Creating a resume can be time-consuming. It is a project that takes time, effort, and careful thought. Establish an adequate amount of time and choose a place where you have access to a computer and the Internet. Career centers and public libraries can provide access to the tools and resources you will need. Consider the following when writing your resume:
Look for examples of resumes in your field
Reading examples of resumes relevant to the kind of job you want can give you ideas for wording or skills to highlight in your own resume. However, be careful not to copy sample resumes and claim them as your own. Use example resumes as a reference only. The goal is to create a resume that describes your own skills and accomplishments. Copying a resume may lead to difficulties later on in the interview process.
Example resumes in a variety of fields are available on Indeed and UCI’s Division of Career Pathways.
Use keywords from the job posting
Choose a job posting that interests you and look for keywords that the company values. The keywords you select from the job posting to add to your resume should be relevant to your own skills and experiences. The most important keywords in job postings are usually found in the “Qualifications” or “Requirements” section of the job description. Reviewing a company’s website is another great way to find more keywords. Search the “About Us” section of their website to find their “Mission Statement” or “Core Values.” Ensure that your resume and/or cover letter includes these keywords. Use them to describe yourself, your work ethic, your past work experience, and your professional objectives. Keywords can demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills for the work and make your resume stand out. Some companies now use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. The ATS will scan your resume to determine if it contains the right keywords. If there are not enough, the system will automatically disregard your resume.
If you are interested in more information about keywords in resumes, The Balance Careers website offers more tips and information.
Highlight your achievements
Write about the achievements you have gained throughout your career. For example, maybe you were employee of the month or in charge of a project. This is your opportunity to show the company what you can offer and highlight your work ethic. Be sure to list your most relevant accomplishments, the more applicable they are to the job position, the stronger your resume.
Education and volunteer work is relevant
Past education and volunteer work are valid experiences to add to your resume. Describe the skills you learned in your education or volunteer work experiences to build your resume.
Proofread your Resume
- After finishing your resume:
- Take some time away from it, and then return to proofread and edit
a. Ensure that the information included is up-to-date and relevant to the specific job for which you are applying
b. Double check whether the prospective employer requests a cover letter as well. Cover letters stand out by demonstrating your eagerness to go above and beyond a resume. They are also an opportunity to express your skills and experience specific to the job for which you are applying, as well as why you are interested in this specific job and company - Ask a friend or family member to review it and give you feedback or make suggestions
- If you attend college, visit the career development center to see what resources they may have available
- Visit your local library to take advantage of free featured how-to work and career tutorials, online resource links, computer access, laptop hotspot loans, and job coaching classes.
These resources can help you better examine your resume and identify areas that can be improved.
Preparing for an Interview
Interview preparation starts with company research. Get to know the company you would like to work for and find important information that would be good to bring up in the interview. Consider these potential questions:
- Has the company done anything notable in their field?
- Have they taken part in local charities or held community events?
- Is there a connection you can make with the company?
- Who is interviewing you, and are you able to learn about them?
Review your resume while preparing for interviews
Don’t forget to review your resume before the job interview. Your resume should be tailored to the specific application/job and contains the information you will need to answer the interview questions. When answering questions, avoid reciting your resume word for word. Instead, reword or expand on your resume.
Practice common interview questions
Questions vary amongst companies and fields, but there are a few questions that are common. Basic interview questions are a quick way for interviewers to screen potential candidates. Here is a compiled list of interview questions based on common topics.
Remember the STAR Method
The STAR Method is a way of answering story-based questions. For example, when an interviewer asks, “tell me about a time you ….” answer with the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. What was the situation, what task was assigned to you or you decided to take on, what action did you take, and what was the result?
If needed create a professional portfolio
Some job positions require proof or examples of your work. For example, if you are applying for a cosmetology job you might have photos that demonstrate your skills as a hair dresser or makeup artist. Gather the needed materials ahead of time and organize them digitally, or in a folder so that they can be easily viewed. Portfolios should contain only relevant materials directly related to the job, or close enough to the field to be of note. Some examples of what might be in a portfolio include: certificates, degrees, letters from former employers, awards, photos, or videos. Jobs in the arts or education field may require professional portfolios. If you want to demonstrate work from a former internship or job that may be copyrighted, be sure to seek permission first.
Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
The Balance suggests that an interviewee should ask the interviewer questions because it shows you are interested in the company and its work. It also allows you to learn more about the company and the people you may potentially work with. This may be the point where you decide if you want to work for this company or not. Keep in mind that the interview is not just for the company but for you too. Will you enjoy the work culture? Will this person be your direct supervisor? Will you work well together? Do the company’s values and the way their employees represent themselves and the company appeal to you? Does the company offer a benefits package such as health insurance and retirement?
Need more help? Here is an additional resource for what to do before, during, and after the interview.
References:
10 Resume Writing Tips To Help You Land a Position
Resume Samples and Examples To Inspire Your Next Application
Resumes and Samples
How Employers Use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Tips for Using Resume Keywords
125 Common Job Interview Questions and Answers (With Tips)
What is a Work Portfolio?
21 Job Interview Tips: How to Make a Great Impression
How To Prepare for a Behavioral Interview
Best Questions to Ask an Interviewer
Interview Tips
21 Job Interview Tips: How to Make a Great Impression