Most job seekers have some idea on how to prepare a resume (or curriculum vitae). However, job applicants should ensure that their resume is the best it can be to stand out from all the other candidates. Below are some resume tips gathered from successful job applicants.
Ultimately you’re going to have to use all the resources at your disposal, have an effective writing style and be creative, but these tips should help you get started in the right direction.
1) Get noticed. That may be obvious but what is not so obvious is how applicants always get caught up in the writing of the resume itself and including all the content and forget to ‘get noticed’. You should use attractive titles and headings; use bold, descriptive words that catch the eye and attract attention. Include a good photo/image of yourself and print out the resume on very high-quality paper. The font you use, the way you format your resume and your use of language are all key to the employer taking more time to consider your resume rather than just skimming through it.
2) Be relevant. You should put yourself in the potential employer’s very busy shoes. Write out your resume once and come back to it a few hours later, or the next day and then tweak it to put the most relevant information on the first page (your resume can be more than one page, by the way). There’s no need to list everything you’ve ever done, or every award you’ve ever won but don’t leave out anything you think might be relevant. Ultimately, be clear, concise and crisp.
3) Do your research. Know exactly what it is the company you are applying to does and know a bit of its history
4) The cover letter. This is normally the first page where you briefly outline your skill-set, your experience, a proposal for how you intend to add to the company’s value and, importantly, why you are the best person for the job. Don’t be afraid of taking a little risk on the cover letter – if you can make the employer smile or stop and think, they’re going to be very intrigued and will want to interview you. But balance this with the prospective employer that you are applying to.
Ohio is an exciting state with many large multi national companies having a head quarters there, including Nationwide Insurance, JP Morgan Chase and other Fortune 500 Companies. Ohio has some very good schools, colleges and universities so it is important that your resume is as good as it can be to stand out from the crowd.
