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A well-written resume can set you up for academic and professional success. A resume is a one-page document that concisely summarizes your academic achievements, work experience, and skills. But who needs a resume, and how can you create an excellent one?
Let’s take a closer look at the purpose and benefits of a resume. We’ll also give our top three tips for creating a professional resume that will help your applications stand out.
4 Benefits of a Well-Written Resume
Creating a good resume requires effort and time, but it’s worth the investment. Here are four advantages of a well-written resume.
Who Needs a Resume?
Understanding the common uses of a resume can help you decide if you should write one. The primary purpose of a resume is to outline your qualifications for jobs, scholarships, or other opportunities. The reader can skim the document to see if you’re a competitive candidate.
Creating a resume can be a useful exercise for anyone, but two types of people typically need this document:
- Job Seekers. Many employers require job applicants to submit a resume, along with other materials like a cover letter and letters of recommendation. Most advertised jobs get dozens or even hundreds of applications. Companies use resumes to assess candidates’ qualifications and select who they want to interview. A professionally written resume helps job seekers make a solid first impression and show off their relevant experience and skills.
- Students. High school and college students frequently need a resume to apply for academic opportunities. Some colleges and universities require students to provide resumes when applying for undergraduate or graduate programs. Plus, grant and scholarship applications frequently ask for resumes.
Even if you don’t fall into one of these categories right now, it can be a good idea to create a resume and update it occasionally. You may get a sudden opportunity to apply for your dream job, so it’s helpful always to have a resume prepared.
4 Benefits of a Well-Written Resume
Creating a good resume requires effort and time, but it’s worth the investment. Here are four advantages of a well-written resume.
1. Gives You an Edge Over Other Candidates
A professionally written resume is a powerful marketing tool that helps your application stand out. You can highlight your relevant accomplishments and suitability for a position or educational program, so the reader can see how well you’d fit into their organization.
Additionally, many employers want to hire people with strong communication skills. A well-crafted resume shows that you know how to write and format professional documents — two valuable skills that other candidates may lack.
2. Helps You Leave a Lasting Impression on the Hiring Manager
Hiring managers spend an average of six seconds skimming a resume. An informative and visually appealing resume makes a strong positive impression on the reader and shows you’re serious about the job. Also, an employer is more likely to remember your application if you make it easy for them to see your qualifications.
Plus, tailoring your resume to a specific position shows you’ve taken the time to research the company and the job. Employers want to hire people who are excited to join their organization, so showing initiative can help you beat the competition.
3. Showcases Your Strengths and Achievements
An effective resume calls attention to the applicant’s accomplishments and relevant skills. A potential employer can use these details to evaluate whether you have what it takes to succeed in a new role. For example, an applicant for a computer science role could create a resume that includes their computer science degree, job history, and the programming languages they’ve studied.
4. Opens Doors to More Career Opportunities
Your resume can help you advance your career by unlocking new opportunities. Use your resume to keep track of your accomplishments as you complete a degree or gain work experience. For instance, you may help launch a program that significantly increases your company’s customer retention rates. You can use this information to secure a promotion, apply for a more advanced job at another company, or change career fields.
Helpful Tips for Building an Impressive Resume
Creating a resume can seem intimidating, but anyone can build a persuasive and professional document. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Tailor Your Resume Objective for Each Role
A resume objective is a one- or two-sentence statement at the top of the resume briefly describing your career goals and qualifications. You should mention the job title you’re applying for and your greatest strengths. Write a new resume objective for every application to demonstrate why you’re an excellent fit for each specific position.
Here’s an example of a strong resume objective: “Highly motivated computer science graduate seeking to contribute my knowledge of data analytics and programming as a full-time software developer for a leading tech company.”
2. Optimize Your Resume With Keywords
Companies increasingly use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems search the documents for relevant keywords and eliminate irrelevant applications. Improve your chances of passing through an ATS by examining the job description and including important terms used in the posting throughout your resume. For example, an advertisement for an editor position may have keywords like “AP style,” “proofreading,” and “publishing.” Mention these terms to demonstrate that you have the appropriate skills.
3. Strengthen Your Skills
Make yourself a more competitive applicant by studying job advertisements for your chosen career and noting the qualifications that appear most frequently. Take the time to brush up on any skills you lack. For instance, a data scientist may need strong math skills, while a public relations consultant requires excellent writing abilities. Online tutoring services or classes can help you strengthen these abilities quickly.
Improve Your Math Skills With the Help of an Online Tutor
Applying for jobs or academic opportunities can be stressful but exciting. You can increase your chances of success by creating a well-written resume that shows off your achievements, abilities, and expertise. Writing a resume is also a great opportunity to detect and fix any gaps in your knowledge.
If you want to apply for a job or program that requires strong math skills, you can give yourself a leg up by working with a math tutor for adults or children. Tutoring has many benefits, like improving confidence and opening new career opportunities. Contact Alexander Tutoring today to learn more about our services and schedule a free lesson with one of our expert tutors.
