Preparing to face a job interview is a task that requires both time and thoughtful preparation. One of the most common yet critical questions posed during interviews is: “Walk me through your resume.” This question, seeming simple and straightforward, requires a well-thought-out and meticulously crafted response.
Through this article, we will guide you on effectively navigating your way through your resume, making this question an opportunity to shine rather than a hurdle to overcome.
Figuring out how to make the best resume can feel like trying to solve a tricky puzzle. The basics are understood by most: past jobs, qualifications, and skills. But a small but influential part is often overlooked – the words we choose, especially the strong action words.
Why does the choice of action verbs matter in your resume? This detailed guide explores the world of action verbs, showing powerful examples and illustrating how to use them to craft an outstanding resume.
Imagine immersing yourself in a good book. A common element binds it all together: the author’s use of action verbs. These energetic words make the sentences come alive, creating a clear picture for the reader. They play a similar role in your resume, transforming it from a bland list of tasks into an engaging story of your professional journey.
Action verbs are words that describe a specific action or task. When you use them in a resume, they show potential employers that you are confident and skilled. These words can make your resume stand out, showing you have the skills and experience to do well in your desired job.
In contrast to passive verbs (like ‘was’ and ‘had’), action verbs (such as ‘orchestrated’ and ‘engineered’) highlight your achievements and present prospective employers with a clear image of your capabilities. But how do you choose the most effective action verbs for your resume?
As a fresher, stepping into the job market can evoke excitement and nervousness. Without prior work experience, crafting a compelling resume that catches the attention of potential employers is an uphill battle.
But fear not! This step-by-step guide will lead you through creating an impressive resume showcasing your skills, strengths, and potential.
Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone transitioning to a new career, this article aims to help you quickly navigate the resume writing process.
A sample resume awaits you at the guide’s conclusion.
When it comes to resume formats, simplicity is the key. The reverse-chronological format works best, starting with your most recent education and moving backward, allowing employers to quickly grasp your qualifications and academic progression.
There are three basic types of popular resume formats: reverse chronological, functional, and hybrid.
Each plays a different role and highlights different but relevant skills and abilities. It’s up to you to decide which one will present you as the best candidate for the job you’re sending your resume. Choosing the right resume layout is crucial for helping you stand out.
Congratulations — you’ve landed an interview for the job of your dreams, and nailed every single question the interviewer asked you.
Now it’s just time to head home and wait for your phone to ring, right?
Not if you actually want to get the job.
Your next step after leaving the interview should be to send your interviewer a thank-you email. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or poetic, but you need to thank them for taking the time to speak with you.
A survey of employers by Career Builder found 22 percent of employers are less likely to offer a job to an interviewee if they don’t receive a thank-you note.
Eighty-six percent of those same employers feel a missing thank-you note shows a lack of ambition and follow-through.
Sending a thank-you note is another opportunity to sell yourself and your skills and to set yourself apart from the pack.
It shows how keen you are for this job and can tilt the balance in your favor if it’s a close competition between a few candidates. Read More
Whether you’re just entering the workforce or you’ve been working professionally for years, your resume is one of the most important documents for advancing your career. As the first introduction to your skills and personality, you want your resume to accurately reflect what you’re capable of.
Chances are, you’ve been told a resume should showcase your work history in a reverse chronological order. For someone who has followed a traditional path to advancing their career, this can be the best way to outline your accomplishments and relevant skills.
However, a reverse chronological resume isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes, a functional or skills-based resume just makes more sense.
But what exactly is a skills-based or functional resume and when should it be used? Let’s break down when you may want to consider using this type of resume. Read More