Land Your Dream Job: Tips To Make An Excellent Resume

The industrial sector is becoming more competitive with each passing day, and no matter how
hard one tries, securing a job is actually a challenging task. Amidst all this, the only thing that
can help you is your resume.

So, what is a resume, and what purpose does it serve?

Well, a strong resume communicates your qualifications and helps you advance your career in
numerous ways. Not just capabilities, a resume also takes the hiring manager through your
interests, hobbies, work experience, skills, social work, and much more.

Today, we will discuss all about a resume, i.e., what it is, its significance, and how to create an
impactful resume.

So, without digressing, let us begin!

What Is A Resume?

A resume, or CV (Curriculum Vitae), is a formal document that offers an overview of your professional
qualifications, work experience, skills, notable accomplishments, and educational background.
Usually, a resume is paired with a cover letter which further helps you demonstrate your abilities
and convince the manager that you are the perfect fit for the job based on your qualifications,
knowledge, and expertise.

Typically, the spelling of a resume arises from the French language, meaning ‘summary’. To this
day, the primary purpose of a resume is to provide employers with a summary of what they have
achieved in all these years.

So, if you are applying for the job, you need a resume to be considered for the position.

Why Do You Need A Resume?

A resume plays a vital role in getting you a job. But that’s only one benefit that we widely talk
about. However, there are several other benefits as well. So, let’s have a look at them!

1. First Impression = Last Impression
   A resume is used to present your candidature without you being physically present to explain your suitability for the job. At times, you may be competent enough, but a poorly presented resume creates a poor impression on the hiring manager. Thus, you might not be able to have the job that you have wished for.
   
   Qualified candidates are often rejected because their resume does not speak for them. Thus, it is vital to ensure a resume is adequately made to create a lasting impression on the hiring manager.
   
   
2. Better Opportunities
   A good resume opens up a wide door of opportunities so that you can apply to multiple companies across different domains and industries. This enhances your chances of being hired or called for an interview.
   
   
3. Customizing
   A resume offers the scope for customizing the job requirement & backing it up with an impactful cover letter. This again motivates the hiring manager to provide you with an interview.
   
   
4. Interview Performance
   During an interview, a resume helps the interviewer ask relevant questions. Thus, it is vital to focus on your achievements rather than the responsibilities to give better interview performances.

Tips To Make Your Resume Stand Out

There are numerous methods to distinguish your resume from the competition. One such effective method is student counseling.

In addition, what a recruiter looks for depends on the industry and the job you are applying for. But in general, every employer seeks a resume that stands out.

Below are some tips for the same.

1. Understand What The Employer Is Looking For
   Before you begin creating your resume, discreetly review the job posting and the official company’s website. Then, carefully consider what you plan to include in the resume. For instance, focus on the company’s culture, keywords you want to include, and what’s expected of you in the position.
   
   
2. Tailor It to the Job Position You’re Applying for
   Be sure to include your professional experience that showcases applicable qualifications. Suppose you apply for a position as a newspaper reporter; the hiring manager would benefit more from knowing about your skills as a college reporter.
   
   So, include only relevant positions that let your hiring manager know you understand what they are looking for in an employee.
   
   
3. Include Objective/ Header
   Recruiters typically go through dozens of applications daily. Including a header and a summary or objective can help to hire managers to notice your resume, among others. So, when adding a title, make sure your name is on the top. Make the font larger and include your address, phone number, and email address. Moreover, remember to include contact information where the hiring manager will most likely reach you.
   
   Right below your header, write an objective. It shouldn’t be longer than three sentences, wherein you have to write about your relevant experience and skills.
   
   An objective explains your career goals and the skills you can bring to the company. Thus, the main aim of an objective is to make it easier for managers to learn about you quickly.
   
   
4. Add Pertinent Skills
   Just like your previous job roles, including skills valuable to the position you are applying for. You can further check the job posting for skills and requirements the hiring manager seeks.
   
   For instance, in order to apply for a graphic designing position, it is best to list your knowledge of design software and programs as they would help get you the job you want.
   
   
5. Keep It Concise
   While you can create a resume of two pages, it must mainly be one page. This particular point is for entry-level candidates with minimal or zero experience.
   
   You just need to make yourself stand out from the applicants by including relevant information in your resume.
   
   Remember to avoid redundancy and fluff. Keep it concise so that the hiring manager can attentively go through your resume.
   
   
6. Submit A Cover Letter
   While submitting the resume online, employers might also ask for a cover letter. Irrespective of its requirement, sending a cover letter is an excellent way to stand out as an applicant.
   
   If you send a cover letter, ensure the design and the cover scheme match your resume to have a cohesive look.
   
   
7. Proofread
   Proofread your CV thoroughly before sending it in. An error-free and easy-to-read resume represents that you are a professional and can pay close attention to detail.
   
   Moreover, if you tailor your resume to each position you apply for, carefully go through it or ask your friend/ family member to review it.

Make Your Mark With A Standout Resume!

Resume-making is an integral part of soft skill training. However, its primary purpose is to show employers you are qualified enough for the position and convince them to proceed with your application to the interview round.

Many job seekers wrongly assume that a resume offers a complete overview of your professional history.

Rather, think of your resume as an advertisement for yourself or a way to publicize yourself. As a result, your resume’s focus should be on your relevant experience and abilities, with an accent on your most outstanding strengths and accomplishments.

Tell us in the comments below what other things can be added to the resume to make it impactful, so much so that you land your dream job!