Securing the Right Job: Crafting the Perfect Resume

Do you want to make your next career move but don't know where to start? The perfect resume can be the linchpin to help you reach your goals. Here's a guide to help you along the way.

Establish your Objects and Develope Your Strategy

Before you even begin writing, set your intentions. Ask yourself: Who do I want to reach? What industry or position am I targeting? What am I offering that is unique? As you answer these questions, you'll start to craft your resume’s strategy.

Now that you understand what you have to share, you can tailor your resume to the job or industry you’re reaching out to. First and foremost, read the job description carefully, and use appropriate keywords. Consider customizing or adding sections related to the job you are seeking.

Create a Clean, User-Friendly Design

Your resume should be easy to read and navigate. Utilize a clean, modern design to ensure that your resume is attractive and professional. Don’t cram too much text on the page, don’t use too many fonts, and avoid designs that require a lot of graphics. Depending on the job, you can select an appropriate resume format - such as functional, chronological, or combination - to make it stand out from the competition.

Also, to help recruiters quickly vet you- list your most valuable experiences first, followed by other jobs and experiences in reverse chronological order. You’ll also want to include important job details- such as dates, official titles, organizations, and industries- as well as highlight specific accomplishments.

Showcase Your Toolbox and Skills

Emphasize the tools or technologies you’ve utilized in past roles. Be specific; listing that you've used Microsoft Office isn’t as impressive as writing that you’ve utilized advanced Microsoft Excel formulas. Detail your proficiency in coding languages, software, databases, operating systems, and other relevant tools. If you supplemented your skills with relevant certifications or courses, be sure to include those too.

Highlight the soft skills you’ve acquired throughout your career, such as communication, problem-solving, or team-building. You can also list any special memberships or affiliations to underscore your dedication in your area of interest.

Finish with a Dynamic Summary

The summary should be short and sweet, no more than two to three sentences. In a nutshell, this statement should quickly explain what you’re currently doing in your career, why you’re looking for a new job, and the top experience and traits you bring to the table. Going above and beyond is key to leaving a strong, lasting first impression.

Making It Happen

Now that you understand the necessary steps for creating an impactful resume, it's time to start job seeking!

• Create an elevator pitch. Take the elements from your summary and condense them into a quick description to use when networking or interviewing.
• Familiarize yourself with the job you’re pursuing and the industry it’s in. Keep abreast of the latest industry news and trends.
• Connect with leaders in your field. Leverage LinkedIn, industry forums, and other social media platforms to get your name out there.
• Consider opening a personal website or blog. It will help you become an influencer and gain access to more opportunities.
• Attend virtual or in-person events. Networking is key to any successful job search, and it can help you make even more connections.

Sign-Off with Success

Your resume represents you, so make sure it really suits the job you're trying to get. Though crafting the perfect resume requires effort, it will pay off big dividends during your job search. Putting in the effort now will help ensure that you land the career of your dreams.