How To Write a Killer Resume

Job search and hiring processes have changed considerably over the past several years. Today, it’s not enough to simply modernize old job search tactics. Job seekers must adapt their search efforts to match ongoing trends and revamp their strategies to position themselves as ideal candidates.

As a job seeker, you want to put your most professional self forward. Your resume is the perfect vehicle for letting employers know your qualifications and aspirations, so they perceive you as a candidate worth pursuing.

In a tight labor market, you’re likely to be up against a growing pool of job applicants, so you’ll want to emphasize both hard and soft skills to get noticed. As you craft your resume, remember that now is not the time for modesty — your resume should wholeheartedly sell you and your skills. Here’s how to do it.

How Long Should My Resume Be?

Many career consultants stress the importance of sticking to a one-page resume. While there’s no hard and fast rule, it’s good advice. Limiting your resume to a single page forces you to focus on your most relevant and recent work experience.

Plus, hiring managers are more likely to read a resume when it highlights your qualifications for the specific position you’re applying for.

Building Your Resume for the Job You Want

Want to improve your chances of catching a hiring manager’s interest? Tailor your resume to the advertised position. As long as you’re honest about your skills and experience, tweaking your resume to meet a job listing’s requirements can be the difference between landing an interview and not.

For instance, if you’re applying for:

• A marketing position that requires SEO experience: List how you helped clients increase their organic traffic and sales.
• A job in the light industrial field that also requires computer skills: Detail the software you’re familiar with or proficient in.
• A financial analyst position: You’ll want to highlight your skills in building collaborative relationships and overseeing various departments.

It can also be helpful to tweak your resume when the position you’re interested in differs from the one you’re in now.

Parts of a Resume

No matter what industry or field you work in, landing the job you want involves more than meeting the position’s criteria — you also want to stand out from the competition. Use these tips to create a memorable resume that gets you noticed, interviewed, and hired.

Work Experience

One thing that hasn’t changed with respect to resumes is that recruiters still want to know your work history. Showing recruiters and hiring managers where you’ve been helps them understand your career trajectory.

While the reverse chronological format (last job first) is most commonly used, some people find it helpful to list jobs out of order, placing the most relevant ones at the top.

Skills

No matter what type of job you’re applying for, you’ll want to give a summary of your hard skills, such as your proficiency in certain tools, equipment, and software, as well as your soft skills or personal strengths like communication skills, time management, and problem-solving.

Education

Many positions have educational requirements to qualify candidates. Knowing how to list your educational background on your resume can have a positive impression on hiring managers and recruiters.

A resume’s education section is typically listed below your work experience. If the job you’re applying for requires specific training or degrees, such as a professional accountant or healthcare position, you might consider moving the section above your work experience.

Each employer looks for different educational qualifications, but most ultimately want to know that you have the knowledge to perform the position’s duties.

Certifications & Awards

Awards and certifications can make your application stand out, but it’s important to include significant and relevant ones only. Be sure to include the name of the award or certificate, the year you received it, and the details that make it relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Get Professional Resume Advice

Writing a killer resume helps you stand out from other candidates and catch a hiring manager’s or recruiter’s attention. Working with MJ Morgan Group to craft the best resume for a variety of industries, including professional and light industrial jobs, ensures you include the information employers want to see.

Contact MJ Morgan Group to learn more.