Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!
Creating a great resume is one of those things that can trip up even the smartest and most creative women among us. So don’t feel bad if you’re not quite sure how to wow them with this iconic power self-marketing tool. On top of that, this fast-moving, modern job market in which we are presently living can make it hard to keep up. That’s enough resume doom and gloom… you’re perfectly capable of crafting a great resume. Take a deep breath and let’s chat about what attributes of a great resume you need to know.
It’s Clear and Concise
A clear and concise resume is one that’s easy to read and understand. It’s formatted well, neat, and has an order and purpose for every word. Dig deep for all of that stuff you learned in English class! If grammar, spelling, and writing wasn’t your thing, don’t panic. Apps like Grammarly and others can keep you from making common mistakes. Do, however, always proofread your work and have someone else look at it for a final check.
Make sure not to add random facts that have no relation to the job you’re applying for. Keep your descriptions of past work experiences simple. If you work in an industry that uses a particular voice and terminology, feel free to show your connection with a little shop talk.
It’s Active and Speaks Positively
A positive, active tone is always going to win over a passive, wishy-washy voice. For example: to say “I am in the process of learning…” is passive, whereas, “I learn new concepts daily” is active and has stronger movement. When writing about your experiences and achievements, write with enthusiasm by using colorful adjectives and adverbs. Actively show what you did well, what you achieved, and how it was noteworthy. Show your passion for what you do. Remember, your resume is the first impression that you can never get back. How do you want people to see you? What points connect you to their company?
It Shows Relevancy
From your objective, all the way through to the last sentence, show why choosing you is a no-brainer. A relevant resume full of the right keywords and language will more likely make it to the top of the pile. Why? Besides it likely got flagged by an algorithm, you got straight to the point! You’ve included qualifications and work experience that are only relevant to the job you’re applying for, and the recruiter won’t need to read between the lines. For example, if that emt refresher course you took last year isn’t relevant to the job you want now, skip it for now. You can always revisit it later in an interview.
Creating a great resume is about communicating effectively in a creative light. Be yourself just as you would meeting someone face-to-face. It also doesn’t hurt to get pro eyes on your situation if the industry is tough and you need to pull out all stops to stand out. There are also some fabulous resume templates out there on the web.
