Create a Lasting First Impression with Your Resume

“Dress to impress” is a classic motto of many jobseekers; as part of their preparation, applicants in the interview stage put their best foot forward by dressing in a professional, clean-cut manner, in the hopes of demonstrating ‘employee potential’ to their interviewer. However, despite popular belief, first-impressions come in many shapes and forms and are not limited to the interview stage: often, this impression first strikes employers upon reading a job applicant’s resume. Meant to summarize an individual’s accomplishments, skills, and experience in an easy-to-read and concise form, resumes are one’s ticket to get through the door. Here are a few select tips for writing a resume that is sure to paint a clear picture of your potential to employers:

1.??????Keywords Matter: Researching and Editing Accordingly

The first step to take when writing a resume is to know exactly what employers are looking for. Knowing what skills, requirements, and qualifications are expected helps the job applicant to cater their resume to the job’s demands. It is important to closely read and analyze the job posting for any keywords; then, the applicant should list whatever skills, achievements, and experiences are compatible with the job description. Making slight edits each time an individual applies for a job is ideal: the more relevant the resume’s information is, the higher the likelihood of being hired.

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2.??????Using a Resume Template

Resume templates are a great tool for organizing a resume in a visually appealing way, while also guaranteeing that all the main elements of a resume are included. Templates of this sort have designated areas on the page for professional experience, education, achievements and awards, skills, etc. These serve as an example for jobseekers to create their own unique resume: the font, font size, and vocabulary in the template can also serve as guidance for those beginning their own resume writing. Here are multiple CareerHub-certified resume templates to use as reference.

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3.??????Using a Professional Font and Active Vocabulary

Font and vocabulary form a significant part of the professional appearance of a resume. Arial and Times New Roman font, sized 10-12, are the best fit for this type of writing. Additionally, resume writers should ensure they use active vocabulary when listing their experience. Using active verbs, like “achieved,” “assisted,” “earned,” creates the effect of a more concise resume. Active language has a significant effect on an employer’s perception of an individual, as it signals that the applicant’s experience is fresh and is an achievement that can be put to good use if the individual is hired.

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4.??????Proofreading is Key

Upon finishing a resume, it can be instinctual to submit it right away. However, taking the time to proofread and edit can impact the chances of being hired for the better. Going over a resume by oneself is part of this process: making sure to correct any errors in grammar or spelling, as well as the type of language used. Applicants should not stop there: submitting a resume for review in the CareerHub, making an appointment with a Career Specialist, and asking for suggestions from teachers, family, and friends, can help tweak and perfect any minor details before its sendoff.

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Take advantage of the resources available to you as an HCC Eagle! For more information on Career Fairs, visit the Career Services Website or CareerHub.?