Whether you’re embarking on your first big job, looking for a career change, or getting back into the workforce after an extended period of time, you’re going to need a stellar resume to get your foot in the door. However, a blank page is pretty intimidating, and it can be hard to know where to start.
The hardest part is getting the ball rolling, though. Don’t put it off for too long, as it’s far better to just bite the bullet and get started. Treat the process as a gradual drafting, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any pertinent selling points or end up with a page that looks thrown together. Remember, this is a potential employer’s very first impression of you — make it a great one!
Chances are that you won’t produce the perfect document the very first time. But by following these steps, and being prepared to do some polishing at the end, you can create a resume to be proud of. Here’s how to get started.
Choose a Template for Structure
An important first step is to understand the commonly-used styles of resumes, and figure out which will serve you best.
A chronological resume is commonly used by those presenting a continuous work history. In it, different roles and their responsibilities are set out one by one, up to the present. If you have little or no employment to-date, though, this might not be the best choice for you.
An alternative is a skills-based resume, which focuses on the talents and abilities you will use in your new role. These skills might be gathered from vocational school or college, voluntary work, or even places like sports or activity groups.
That makes this a good option if you haven’t held a paid position just yet.The third commonly used format is a ‘mixed’ resume, which includes both a skills section and a short employment summary. If you have done voluntary or part-time roles, or have taken a long break from your professional activities, this style might work best for you.
Using a template is the best way to get a sense of the different structures, and some guidance on the layout and detail expected for each. Luckily, getting your hands on a template is easy. There are free resources out there — such as this one — as well as those you can buy through online marketplaces like Etsy.
Browse the options, and simply download the one you like best (in a format that you can easily download, such as Word). You’re now well on the way to nailing your resume.
Consider the Skills Employers Want
Once you have a resume structure you are comfortable with, you need to put yourself in the shoes of the employers you’re targeting. What are they looking for in a new employee?
The outputs of this exercise will vary wildly depending on the type of role and industry you’re seeking. The skills and attributes needed to become a veterinary assistant will be quite different than those needed when applying for a role as a financial analyst. Knowing your audience is crucial.
The best way to come up with a list of skills, competencies, experiences, or personal attributes that are relevant to employers in your sector, is to look at job ads. Collect a few current or lapsed online ads for the type of role you want to find. What are the key skills described?
Most likely, you will come up with a pool of skills which overlap between similar jobs for different employers. Look for things like organizational skills, teamwork, a passion for customer service, detail orientation, personal drive, and an ability to communicate with colleagues and customers. You may also spot technical requirements such as IT literacy, or familiarity with certain processes.
Resource: 10 Steps on the Career Ladder
Become familiar with the type of thing the employers in your field are asking for. That way, you…
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