Your resume is your first impression when it comes to applying for jobs. That’s why it's important to make sure that your resume is professional and up to date. In this blog post, we'll go over everything you need to know about resumes, from what to include to how to format it.
What to include in a resume
There are a few key things that you should always include in a resume. First, make sure to write your contact information at the top of the resume. This should include your name, email address, and phone number. Next, you'll want to list your work experience. Start with your most recent job and work your way backwards. Include the company name, your job title, and dates of employment. In addition to work experience, you'll also want to include any relevant skills or education that you have. If you have a degree or certification that's related to the job you're applying for, be sure to list it here. You can also include any relevant coursework or training that you've had. Finally, don't forget to add some personal interests or hobbies that will give the employer a sense of who you are as a person. Once you have all of the content for your resume together, it's time to start formatting it. There are a many different ways that you can format your resume, but one of the most popular is chronological order. In this format, you will list your work experience in reverse chronological order (i.e., start with your most recent job and work backwards). Another common format is functional order which is great if you have little-to-no work experience or if you are changing careers altogether. In this format, you will highlight skills and accomplishments rather than listing out jobs in chronological order.
How often should you update your resume?
We recently polled our LinkedIn followers and found that most people only update their resume when they are looking for a new job. However, it is a good idea to update your resume at least once a year, even if you're not actively looking for a new job. This way, you'll be sure to have the most up-to-date information on your resume. You can also update your resume anytime you have a major accomplishment, such as getting a promotion or earning a degree. This will save you time and hassle when you start looking for a new job.
Tailoring your resume for each specific job application
When you're applying for a job, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific position. This means customizing both the content and the format of your resume to fit the job description. Start by looking at the job posting and make a list of the key skills and experience that they are looking for. Then, take a look at your own resume and see if there's anything that you can add or remove to better match what they are looking for. Finally, don't forget to update the formatting of your resume so that it is easy to read and relevant to the position you're applying for.
How long should a resume be?
Most experts agree that a resume should be no longer than one page. If you have a lot of experience or education, you can make it two pages, but anything more than that is generally unnecessary. Now that you know everything there is to know about resumes, it's time to start writing yours! Remember to include all the important information and format it in a way that's easy for the employer to read. If you follow these tips, you'll be sure to create a resume that will help you get the job you want.