Because there is always hot competition for good employment, it’s vital that your résumé impresses immediately and includes all information sought by prospective employers. In many situations, your résumé determines whether or not your application or interest in a position will be taken further.
Never underestimate the power of your résumé. Make sure you have the following things on your résumé to give you the very best chance of securing the job that you want:
1. Relevant qualifications with clear information about what you have studied
Ensure that your qualifications are impressive and indicate a solid foundation for your ability to do the job. Many interesting, fulfilling courses are available in a range of areas that will help you to achieve your career aspirations. Institutions such as Evocca College offer flexible learning approaches and courses that are not only relevant, but vocationally-based to help propel your career.
2. Contact information
Contact information should always appear on your résumé. Include your name, mailing address, email address and telephone number.
Take care to ensure that your email address is professional (you may need to open a new account if you have a particularly ‘cute’ or inappropriate existing email address). Similarly, ensure that your voicemail message is appropriate, clear and professional.
3. A summary of your career
The career summary section of your resume needs to include past achievements but, most importantly, should showcase how and why you will be valuable to a new employer. Be sure to list you key accomplishments, skills and experiences that are relevant to the job that you are seeking.
4. Strategic placement of keywords
Focus on the job description and use keywords featured in the job description in appropriate sections of your resume. Be prepared and take the time needed to thoroughly research the mission statement, values and other relevant information about the prospective employer. When you understand this information, you are best positioned to frame your experience to match the needs of the prospective employer and emphasise the qualities that will appeal most to the organisation(s) for which you wish to work.
It is not uncommon for professionals to have several different versions of their résumé. Each résumé may foreground different qualifications and achievements.
5. Job objective
In the job objective section of your resume, tailor the information to parallel the position for which you are applying. Your chances of getting an interview will increase when your job objective closely matches an organisation’s needs. Once again, use keywords and take care to create a job objective that parallels the position that you are applying for. Show them that you are just what they want and need!
Your résumé is often the only knowledge that a prospective employer has of you. You need to showcase your qualifications, skills and achievements to show just how well they are matched to the job you want and that you will add value to the organisation. Ensure that all of the above elements are included in your resume to help position yourself as a preferred applicant and a candidate likely to progress to the interview stage.
