Understanding a Resume
A resume is essentially your professional brag sheet formatted to impress faster than you can say “hire me!” Traditionally capped at the attention-span limit of one to two pages—unless you’re writing a memoir or you have cured hiccups—it serves as a highlight reel of your professional life.
Key Takeaways
- The Digital Shift: In the era of digital applications, the paper resume isn’t extinct but is definitely endangered. Embrace emailing, online uploads, and, if daring, the occasional professional tweet.
- Customization Is Key: Tailoring your resume for the specific audience or job can be as crucial as the attire you pick for the interview. Each job application deserves a fresh look at your resume, tweaking it to match the job description.
- Go Beyond Borders: While brevity remains the soul of wit, and resumes, adding multimedia elements like a well-crafted video introduction can give you that extra edge.
What to Include in Your Resume
Success in resume writing is measured not just by getting you the job interview but by limiting the time recruiters spend squinting. Here’s what catches their eye:
- Header: Not just your name and contact info, but throw in your LinkedIn profile or professional website to show you’re connected and contemporary.
- Professional Summary: This is your elevator pitch in written form. Make every word count.
- Work Experience: Listed in reverse chronological order; remember, recent successes speak louder.
- Educational Background: Degrees matter, and so do any relevant certifications.
- Skills and Accomplishments: From technical skills to speaking multiple languages or any substantial achievements, this section is your chance to shine.
- Optional Extras: Affiliations, publications, or hobbies that can spark a conversation in an interview or showcase personal development.
Resume Trouble Spots
Here’s where many stumble in crafting their career narratives:
- Employment Gaps: They can shout louder than your skills. Be ready with a persuasive explanation.
- Job Hopping: Too much can make you look like a professional butterfly. Focus on longevity and impacts in roles where you lingered.
- Outdated Skills: You don’t want to tout proficiency in Latin or Fortran unless you’re applying to be a medieval scholar or working with retro tech.
Modern Resume Protocols
Gone are the days of sending your resume via carrier pigeon:
- Digital Submission: Most resumes today are PDF attachments or part of an online application form.
- Adding Media: A link to a professional portfolio or a concise, engaging video introduction can set you apart.
What Not to Include
Keep it positive, professional, and pertinent. Avoid personal information that’s not job-related—no recruiters need to know your ice cream flavor preference unless you’re applying to Ben & Jerry’s.
Related Terms
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): More detailed than a resume, typically used in academia.
- Cover Letter: Your resume’s best friend that provides context to your application.
- Portfolio: A collection of work examples; particularly common in creative fields.
Suggested Reading
- “Resumes For Dummies” by Laura DeCarlo: A comprehensive guide from novice to pro.
- “Knock ’em Dead Resumes” by Martin Yate: Insights on crafting resumes that get you interviews.
From sharp headings to noticeable achievements, crafting an outstanding resume can be the passport to your dream job. As Benjamin Franklin might have said if he was your career coach, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can achieve on your resume today!”
