Six Steps to Creating a Stronger Resume

Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. In this post, we'll discuss the three main resume formats, questions to ask yourself before you begin, and other relevant information that will help you land your next job.

Choose the most suitable resume format for you: Before figuring out what information you want to add to your resume, you should know that there are three main formats to choose from.?

• The first is the?chronological?format which presents your work experience in a time-based manner. It is arranged in the order of the dates you worked in your former positions, along with a summary of your duties in each.?
• The second format is the?functional?resume which focuses on highlighting your qualifications, successes, and professional achievements. In this format, you list your most relevant skills and accomplishments that are related to the position you are applying for.?
• Last but not least is the?hybrid?resume. This format is a combination of both functional and chronological formats, where you highlight your accomplishments and talents at the top of your resume and still include a list of your previous jobs in chronological order.

Adjust your resume for each company that you apply to:?Your resume should?mention the specific role and industry you're interested in applying for. Begin by asking yourself these 4 questions:?

• What role am I interested in? If you want to stand out, you should know what position you are interested in and mention it.
• What is my target company? Once you know the company you want to apply for, you are now ready to do your research to learn more about them.
• What challenges are the company going through? Add bullet-points that show how you have dealt with similar challenges.?
• How do I add value? Show what you can add to the company and how you can help them grow.?

Keep your resume one to two pages long:?It is recommended that you keep your resume concise and only one page in length. Put the best, most relevant information first. If you happen to have experience and relevant information that cannot all fit on one page, your resume shouldn't exceed two pages.

Showcase your talents with an online portfolio: If you have past work that you can showcase, create an online portfolio, using tools like Google Docs and Canva, where you can further show employers what makes you an ideal candidate. After creating your online portfolio, add it as a clickable link to your resume.?

Include accurate and relevant contact information: Include a link to your LinkedIn page, a contact number, and a professional email address so the recruiting manager may get in touch with you.

If you're a fresh graduate, showcase your achievements: Many students and recent college graduates don't have a lot of work experience to add to their resume. If that describes you, you may add extra relevant details about the awards and achievements?you received as a student in the?educational background part of your resume.

To conclude, creating a resume that stands out is essential for catching the attention of potential employers. Remember, your resume is a representation of your personal brand, so take the time and effort to make it standout.