4 Tips to Prepare Your Resume

September is coming to an end, summer has officially ended, and employers are preparing to go into hiring mode. Whether they are hiring for full-time positions or to fill in the gaps for the upcoming holidays, it’s the perfect time to find a new position. So, pull out your resume and let’s look at ways you can capture the attention of hiring managers. 

Format with Clarity 

Proper formatting is an important part of making that resume pop. Of course, the content is the meat and potatoes of your resume, but you want to be sure the hiring manager actually reads it. Visual appeal will go a long way in getting someone to read past the header. If a manager sees a resume that looks like a few long paragraphs, it’s going to be unpleasant to the eye. You want to be sure you create enough white space on the page, bold headers for each section, and bullet points when appropriate. Visual appeal will draw the eye to where the content sells. 

Action is the Key 

Action verbs create movement, which, in turn, helps the reader view you as a worker who is on the move doing things. Use a variety of action verbs to show off what you’ve done at the various places you’ve worked. For example, instead of writing, “I was the administrative assistant at XYZ Company,” use verbs to describe the actions you did in that role. 

Sell your Skills 

Make sure you highlight all of your skills. You can do this by talking about your job duties, your accomplishments, and the ways you’ve solved problems. Don't forget to bring out all the things you’ve done that may not be in your job description. For example, if you’ve ever had to fill in for someone in a higher position such as a supervisor, make sure to highlight that.  

Organize and Prioritize 

There are a few ways you can organize your resume. You can divide your work history and educational achievements as two separate categories. Then arrange it in reverse chronological order. The most common method is to put your work first, then your education. However, if you do not have much work experience and are a recent graduate with more educational accomplishments, then you can put the educational category first.  

Another way to organize your resume is by skill category. This type of resume may be more relevant for someone who is seeking a job that has very specific skill requirements such as a job in the arts. 

Prepare your resume using these tips and captivate the attention of hiring managers. You will be on your way to the position you desire. 

References: http://www.career.cornell.edu/story/resumes/formats.cfm