re-su-me; noun
- : a summary
- : curriculum vitae
- : a short account of one’s career and qualifications prepared typically by an applicant for a position
- : a set of accomplishments
What’s in a resume, why is it important, and why do you need one? These are all great questions that any candidate from the tenured professional to a recent graduate need to have answers to.
Why do you need a resume?
Google will give you an endless amount of responses to this question and will even give you suggestions of similar questions to ask. Great, just what you were looking for, right? A question to answer your question. The good news is, we filtered through these articles, and one common thread rings true: “A resume is an advertisement, nothing more, nothing less. The resume is a tool with one specific purpose: to win an interview.” -Rockport Institute, 2014.
What should your resume include?
Your resume is your sales pitch. It is the first impression an employer has of you. The best way to make a great first impression is to KISS it! Keep It Smart & Simple! Your resume should always grab the attention of the reader in the way you want it to. Identify how you’d like to market yourself and research the best way that translates on paper.
Let’s start with the basics! First make sure all essential information is included and easy to read. A hiring manager isn’t going to call a phone number they can’t find!
The following is a suggested outline for your resume:
- Name
- Phone
- Education
- Work History
Notice a few things missing? The following are considered professionally optional and before including, it is recommended to research the industry standard for what you’re applying to:
- Career Objective
- Link to Professional Profile
- Additional Skills
- Awards/Honors/Volunteer Experience
Once you have all the information compiled, read your resume, and then read it again. Does it make sense? Is it relevant to the position you’re applying for? If the answer is yes, send it! Above all, repeat to yourself that you’ve done your best to put yourself out there and your perfect opportunity is waiting!
Stay tuned for our next post describing more detailed formatting suggestions and the best advice our recruiters have for your resume!
