Writing your first resume can be overwhelming. However, it is also the best way to explain to employers why they should consider you for the position. You have few or no years of work experience as an entry-level job seeker.
Stay encouraged, use this as a chance to put some of your skills and accomplishments on display. Here are six vital resume tips to help an entry-level job seeker's resume stand out.
Start with a Clear and Concise Header
A resume header is something that employers set their eyes on first before going on to read the other sections, therefore, you have to make it stand out. Ensure you write your correct name with the proper spellings, a professional email address, a phone number, and, if applicable, a link to your active LinkedIn profile.
Avoid inappropriate emails and personal details that do not relate to a job application, such as your age and photo.
Many employers do not bother asking for these details. Make sure it is clear and not cluttered, use a standard font size, and clean up the style to make it easy for the recruiter to read. Use creative resume templates to help you iron out the formatting details. Ensure you update your LinkedIn profile to ensure that it is consistent with the information in your resume.
Use Active and Impactful Language
Using active language to explain your achievements shows a high level of confidence and projects an excellent image of your potential. Instead of listing responsibilities, try to bring out what you did by using action verbs. For example, you can explain by saying, "added or more value to the activities by 20% by coordinating events" instead of listing "was responsible for organizing events."
In using this approach, you can indicate your ability to take the initiative conveniently and give your results, thus solving their inquiry about your usefulness. Action verbs like "achieved," "led," "designed," and "implemented" will allow crafting lively, vivid, and engaging descriptions of your experience.
Highlight Transferable Skills
While you have little work experience, you must have picked up several transferable skills through your volunteer work education, internships or extracurricular activities. Skills such as problem-solving, communication, time management and teamwork can be of great value to your application.
Scrutinize your transferable skills according to the position you are applying for and showcase them on your résumé. If the job is seeking an organized person, mention how you balanced your classwork and part-time job and managed your time well. Adapting your résumé for relevant skills is a way to stand out to your potential employers.
Keep it Tailored and Focused
Using a generic resume when applying for different job opportunities is one of the most common mistakes that job seekers tend to make. Make the response relevant to each position you want based on the customized skills, experiences, and achievements in line with the requirements highlighted in the job specifications. Use keywords from the job posting itself.
Many employers use Resume Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. Customizing your resume to align with the job expectations, increases your chances of getting through ATS screening, and conveys to the employer that you have put effort into comprehending the position and that you may be a great addition to the recruitment pool.
Showcase Relevant Achievements
Impressing the employer with achievements can leave a significant impact, even if you have yet to gain experience. Consider the projects you did during your studies, internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering activities in your academic years. Did some exceed expectations? Did you win any awards or recognitions for your contributions? List such achievements, preferably with quantifiable results.
Rather than stating, "Assisted in organizing events for one student club," a more accurate description would read, "Organized three campus-wide events that attracted over 200 attendees and helped increase club membership by 25%." Quantifying your results with numbers and real-life examples helps showcase the impact and differentiates you from other candidates.
Proofread and Format Professionally
A polished resume gives a professional impression. Grammatical errors, misspellings, typing errors, and formatting that looks random will confuse the reader and imply a lack of attention to detail.
Read the resume carefully, and then let a friend, mentor, or career advisor proofread it for you. Professional formatting matters, therefore, use a clean layout with a neat font and include bullet points and standard spacing.
Try to limit your resume to one page unless you have enough experience or portfolio work to justify a second page. Save it as a PDF before sending it so it maintains its format.
Endnote
Creating an impressive CV is the first step towards realizing your dream job. By focusing on your transferable abilities, writing in an active language, and customizing your resume for each opportunity, you present a compelling document that clearly indicates that you may be the right candidate.
Remember that your resume reflects you, so make it clear with proper professionalism through active and impactful words. With these pointers, you will be better positioned to edge other applicants in a very competitive job market and seize the position.
