Searching for a new job is never much fun, but it's something everyone has to do at some point in time. The first step in a successful job hunt is a strong resume.
Your resume is the backbone of your job application. It outlines your skills and abilities, your background and education. Your resume should be a glowing self-advertisement that presents you in your best light and sells you to an employer.
The average employer's initial scan of a resume lasts only 15 to 30 seconds. That gives you a very short time in which to grab their attention and convince them to keep reading. Here are a few key things that employers look for:
Format
Is your resume tidy and easy to read? Can an employer quickly find the information they need? Make sure you use clear category headings for things like your objective, education and related studies, work experience, project work, skills, volunteer experience, activities & hobbies and references.
You don't necessarily need to include all of the above categories in your resume, but they can be a good place to start. Some categories may be added or eliminated, depending on the specific job you are applying for.
Tailored to the Job
Your resume should always be tailored to the job for which you are applying. Employers want to see that you have done some research into the position and know what you are talking about. Make sure you highlight any particular skills, experience or education that pertains to the job.
Show the employer that not only are you interested in the job, you also understand what is involved in working for them and you have ideas about how you could contribute to their team. Think of your resume as an advertisement: you must convince the employer that not only are you a good candidate for the position, you are the best candidate for the position.
It's always a good idea to do some research on a particular company before sending them your application. Know what it is they do, what their company policies and goals are, who their business partners are, what they look for in employees. And of course, make sure that their morals and practices are in line with your own.
Language
Be sure to use clear, concise language to get your information across. You want to be thorough but brief. Your resume should not be any longer than two pages. Use short phrases and succinct points rather than long sentences.
Use professional vocabulary, and employ action verbs where possible.
Spelling & Grammar
Check and double check your resume for any errors. Mistakes in spelling and grammar will often cause an employer to discard a resume immediately, so always proofread! It may help to have someone else check for errors as well, or to print a hard copy of your resume; sometimes your eye will catch mistakes on a piece of paper that you didn't notice on the computer screen.
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