7 Tips to Help Write Your First Resume
A resume or CV (Curriculum Vitae) is an account of one’s education, work history, credentials, and other accomplishments and skills. It allows the reader to assess your qualifications, skills and motivation. Whereas a CV is more expansive and mostly used in academia, a resume is mostly used in job applications and should be tailored for the opportunity you are applying for. A resume is the first impression you make to the employer. It should explain what sets you apart from the rest.
Whether applying for an internship or first job, writing your first resume can be intimidating. Here are my top seven (7) tips for writing your first resume.
Tip 1: Always include current contact information - Most applicants forget to add this basic and very essential information on their resume. Forgetting this information makes it hard for the employer to contact you. Always include your mailing address, telephone or mobile number and your email address.
Tip 2: Leave out biological data – Employers are humans too and may subconsciously discriminate
against you because of your age, gender, race, marital status, nationality etc. It is advisable to leave out this information from your resume or CV. If the employer requires this information, it will be requested.
Tip 3: Clear objective: When writing a resume, with or without work experience, it is advisable to start with a clear objective. It’s a great way to show that you are focused and that you understand the mindset of the employer.
Tip 4: Focus on your education: Education is the next best thing to work experience. List high school, college or other job-related coursework you have completed at the top of your resume. Don’t forget to list your education certificates, achievements, awards related to the job which qualifies you for the position. It shows how skilled and qualified you are.
Tip 5: Include extracurricular and volunteer activities – Including extra-curriculum activities like sports, drama club etc shows that you have team work and communication skills. Whilst your volunteering activities shows how committed, hardworking and trust worthy you are. Maybe you volunteered as a treasurer or librarian, including this information can help boost your resume because these skills are needed in any workplace.
Tip 6: Eliminate all spelling and grammatical errors - After writing your resume it is advisable to review it or have someone else review it. Spelling and grammatical errors show the employer that you are careless.
Tip 7: Layout - Present your resume so that it is easy for the reader to follow. Do not start writing about your education before your objective. Write it in order i.e. start with contact info, then objective, academia etc. There are many applicants for the job so if your layout is clumsy, the tendency for the employer to take another person’s resume is very high.
