Making the perfect resume is not an easy task and the advice we usually get from human resource department is to make an impression on that resume. However, this is generally not the easiest task. The moment you started working on your resume, you would think it would score you a job but it didn’t. But here’s an important fact: A resume’s role is to get you an interview and not the job – and this also means your resume must be impressive and concise.
Sometimes, it is hard to know where to start especially if you haven’t updated your resume in a long time. There are certain conundrums to answer such as which experiences to include or what accomplishments to put to make a good impression. But the first order of business if to make a list of the companies you are interested in and start building that resume.
This is a compilation of how to make an impressive resume and how to make your employees interested in you. Here are important tips for turning your resume into a job-winning interview:
1. A Good Interviewee Knows His or Her Own Resume
It’s all about a good starting point. You need to know your market and how you relate the market you want to work into your resume. And in simpler terms: your need to know what you are selling.
If you want to seek for professional help, that’s okay as long as you know what your resume’s selling point. Because if you don’t know what to answer to the interviewee the moment he or she starts asking questions about the content in your resume, chances are you missed your opportunity. To avoid this, here are some tips:
Think of your resume as a good investment for your future
The two-piece of paper with all your credentials, goals and experiences has the ability to jumpstart your career. And even though the final process will all boil down to your performance in the interview, your resume is first and foremost the one they see that’s a reflection of you.
Make a strong first impression through your cover letter
Put a little effort into making a strong cover letter. They are after all the first-page hiring managers see when you send in your resume.
While there are some who do not read cover letters, it is important for you to convey the fruitful connections between your past jobs and skills you can bring to the table apart from your resume for those hiring managers who take the time to scan them.
Furthermore, your resume should not be more than two pages. A long resume sometimes connotes a disorganized structure. Two pages are enough to make an impression and the interview will do the rest.
Resume writing is a never-ending journey, so prepare for a lot of rewrites
Never use the same resume especially if you are changing your career path. Your resume should be specifically designed to the company you want to apply for. If you want to work in fashion, be sure to insert necessary and related jobs and skills regarding the field.
Furthermore, it is advisable to customize your resume for a specific position to which you apply, altering your content to highlight the skills and previous experience most relevant for the job.
Lastly, your resume should represent a modified demonstration to fit your career of choice.
A good resume is specific
Your resume should be comprehensive but by no means overwhelming. It should only important and interesting details fit for the job you want to apply for.
Don’t be afraid of the qualification gaps
Focus on the more important things and remember that qualification gaps may happen to anyone. Showcase why you are qualified for the position and demonstrate your strengths and abilities.
2. A Good Resume Must Contain Important Details
Your future employer will look at your resume to know interesting facts about you and whether you are fit for the job or not. It is important to always be concise and honest with your details. A factual resume is equivalent to a good impression. A good resume consists the following:
- Objectives
- Educational background
- Work experience
- Skills
- Personal information
- Achievements
Paying attention to details even the little ones is a life skill that you can share with your future employer. Make sure to not make your resume shallow and irrelevant.
3. It Pays to Know the Company and Job You’re Applying for
It all started with the resume and cover letter. The moment you hand in your resume, you should already have a clear background of the company and job you are applying for.
Remember when your friends tell you to research about the company before going to the interview? This is completely true. If you want to make a good impression, your knowledge about their company must go beyond their web content, about page, and mission vision. Here are some questions you need to answer:
- How does this specific position fit what you’re promising in your resume?
- How will you fit into the organization?
- Why do you want to work there?
It is advisable to let them recognize why they are interested in you the moment they invited you to do an interview. Again, it’s all about making a good impression.
4. Use the Interview to Your Advantage
They did not just ask you to come in to see you, remember that they also want to know more about you outside your resume. When they start asking to tell something about yourself that’s not included in your resume, you must be prepared with proof and interesting facts.
- There are still more skills and achievements that may still be relevant
- Always give them more, as long as they are true
- Don’t rely too heavily on the ones included in your resume
- Make yourself three-dimensional
- Show your personality
Do not come to the interview empty-handed. Your resume must be comprehensive enough for them to be interested. If you score an interview, take this as a challenge to secure the position you applied for. There are also other job searching tools online to fit your goals and aspirations such as:
- WritingDaddy.com, who offer writing jobs.
- LinkedIn.com, a social media website that also offers a variety of jobs all over the world.
- TheSmartCrowd.com, a crowdsourcing website that offers job opportunities.
- BelaySolutions.com, a career opportunity website for copywriters, virtual assistants, bookkeepers, and web support.
- MyRefers.com, a job referral network.
5. The Entire Stand-by Interview Tips Still Apply
Your resume must be proofread to guarantee a good impression. It should also contain a list of accomplishments to compete with other applicants vying for the same position. Furthermore, you should always think of the next step which is the interview.
In every interview comes competition. Mae sure to note that you are not the only one applying for the job because there are hundreds willing to get the job away from you so, make sure to stand out! Here are important key factors every interviewee must know:
Dress well
The way you dress is a reflection of who you are. Picking the right outfit for the right interview is not an easy task for both men and women. Make sure you have the proper mindset when entering the interview in your chosen attire.
Pick the right color. You do not want to be boring and at the same time, you should not overshadow the interviewer. Avoid loud colors that will distract the interview, but also avoid boring colors that will not bring out your best features.
Be on time
Nothing makes a better impression than being late. When they said the early bird catches the worm, same wisdom applies to a job interview. Remember that you are not alone applicant; others are willing to take your spot if you come in late.
Prepare questions for them
Most interviews end with the same question: “Do you have any questions for us?” And yes, you must have. Asking questions represent your eagerness and interest of the company and the position.
Follow up with a thank-you note
There’s no harm in being polite. They took their time to meet you and being gracious is a virtue.
After establishing what makes a good resume, it is now time to start crafting and building it. Being goal-oriented and focused on your goals are tricks to start your resume.
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