In today’s job market, it is more important than ever to have a well-written resume. A well-crafted and concise resume can make the difference between getting an interview or not for many companies. In fact, it might even help you land the job of your dreams. Your resume gives a prospective employer a quick snapshot of who you are as a person and what your skillset is without having to read the entire document. You only get one chance at making that first impression when you apply for jobs – be sure to take time in writing a good resume with a lot of attention to detail.
1. Understand What Employers are Looking For
A good indicator of a good resume would be that it checks all the boxes of your prospective employer. During the first screening of your resume, employers or Hiring Managers would typically look out for your work experience, internship experience, project experience, academic qualifications and any other skills that might make you a unique candidate. This can include leadership experiences, voluntary work experience or any other additional skill certifications.
Even though it might be second nature for students to list their most recent work experience at the top, what matters most is relevant work experience. If you have relevant work experience from a couple of years ago, you might want to write that at the top of your resume for a better fighting chance.
2. Ensure That Your Resume is ATS-Compliant
A well-written resume will never turn up in a recruiter’s database if it is not Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compliant – what a waste of effort! This is why every job seeker should always optimise their resume with ATS keywords to ensure that it is ATS-compliant, to ensure maximum exposure.
ATS keywords are specific words or phrases that help HR managers identify suitable candidates who meet the requirements of a specific position. ATS keywords can also include words that help sieve out qualified candidates based on required education level, specific skills, relevant experience and the industry or position.
3. Send it With a Cover Letter in a Well-Written Email
Crafting the Application Email
A resume is only as good as the email it comes with – nothing screams unprofessional more than a poorly written application email to accompany your resume. First impressions are often lasting, you definitely do not want your potential employer to remember a badly crafted email during your first interaction.
First things first, ensure that your subject header clearly states the position that you are applying for, along with a proper salutation and greeting. If you are able to find out the name of the hiring manager, do address him/her directly for a personalised touch. Be sure to double-check if you have attached your cover letter and resume before hitting the send button.
Writing a Cover Letter
A well-crafted cover letter is a nice touch on top of your resume, which can make your application stand out if executed correctly. A cover letter is a one-page document that provides a summary of all your skills and experiences, along with detailed information on why you should be considered for the position that you are applying for. Alternatively, you can also write your cover letter as part of the email body. Having a cover letter with your resume will show employers that you are serious about the position.
4. Attend PSB Academy’s Resume Mastery Workshop
If you are writing a resume for the first time or are having difficulties optimising your resume for ATS, why not attend PSB Academy’s Resume Mastery Workshop? Our Resume Mastery Workshops are typically held every quarter, or just before Virtual Career Fairs in order to help students get their resumes ready before they attend the virtual event.
Resume Mastery classes will take students through the process of crafting a good professional resume, which includes ATS optimisation and cover letter writing. Find out more online now.
TOP