Handout 1 - Top resume tips
Building your Resume
1. Present your skills
Utilize tools such as your IMATCH profile, ONET Summary, transferrable skills lists, and other resources to present your skills that directly relate to the job you are applying for.
2. Refine your content
Think about who will be reading your resume and why. What do you want to tell them about you as a candidate?
Initially an employer will not spend a great deal of time to assess your qualifications for the job you are applying for. They may receive hundreds of applications. Your resume must quickly show you match what they need!
Organize the first page of your resume to include sections that are the strongest match, to make the best impression in the shortest time. All the information you include must be relevant to the job you have applied for.
Highlight special opportunities, experiences or achievements you have had that might benefit the organization. This will interest the employer and make your resume memorable.
3. Tailor for specific jobs
Quality over Quantity
Carefully craft your resume to the position:
§ Highlight the selection criteria and employer's preferences in the advertisement or job description carefully.
§ Also note key words or ideas the employer uses in the job ad and their company website. This will give you an idea of the organisation's culture.
§ Take some time to work out how you can show that your experiences match the skills, experience, knowledge and personal qualities needed for the job.
Having more than one resume is common and beneficial. Save and clearly label each resume copy you tailor for a specific job so you can easily locate it to prepare for interviews.
4. More resume best practices
1. Make it about you.
Use your own words to describe your own examples. The employer wants to understand why they should interview you, not a generic candidate.
2. You want to hire ME.
Sell your unique experiences that show how you are different to other applicants.
Convince the employer of your abilities. Show how what you have to offer will benefit their workplace.
This is your marketing tool. Be positive, specific and clear.
3. Know your audience.
Understand what the employer is looking for and confidently show you meet their criteria.
4. Keep it relevant.
Ask yourself 'Does the employer want to know this?' and 'Does this show I'm suitable for the job I am applying for?'.
5. Tell the truth.
Sell your strengths, but don't lie. Everything in your resume can be asked about in an interview.
6. Proofread carefully
The quickest way to ruin your chances is to submit a resume with typos, poor grammar, or misspellings.