Whether the job interview is for your dream job or perhaps a job that will be but a stepping stone to bigger and better positions along your career path, you will first need to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. A well-written resume is the calling card that will land you that job interview with a recruiter or hiring manager.
The truth is that you possess the skills and personal attributes that recruiters and hiring managers are looking for. In this short article, we will show you how to best highlight the value you can bring to a company. It will share some tips for writing a great resume to help you land your next job.
Let the Recruiter Write Your Resume for You
The object of a resume is to show the recruiter or hiring manager that you are the applicant they are looking for. What is the better way to accomplish it? Use the same descriptives, the exact words that this staff uses themselves?
The job offer you reply to will include a description of the ideal candidate. Use the exact words that appear in the job offer. The more obvious you make it, the better.
Using the same words in your resume that appear in the job description will require you to slightly tweak your resume for each job you are applying for. It is always a good idea. And it does come with a few benefits. For example, using the exact words that are found in a job description will:
- Show the company that one fits the profile of the ideal applicant.
- Show the company that one has made a concerted effort to tailor a resume specifically for them. This shows them that one really wants the job. So, they do not simply waste their time by casting a wide net in a job search.
- Show the company that one is willing and able to adapt or conform to what the company wants.
Highlight Your Soft Skills
Soft skills (also known as transferable skills) refer mostly to how you work as opposed to what you can do. These types of skills range from interpersonal (how you are able to interact and work with others), communication, organization, ability to prioritize, etc.
Soft skills are highly regarded by recruiters and hiring managers. What’s nice about soft skills is that they can be demonstrated even without prior work experience.
For example, an ability to prioritize and stay organized can be demonstrated by how you handled and successfully completed your university workload.
Your teamwork and communication skills can be demonstrated by any type of group activity you were involved in. These can be social groups, athletic programs, volunteer work, etc.
You can also draw on your personal life to demonstrate how effective you are at adapting to new environments. And how easily or effectively you were able to assimilate new information or new processes.
Express Passion and Enthusiasm
A common flaw in resume writing is that it is often treated as a simple and cold itemization of skills, attributes, and prior work experience. While these elements are important, it is easy to end up with a dry resume or one lacking passion and enthusiasm.
When you describe the different situations you’ve been in prior work experience (volunteer programs, social groups, etc.), it is in your best interest to express what you loved about these experiences. Show the recruiter or hiring manager that you bring positive energy to the tasks and responsibilities you are given.
You want the recruiter or hiring manager to come away from reading your resume with the impression that you experienced passion and enthusiasm in the activities you were involved in.
It’s important to describe what your responsibilities were, what tasks you carried out, and what skills you used to carry them out. But what is equally important? Are the passion and enthusiasm you brought to or took from the experience? Describe what you loved about the experience. Share what excited you about the challenges you were faced with.
Everyone wants a colleague, employee, or team member who is positive, passionate, and enthusiastic. So, make it a priority to make these characteristics leap off your resume.
Ways in Which You Can Express Passion and Enthusiasm
If you were involved in an internship, write and post an internship reflection paper online.
If the job you are applying for requires written communication, write and post a movie review or a literature review online. (It should be about a work you love and are passionate about.)
Make sure the person reading your resume will come with a clear understanding of:
- What you find fun about a job or activity.
- What positive interpersonal exchanges you can experience.
- What you will learn from the activity that you find interesting and are eager to explore further.
In a Nutshell
Recent graduates may feel intimidated by writing a resume as they don’t have much prior work experience. That is not a problem. Instead, fill your resume with soft skills, interpersonal skills, and work-method-related skills. Use the exact language that appears in the job description you are responding to. And make sure the reader comes away with a clear impression of your passion and enthusiasm.
Rachel R. Hill is a real educational devotee. She prides in writing exceptional general guides while listening to every need of students.
Comments
Thank you for your positive feedback! Indeed, every graduate has unique strengths and potentials that can shine through in a well-prepared resume. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out.