible outcome.

Don't: List all the responsibilities you had at each job

It is tempting to list every responsibility you have held in your past experience, so that managers can see your capabilities. This can distract you from the most important and relevant aspects of your work history. Be concise and only mention the most significant responsibilities that will affect the job for which you are applying.

Do: Use templates

A majority of resumes adhere to a particular format, especially in terms of alignment. Unorganized or chaotic resumes can make you appear careless or frantic. You don't need to start from scratch when there are so many templates available. To create a professional-looking resume that reflects you, you can use templates from Microsoft Word or Google Docs.

It is not a good idea to copy someone else's work.

If you are using a prewritten template provided by a friend, it may be tempting just to leave out parts you find interesting or consistent with your experience. You should resist this temptation. It might prove difficult to explain later, if you are questioned.

Please mention any certificates or courses you have completed

Your resume should include any relevant certificates and courses that you have taken. This will make you more attractive to employers and demonstrate that you are invested in this industry.

You should not list skills like Microsoft Workspace or Google Workspace.

Once upon a time, it was common to mention your proficiency on platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft Workspace. These skills are mandatory in today's technologically driven world. Employers expect you to have some experience in one or both of these areas, but they are easy to learn and use. Training for Microsoft and Google is also available.

Do: Keep it brief and to the point.

Your resume should include a summary of your work history. This will help the recruiter decide whether you are interested in an interview. Managers suggest that your resume should not exceed one page. If your resume contains all the information they require, however, this is not a problem. If you feel that it is necessary to include more information before the interview stage, please include it in your cover letters.

A strong resume isn't the only thing recruiters want, but it is essential to make a good first impression. Make sure your document reflects who you are as an employee. These are the essential steps to creating a resume that impresses your manager and is a good fit for their next hire.

For more information, visit Staffing Zone.