Getting ready to apply for that new job? We have some resume tips for you!

May 30, 2024

The job market can be very competitive, and if you just graduated college or are an experienced professional looking to switch lanes, continuously updating your resume is essential. According to Indeed ¹, employers typically glance at resumes for only six to seven seconds. This brief window underscores the importance of crafting a resume that captures attention effectively, distinguishing you from the competition and increasing your chances of landing an interview

Basics of a strong resume

• Updated contact information: Make sure your contact details are correct and you have a professional email. Also, add your LinkedIn profile as an additional resource that provides a fuller picture of your professional background. 
• Clear and concise: Since potential employers look at your resume for an average of a few seconds, it's essential to use clear headings and straightforward language to make your resume easy to scan. This helps employers quickly identify critical information they are looking for.
• Relevance: Customize your resume for each job application, emphasizing the skills and experiences that align most closely with the job description. This shows employers that you are qualified and dedicated to the role.
• Active language: Use strong action verbs such as "achieved," "developed," and "led" to describe your achievements. This helps to convey a proactive, results-oriented image that can capture an employer’s attention.
• Professional formatting: Your resume should be a maximum of one page. Maintain a clean layout with standard fonts and adequate spacing to enhance readability. A professional appearance is crucial in making a good first impression.

Crafting an effective cover letter

If a cover letter is required, it should serve as a narrative introduction to your resume, providing insights into your personality and detailing why you are a suitable candidate for the position. Your cover letter should be specifically tailored to each job, highlighting how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs. Keep it concise and engaging, ideally no more than one page. Start with an opening that captures the employer's interest, like mentioning how your career goals align with the company’s mission. Use the cover letter to elaborate on key achievements from your resume that demonstrate your suitability for the role, adding personal touches that convey your enthusiasm for the position. Conclude with a strong call to action, expressing your desire to discuss your application in more detail during an interview.

Advice for recent graduates

If you are a recent graduate, your resume should leverage your academic achievements and any extracurricular activities to offset your limited work experience. Place your education section prominently, including details like your degree, relevant coursework, and academic honors. Highlight any internships or projects that demonstrate your ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. Leveraging your involvement in clubs, sports, or volunteer efforts can illustrate essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving, which are invaluable to employers.

Advice for experienced professionals

For those with significant professional experience, your resume should focus on demonstrating a trajectory of success and relevance in your career field. Prioritize recent roles and detail how your efforts have led to tangible results such as increased revenue, process improvements, or successful project completions. Demonstrate career progression through promotions or by tackling increasingly complex projects. It’s also crucial to keep your skills section current, showcasing any new technologies, tools, or methods you have mastered, especially those pertinent to the specific industry or role you are targeting.

Career wellbeing and its importance

Your career plays a crucial role in your overall wellbeing. It is one of the 5 pillars of wellbeing and is defined by Gallup ² as liking what you do for work every day. A strong resume is your first step toward securing a role where you can thrive, contributing not only to your professional success but also to your personal happiness. By aligning yourself with opportunities that resonate with your skills and passions, you are better positioned to enjoy and excel in your professional life. This proactive approach to career planning is essential, as it influences your overall wellbeing, ensuring that you find joy and satisfaction in your daily activities.

By focusing on these aspects when preparing your resume and cover letter, you can create powerful documents that effectively communicate your capabilities and ambitions, setting the stage for a fulfilling career journey.

This information is for informational purposes only, is intended to provide general guidance, and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Each person's circumstances are different and may not apply to the specific information provided. You should seek the advice of a financial professional, tax consultant, and/or legal counsel to discuss your specific needs before making any financial or other commitments regarding the matters related to your condition.