Your Winning Resume: Land Your Ideal Next Gig

You've looked through winning resume samples, and may have created a winning resume template. Here are ten expert tips to be sure you are on your way to getting your next ideal job...

Ten Expert Tips On How To Write A Winning Resume

Your job search will be much simpler if you focus not only the search, but also on your resume.

If you are doing a new job search, you should not dig out your old resume and re-use it. You can pull elements from it, but don't just regurgitate it. You want an accurate representation of your current professional self.

A Winning Resume For Your First Job

If you’re searching for your first job, rather than stepping out with a job history, you will focus on skills. List your skills, explaining where each came from and the projects where you developed them. You can draw transferable skills from:

• School experience
• Hobbies
• Side projects
• Athletic and scholastic clubs

And special training courses or programs where you earned a certificate.

A Winning Resume For Career Transitions

Changing careers or industries requires a specialized approach. You still need to update your resume, but you’ll ignore all the rules other job seekers follow. You keep the objective and the soft skills.

Follow the example of the first-time job seeker, focusing on transferable skills. Unlike the first-timer, you will draw from your previous jobs, showcasing skills that translate to the new industry. For instance, both sales and teaching require strong presentation skills and interpersonal communications.

In general, you can design an eye-catching resume, grab attention, keep it. Your goal is to create your winning resume - land your next ideal gig. Follow the expert tips below...

Your Quick Guide To Winning Resumes

• Ditch the traditional, one-size-fits-all resume. It does not represent you and your career. Be unique and authentic.
• Choose a resume designed for your career field or industry. While you should not copy, if you have not yet, look at an example of appropriate resumes for your industry.
• Use pre-written phrases for your industry. This helps your resume rise to the top because many businesses scan each resume and use a computer program to sort by keyword phrase. The resumes that use the right phrases go to the hiring manager.
• List only your most recent, most relevant experience. Avoid the temptation to list every job you’ve ever held. You should have a list of every job you’ve held, but do not put it on your resume. Save it for later in your career when requested.
• Include hard data – sales percentages, the percent by which you are exceeding goals, etc. Quantifying your success helps a hiring manager see how you could benefit their organization.
• Keep it short and sweet - one page is plenty. Ditch the objective and the soft skills.
• Use a design meant for skimming. Make it easier for a hiring manager to quickly assess you. You need for keywords and important career positions to really stand out.
• Include an infographic or other relevant graphic if it fits and contributes to the strength of your resume.
• Create an online supplement or version. You can offer the link on the hard copy. Let the companies where you apply see the work you’ve done – live and online.
• Hire a professional. A resume designer can help you craft a look, style and copy that wows everyone who looks at your resume. This is especially important for those looking for higher level management positions.

You job search will still take time, but you can speed it along. The better your resume looks and reads, the better it will perform in representing you to your industry. Help yourself by customizing your resume of experience to the industry.

RD