Composing a resume is just one step in pursuing a job, but it’s just as important as the other steps. Nailing an interview is important, but building your resume to interest and impress potential employers should be your first goal. The resume can be a potential employer’s first impression of you, so you should make it a priority to put your best foot forward. Here are some tips for standing out with your resume!
Resume Tips
Be sure to list updated phone numbers for yourself as well as your primary email address to ensure the company you are applying for can easily connect with you.
Your education section should include:
- Your most recent degree (or education in progress)
- The name of your school
- Location of your school
- Dates attended and graduation date (or expected graduation date)
- Your field of study and degree major
- Your GPA (only if it’s above 3.5)
Include your high school if you are still in college or never graduated from high school. If you are still in college, you can list your degree as in progress. If you did not complete your college degree, you can list the number of credits you completed while you attended.
You can also add:
- Relevant coursework
- Academic honors
- Making the Dean’s list
- Relevant extracurricular activities
- Clubs and philanthropic organizations
- Study abroad programs
- Professional Certifications
List at least 3-4 references and be sure to ask before using someone as a reference. Confirming your references before adding them to the list is necessary to avoid blindsiding your reference and check that they are a good reference before submitting your resume. When you’ve confirmed with your references, let them know who might contact them.
Cover letters are optional but you definitely want to write one. Cover letters are essentially your sales pitch to your potential employer and a chance to address areas of your resume they might have questions about (like gaps in employment). Unless your potential employer doesn’t want one, there are few cases in which you should skip submitting a cover letter.
Use Reverse Chronological Order
List your education and work experience in reverse chronological order, or starting from most recent. This is the standard method of organization for resumes and is more relevant and comprehensive to the reader, making your recent history clear.
Use Bullets
Bullets will keep your points organized and make it easier to be concise. Bullets will give your potential employer an easy-to-read summary of each section of your resume.
Based on the position you are applying for, build the resume that will make you look suited for the job and align your experience to the job responsibilities.
Including a Linkedin profile on your resume can give potential employers a more in-depth look at your qualifications as a candidate. A LinkedIn profile can also act as an alternative or extension of your resume.
Resume Writing Services
Do resume writing services work?
A qualified resume writer can take your resume to the next level. These services work well for high-paying jobs, promotions, and raises. Employing resume writing services for average positions may not be necessary.
How much do resume writing services cost?
Professional resume writing services can cost $100-$2,000, while executive resume writing services can range from $300-$3,000. Cost depends on several factors, including the type of resume, the writer’s qualifications and skills, and the company you choose.
Are resume writing services worth it?
Whether or not these types of services are worth it depends on both the opportunity and the customer employing the writing service. Resume writing services are usually used to ensure that a resume is well written and checks the boxes employers are looking for in a way writing it yourself cannot always achieve. These services may produce better results but are not necessary if you are confident in your writing abilities.
Services
Check out these resume writing and review services for professional resume building:
Free Resume Help
If resume writing services might not be for you and you’re just looking for a place to start, or you’re looking for more affordable resume help, there’s plenty of free resume help available. Check out:
- Free Resume Builders
- Free Resume Templates
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