We know how easy it is to get “stuck in your ways” once you create a professional, quality resume. However, we also know that your resume is a vital aspect of landing each job you apply to. For that reason, it requires frequent up-keep, customization, and clean-up. Don’t worry, we’re here to teach you how to do it!

First Impressions:

Above all else, your resume is often your first impression for your future employer. Because each employer scans dozens of applicants’ resumes, yours must help you to immediately stand out and prove that you are the most qualified applicant.

Furthermore, most social media pages like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, often do not show professional appearance. For that reason, LinkedIn is the most important virtual representation of who you are for your next potential employer. Your LinkedIn profile, which showcases each of your professional experiences, must align with your resume. The jobs you include on your resume should paint a picture of who you are to your employer, and your LinkedIn profile should further extend the self-image you wish to promote. However, not all experiences shown on your LinkedIn profile will be able to fit on your resume, so make sure to pick the experiences most pertinent to the job you are applying for on that specific resume.

Content:

One of the most significant aspects of your resume is the content that you include. All content portrayed must be both relevant and recent. So, if your first job as a 15-year-old Summer Day Camp Counselor is still included on your 24-year-old resume, reevaluate if that is the most on-topic piece of information that will help you stand out in an application pool. Additionally, make sure that the information you include on each resume you submit is in tune with what the company is looking for. For example, if you are applying for a Marketing role, make sure to include an experience that illustrates your ability to think creatively and promote a brand. If you are applying for a Financial role, highlight any financial-related experiences you were responsible for in clubs (even if in college), organizations, or other companies.

However, while information should be relevant and recent, do understand that there are times when crucial experience stems from several years ago –  so always be the ultimate judge of what “snapshots” will ultimately guide your employer’s decision to advance your application.

A specific way to keep track of each of your experiences, in order to create various, unique resumes for each employer, is to create a documented log. Whether this includes club memberships in college, initial professional work experience, or even volunteer service, keeping a list of all of your accomplishments will save you immense amounts of time when drafting new resumes, and also in alternating, editing, and adding specific experiences to current ones.

Extra Tip: Set a routine for resume up-keep – make sure to do so every 3 to 6-months! This way, you will constantly be adding and deleting new experiences and successes, and when the time comes to submit your resume to an organization, you will be well-equipped to provide one that is relevant, recent, and ready!

Appearance:

The appearance of your resume is often the key component in whether an employer will choose to take the time to review it. In order to solidify their interest, confirm that yours is clear, organized and proof-read!

It is no challenge to create an excellent resume, in fact, there are several resources available online for free that will help you either create a new resume or update your current one. Here is one example!

Some tips to always keep in mind when considering the physical appearance of your resume:

• It should always be organized in reverse chronological format. That way, your employer will not be searching for your most recent experience, but will instead be able to easily follow your design.
• Your resume should not be covered in bright colors, but should instead be written in black (or dark-colored) font over a white background.
• In addition to color, the font type should be effortlessly readable. Fortunately, there are several fonts available to help you craft a resume that matches your style while still maintaining a professional appearance.
• Keep in mind what kind of role you are applying to:
  • i.e.: An accounting position is generally serious and does not require creative content. Your resume should reflect that with a standard, black font. However, a digital studies job which requires great creativity can be paired with a more unique looking resume, potentially enhanced by colors or spatial format.

Last note… Social Media!

We’ve all heard that most employers now look at potential hires’ social media accounts. But seriously, they do. Keep it clean and professional no matter what platform you belong to. An employee who appears presentable across all social media channels is an employee that all companies are searching for!

Good luck!

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