So this is it — you’ve graduated college and you are standing around scratching your head, thinking “Now what?”
Well, you didn’t spend all this time at the University of West Florida for nothing. It’s time to get a job, and the best way to do that is to write an impressive resume.
Though it sounds like an easy task, writing a resume can be tricky. You want to make sure your resume stands out and says something about yourself — something a potential employer would want in an employee.
First, you need to do research in the industry you are looking to enter. If there is a format or style commonly used among those applying in your field, consider using it. Don’t be afraid to do a lot of looking around; there are countless resumes online to look at for examples.
Next, sit down and think about the basics. Is your e-mail address professional? If not, create one that is. This simple step may be a good idea that can help you keep track of your opportunities.
Be honest when writing your resume. A lie may land you an interview, but you will be found out eventually. Write out everything you want to include initially, then trim it down to one page. A resume should only be one page, unless you have over 10 years of relevant job experience.
Make sure all information on your resume is relevant to the position you are applying for. If need be, write more than one resume — you want to be as specific as possible. List what you have achieved in your various positions, not your responsibilities. Quantify your achievements as well. For example, instead of saying sales went up, say “sales increased by 40 percent in two months.”
Naturally, a college graduate will have less job experience than someone who has been in the work force for a few years, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have achievements to share. If you are in public relations, but have not had a job in that field, list projects you’ve worked on. If you have been honored or recognized for something relating to that type of work be sure to include it, as well as any leadership positions you have held.
Don’t be afraid to list any other skills you have that pertain to your work. If you don’t toot your horn, no one else is going to do it for you.
Many resumes include an objective statement. This is your chance to tell your potential employer exactly what you want to get out of the job. It should be very specific and only one or two sentences long. Don’t use generic statements such as “A good job that pays well.” Instead, say something like, “To help children and families in troubled situations by using skills acquired in social work.” Always target the position you are applying for.
Avoid using “I” or “me” at all costs — they already know this resume is referring to you alone.
Above all, your resume should highlight why you are qualified for the job you are applying for, which is why many people write multiple resumes. Find key words for that field through your research of resumes and job ads to see which words are used frequently.
Use the words relating to your industry in your resume, but only use the keywords that apply to you. Be careful not to load it down, or it will turn off a potential employer.
Finally, read your resume. Then read it again. Then have your friends and family read it. Make sure you have as many people view it as possible to give you feedback and point out mistakes in grammar or spelling — anything incorrect is sure to set you in a bad light.
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