How to Improve Your Resume, Part 1
Maya Siegel
Co-Founder at Stories of Consent | 2024 Diana Award Recipient | Gender & Environmental Justice | Board Member at Intersectional Environmentalist
In May 2022, I hosted a resume workshop for 200+ attendees at Genz Girl Gang and Microsoft Store's “From Work to WERK: A Graduation Summit”! In this presentation, I outlined the purpose of creating a resume, the components of a resume, and tips and tools for making an effective resume. I had so much fun at the workshop and hope these tips help others too, especially fellow recent graduates! So let’s get into it.
Three Tips to Improve Your Resume:
1) Highlight your impact, not your responsibilities
HOW: Quantify your accomplishments and contextualize your role
WHY: It demonstrates the value you added and supports that you can create the same results for potential employers.
EXAMPLE:?
2) Organize your resume by priority
HOW: Think critically about why you're a great fit for the role. Have you demonstrated competency with your previous work history, academic merit, or projects? Order the main sections from best to worst fit and do the same for each experience.
WHY: Your resume won’t always be read thoroughly or fully. Demonstrate why you’re a strong candidate as soon as possible.?
EXAMPLE:?
3) Tailor your resume
HOW: Create a new version of your resume for each job you're applying to.
WHY: Every job and company combination is unique. Think critically about which of your experiences and skills best position you for the job.
EXAMPLE:?
BONUS TIP: Remember that lived experience is experience. Everyone has special skills and experiences to bring to the table and showcase through their resume. You are valuable!?
?Good luck, you’ve got this! :)