For first-timers, job hunting can bring a “butterflies in your stomach” feeling. While finding employment nowadays is easier through online job hunting sites and social media, one aspect of it that hasn’t changed is how to let employers know about our qualifications. That’s where resumes come into play. A resume gives useful information about you and how you’re fit for the job in many different categories. But you can’t just put anything in the resume. Believe it or not, there’s a right way to do it. Make sure that they will read what you want them to know while trying to focus on your strengths. If you’re looking for a job soon, read these before finishing your own resume:
Emphasize and Capitalize
The main purpose of a resume is to let the employer know what you can do for the company and how you can help them with what you have. Every position available has certain credentials that they’re looking for, so you need to do your research on what they need. Once you find that you have a specific strength that you can play on, then it’s time for you to capitalize on that skill. You can craft the resume to focus on that skill. Include any relevant education and training in the form of conventions and seminars. This is to let the company know that you’re not only good at something but that you’re actually improving your skill. For example, with supply chain and logistics recruiters, it’s best to show that you have experience in activities such as transportation and warehouse management.
Extracurricular Activities
Along with your educational background and relevant training, you can also include non-academic activities. Some companies look for people who know and can do more than what the job qualifications entail, especially with how industries are always changing the way they do business nowadays. You can also include advocacy that you’ve participated in such as fun runs and cleanup drives as well as other talents such as playing musical instruments or sports. The way companies look at applicants now is multi-dimensional compared to back in the day, so you can be as dynamic as you want.
Better References
References help your potential employers get a third-person point of view of how you are. Some people tend to include anyone they know, but that’s not a good idea if you want to give a good impression. It’s advisable to include notable references such as other professionals or people in a position that you know personally and who know how you work. Once the company contacts them, they know what to say and can provide a concise and fair answer to the company’s questions about you.
Speaking of ever-evolving media, there are online references where you can also gain tips for creating your resume for the best results. Some companies even prefer that you create yours using their websites. No matter what medium you use, you should remember to be accurate and honest with every word that you put in it.