How often do you update your resume? Do you know what’s necessary to be included in the update?
Writing a resume should be a continuous process. We tend to forget the important document when it has served its purpose – when employed and only remember it when searching for a new job. When that happens, you spend hours trying to remember what you have accomplished from the time you got employed and most likely miss out on an essential piece of information. Resume formats also keep changing, and keeping abreast with such improvements pays dividends. However, updating your resume must be treated the same way you update crucial work-related documents.
Your resume should also show your current levels of experience, such as the number of years you’ve worked in a particular field and the level of your current position, which could be entry-level, mid-level, senior, or higher. It will also assist you during the negotiation stage, as you will be able to utilize your present talents and expertise by expanding on the resume contents.
The Key areas of focus when updating your Resume.
1. Keywords for Resumes
Keywords in your resume might make or break your chances of getting that job interview. Most hiring managers utilize an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to upload resumes to perform resume keyword analysis. The more ATS-friendly your resume is, the more likely it is that a recruiter will read it over and invite you in for an interview.
2. The Header
Your updated header shouts your organized nature to the rest of the world. If it’s outdated, the chances of appealing to prospective employers are very slim. A current, fresh resume header, on the other hand, will arouse curiosity and need to look through the rest of the resume.
Make sure the contact information on your resume is up to date and easy to find and read. It’s critical to provide your first and last names, phone numbers, professional email addresses, location, city/state, and country. You may also include a link to your Professional Facebook page, LinkedIn profile and a link to your portfolio in your resume.
3. Layout and Text Formatting
When it comes to upgrading your resume, formatting is critical. An updated resume entails revisiting your resume format to ensure that your job application appears well-organised.
Make sure the different sections stand out and hiring managers can are easily find them. For instance, use 12pt font size for the body of your resume and 14-16pt for section headings.
Choose an eye-catching and stylish resume layout. Unless the job application specifies otherwise, save your resume in PDF format.
4. Personal Statement
Your statement should be a brief and concise paragraph that tells the recruiter something interesting about you in a nutshell. This statement provides the employer an initial sense of who you are, your mission and what you’re willing to offer.
This statement should be engaging and focus on why you believe you are the best applicant. In the first sentence, avoid mentioning your abilities and accomplishments. It recommended the length of this statement should not exceed five sentences.
5. Work Experience
You must fully understand this section; otherwise, you lose the opportunity to promote yourself. If it appears to be a story in the form of massive text, you need to update your resume. To make your work experience stand out more, use bullet points or numbers instead of long sentences, and describe quantifiable achievements instead of words when possible. Such enhancements help the resume stand out and catch the eye. Make sure to organise your work experience from the most recent to the earliest. It’s a good practice to include the previous work that is related to the position you’re applying for.
6. Highlight of Your Strong Points
Highlighting what you believe are your strong points is vital to include in your resume. These qualities could consist of your ability to adjust to new situations or simply your interpersonal skills. Don’t forget to include any technical skills you have learned or achieved through experience on your resume. These skills might range from knowledge or hands-on experience with the latest devices and software.
Summary
- Keywords for Resumes
- The Header
- Layout and text Formatting
- Personal Statement
- Work Experience
- Highlight of Your Strong Points
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble creating the perfect CV for yourself, you can now develop a basic resume with the help of online resume design services. Most people have a problem marketing themselves. While you don’t want to make up stories about your abilities and accomplishments on your resume, you want to make sure it accurately portrays what you’ve accomplished. You can acquire a basic understanding of how to design a resume that meets the current needs of businesses by consulting a professional, using online resume builders, or simply looking at resumes from friends.
