If you are going to be applying for jobs then you need to make sure that your resume is up to scratch. With the job market the way it is, more people than ever are applying for job vacancies. As your resume is often the first impression that companies get of you, you need to make sure that it is a good one.
Standing Out From The Crowd
The chances are that recruiters are going to have a number of resumes to read through – so you need to make sure that yours stands out from the crowd. Bold, clear text is essential throughout your resume, with a bigger title if there is space. Your resume should be around 2 pages long and tailored slightly to the position you are applying for where possible. For example there is little point your resume talking about your cooking skills if you are putting in a Forever21 application for employment.
Information To Include
It is easy to get carried away with information you put on your resume and try to include everything. You really don’t want to have a resume that is much more than two pages long. If you have a long career history then try to include just the last few positions and invite them to ask you for more information if this is needed. Everything on your resume should be in order, so that information is clear and easy to find.
Double Check Everything
The last thing you want to do is send a resume off to people that is full of errors and mistakes. Without a doubt you should make sure that you check your resume and ensure that it has no errors. If possible then you should get someone else to check through this for you too. As recruiters are going to be reading so many resumes they are looking for reasons to disregard applications. Bad spelling on your resume could give them a reason to move you to the ‘no’ pile.
Don’t Forget Your Cover Letter
As well as a resume, when you are applying for jobs you should include a cover letter. It is important to give this just a much though as you do your resume. After all, this is the first thing that they are going to read. You want this to be good so that it encourages them to go on and read the rest of your application.
Your cover letter should be clear to read and easy to understand. You should mention the vacancy you are applying for and why you think that you are a good fit for the job. You should also mention your availability. The cover letter doesn’t need to be long, but it does need to invite them to contact you for more information should they need it.
Both your resume and your cover letter can be quite simple, as long as they are easy to read and cover all of the relevant information. Remember that the point of these is to encourage them to employ you, so include everything you need to ensure that this is the case.
A good basic list, though those in graphic or art intensive fields might want to include a portfolio as well!