(Newswire.net — September 4, 2019) — Your resume is a critical tool when applying for a job. It doesn’t matter how experienced or qualified you are – if your resume is not up to par, you’re going to have problems getting the job you want – or even an interview. Take the time to work on your resume. So, what should a good resume include?
What Should a Good Resume Include?
This article highlights what you should include in your resume. It also offers some tips on how to ensure your resume is the best it can be as they are necessary to get a job.
Contact Details
Make sure your resume includes your name, contact phone number and email address. Although it may be a good idea in some situations to include your home address, you generally don’t have to. Avoid including your contact details in the header as recruitment software sometimes have difficulty reading the information in headers and footers.
Opening Statement
This is a summary of who you are, your expertise and/or work experience and what you bring to the job that’ll answer what employers expect. Consider making it about six lines long and write it in the first person. Start with a sentence or two about who you are and what you bring to the job. Then describe the attributes and skills you have that suit the job.
Key Skills and Strengths
Be sure to include a list of about 10 to 15 skills that link your experience to the job you’re applying for. Your list of key strengths and skills should correspond to the items advertised. Think of things you’ve learned to do or done as part of:
-
Work placements you’ve done
-
Jobs you’ve had
-
Studies
-
Volunteering
Technical/Software Skills
This is a short list of the names of technology or software you’re conversant with and know how to use. Examples might include: tools (e.g., cash registers, EFTPOS), programming languages, spreadsheet or word processing software.
Personal Attributes
If you’re not highly experienced, a list of personal attributes can be a great way to demonstrate that you’re the ideal candidate for the job. For instance, you might want to include attributes such as honesty, trustworthiness, reliability and quick to learn new things. Consider including three to five personal attributes — these will help your employer to see that you can personally grow.
Education History
Consider including only your highest level of education. There’s usually no need to include your results unless showing them provides your suitability for the job. If you can, include several few bullet points listing your academic achievements.
Employment History
When providing your work history, start with the most recent job and work backwards from there. Give the dates as well as the position titles. If you haven’t got a job before, you can use things such as volunteer work done and work experience through school.
Bottom Line
So, what should a good resume include? In addition to the things mentioned, a good resume should also include two references/referees and testimonials. Since plenty of recruitment agencies use software to scan applications, it also helps to use keywords such as skills, jobs, tools, software, qualifications and activities to help you get that interview. Although an additional step to remember is knowing how to follow up on an application.