You're a recent graduate and ready to craft your first resume. As you embark on your journey to craft the perfect resume, it becomes quickly apparent that a typical resume format for a recent graduate (or entry-level candidate) may be quite elusive. Contrary to popular opinion, there are no rigid rules for college graduates when structuring a resume.
Since each graduate has unique requirements, backgrounds and attributes - even crafting a two-page resume is no longer taboo. The rationale is quite simple: Attempting to incorporate too much content into a confined, traditional one-page resume may result in an unappealing cluttered document littered with bullets.
The importance of visual appeal
If your resume lands in a stack on the desk of a hiring manager, instinctively he will scan and gravitate to the resume that is uncluttered and visually appealing (even if it spans two pages). If the initial judgment call is "too cluttered and cumbersome to read," your hard work may be redirected to a circular bin. To err on the side of caution, if employing a second page, make certain your resume covers at least half of the second page.
Provide a glimpse of yourself
The archaic "Job Objective" has gone the way of the dinosaur. Near the top of your resume, under your contact information and branding ("Accountant," "Registered Nurse" or "Project Manager"), incorporate your "Profile" section. This paragraph is a combination of tangible and intangible characteristics that defines your unique image, differentiates you from other candidates and demonstrates your value to the organization. Each company has its own distinct set of problems that require addressing. Your profile statement is your sales pitch, which underscores how you solve these corporate issues through your leadership, technical proficiency and expertise.
Emphasize your scholastics
Your "Education" section (typically located under your profile) is your path to success. This section includes your degree, major, university, academic achievements and volunteer activities. There is absolutely no ambiguity regarding the powerful influence of scholastics when potential entry-level candidates are screened. Seize the opportunity to list honors such as the dean's list and your GPA (if over 3.0). If you participated in a study-abroad program, list it. Incorporate your core course concentration for your major. It serves to underscore the scope of your expertise and adds invaluable keywords that will improve your chances for an interview hit (especially if an Applicant Tracking System is employed).
Work experience
As a recent or pending graduate, ensure you incorporate relevant work experience. Washing floors at a local doughnut chain, although admirable, will not impress a hiring manager unless you're applying for a custodial role. Filling an "Employment Experience" section with irrelevant part-time jobs will not motivate the reader and will only compromise your immediate objective. If an internship has a direct correlation with your major, ensure it's listed on the first page under "Internships" or "Professional Experience," as opposed to "Employment Experience."
Overcome a hurdle - humility
Writing about yourself is not intended to be an easy task. Your resume is a persuasive sales document. Humility is the greatest deterrent to crafting an inspiring resume. By overcoming your humility and emphasizing your achievements, you immediately increase your success rate for a job interview. As a persuasive sales document, the sole purpose of your resume is to open the interview door. Once the door is open, the resume has performed its role.
Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes that motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal. Contact us for a free copy of our 'Interview Tune-Up Guide'.
http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com/
info@hudsonvalleyresumes.com (email), (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax), (914) 782-6714 (mobile)
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