Why having a good resume is vital in todays job market
Due to current technological changes, having resumes typed out and on a computer is more important than ever. With that being said, the way that hiring managers look at your resume also has. Hiring managers are posting jobs online, and receive resumes from distances further away than previously known. Because of the online format, your resume will be read online too. The words that you include in your resume are just as important as the format.
The length is important
When you exiting high school, or college, your resume should be no longer than a page. The page will not be turned over, so do not waste any effort on it. The average hiring manager spends about 6 seconds on a resume, and the average hiring manger does not read two pages thoroughly in 6 seconds. Keep this fact in mind, you want it as short and concise.
What you include, shows who you are
You want to tailor a resume to the position so that you look like the most qualified applicant. While a hiring manager will make the final decision, most online applications are first screened by a computer. If there are any words that stand out on the online forum, make sure that you include them. Some programs will even weed out applicants that do not have key terms listed. Also having soft skills listed is a good idea. Because they are applicable to most job types, these words give the appearance that you are a good fit.
You do not need to make a new resume for each job application, just think if your resume matches the application. Do not think that you need to make a new resume for every job application, just consider if your skills listed make sense with those by those that are required? Does your experience meet those expectations?
Things to not include
While it is important to be personal, and have information listed on the application that is unique to you. Do not include personal information that is not related to the actual job. Unless there is a very strong relation to the job that you are applying to, do not include the one week job that you held when you were 8 years old.
There is saying that states that hiring mangers spend less than 2 minutes on a single resume. Even though there is not scientific research that has confirmed this fact, it is not to say that it would be strange if they actually only spend this short period of time. Make every second worth it, stand out on your resume as a real person who is really able to complete the job that you are applying for.
Career One Stop also has some very valuable information about how to improve and write your resume on their website in there resume guide.
We will have guest speakers in the future come to the high school to discuss this information, so stay tuned for information about those upcoming opportunities.
“If you’re offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat! Just get on.” — Sheryl Sandberg