Due to the increase in the number of job applicants, crafting the perfect resume is very essential in securing jobs. It is very important to have a nice resume since it is usually the first way hiring managers get to know their potential employees. However, a lot of job applicants don’t know what is required to craft the perfect resume. This article discusses some essentials to consider when writing a resume for a job application.
Crafting the Perfect Resume
In crafting the crafting the perfect resume you need to consider the following.
a. Customize your resume for the position
Carefully read the job description and draft the resume accordingly. Always highlight important qualifications, skills, experience, and achievements indicated inside the job description that you possess. Avoid writing skills or achievements which don’t relate directly to the job. This will make your resume stand out and increase your chance of being selected for the job.
b. Use good Formatting style
A poorly formatted resume is a turn off for most employers, it indicates that you are unprofessional and are not serious. The number of applicants for a job are usually many, and because of this a lot of hiring managers do not waste much time on applications. Hiring managers are more likely to select applicants who have a visually appealing and well formatted resume. A well formatted resume makes it easier for employers to read and relate to your document. To improve upon the readability of your resume, use the same font style and well-organized headings and subheadings. In addition to this, always use a professional template format.
c. Highlight your accomplishments
A lot of job applicants make the mistake of listing job responsibilities when crafting their resume. To improve upon the quality of your resume, always highlight what you achieved during work don’t just list your roles or responsibilities. Use measurable and quantifiable results. For example instead of writing “I was in charge of helping the company meet sales target”, you can write “As a sales manager, I helped the company exceed its sales target by 25%. This tells your employer what you can do when given the role and helps you stand out among other applicants.
d. Mention relevant skills and experiences
Mention relevant skills (soft and hard skills) and use keywords from the job description. Since most companies use the Applicants Tracking System (ATS) to scan resumes electronically, your resume must be ATS friendly. Also, show how you have used the skills to achieve work aims over the years. This will increase the chance of your resume being selected. A lot of companies look out for good communication skills, effective time management, and leadership abilities, always make sure to include them in your resume. In addition to the skills talk about relevant experiences you have gained during your career and professional development.
e. Provide a professional summary or objective statement
Include a professional summary or objective statement which should follow right after your contact details. This is a short paragraph that highlights your qualifications, relevant skills, and accomplishments. In addition, this section should explain your career goals and aspirations. Always write it using words and ideas from the job description. Including this portion will make your resume stand out and easily noticeable. This part should be brief and must contain relevant details. The summary, will let your employer know the person he is dealing with even before reading your whole document.
Conclusion
Crafting the perfect resume is very essential in the job application process and hence a lot of time and consideration must be given to it. Always customize the resume to the job you are applying for, highlight important skills and accomplishments, and use a well-formatted resume to increase your chance of selection. In addition to the points discussed above, let an experience person read through your draft and correct errors before preparing your final document for job applications. This article have discussed what to include in the resume, get more information by reading my article on Essential don’ts in resume writing.
