How to write a Resume/CV
When you’re applying for a job, a great CV is essential. Lets find out what to include and what to avoid for the best chance of getting an interview.
As summer approaches and graduation nears for the class of 2024 students may be beginning to look for jobs and internships. In applying to these positions, you typically need a resume that summarizes your professional experiences and is usually one page in length at the start of your career.
Regardless, whether you are a soon-to-be-graduating student or seasoned professional, having an updated and tailored resume is important should opportunities arise. Here are some helpful tips from Texas Career Engagement to get your resume ready and in tiptop shape:
1. Be strategic
Your resume isn’t a list of everything you’ve ever done. Carefully curate the experiences that best capture your skills and problem-solving abilities. Rather than using generic headers like “work” and “volunteering,” use tailored headings that are more descriptive of your experiences to group similar positions together, such as “research,” “international experience,” “teaching experience” and “leadership experience.”
2. Keep it consistent
No matter what formatting choice you make, maintain editorial consistency by using that format throughout the document. For example, if one header is in a bold font, make sure all headers are bolded. Each position on your resume should include a title, place of employment, location and date range or year. Resumes that are free of errors with consistent formatting convey attention to detail and professionalism.
3. Include a variety of experiences
Paid employment isn’t the only thing that matters to employers. Leadership positions, student organizations, volunteering, internships, service-learning, philanthropy, projects, freelancing, study abroad and part-time positions can all be great examples of your skills and personality. In professional documents, how you write about your experiences often matters more than the experiences themselves.
4. Think like an employer
Employers spend an average of six seconds per resume (at least at first glance!). Take the time to scan your document with fresh eyes and to make sure everything on the page is relevant for the specific job for which you’re applying. You want employers to clearly see the connection between your experience and their open position.
5. Keep it visually balanced
The form and function of a resume is for an employer to quickly scan and get an overview of your professional experience. Strong resumes have a balance of black and white space, meaning you want to avoid an overwhelming amount of text or an overwhelming amount of empty space. Pick a legible font and avoid using text smaller than 10 points. Don’t include any photos and keep graphics to a minimum. If you choose to use color text, make sure everything is legible when the document is printed in black and white.
Do the preparation task first. Then read the article and do the exercises.
When you’re looking for work, you need an attractive, clear and memorable CV (curriculum vitae) that shows your potential employer all the skills and experience you have for the job.
qualifications and work experience, here are eight useful tips to think about.
1. Keep it short … but not too short!
Your CV should be one to two sides of A4 paper. If you find you’ve got too much information, summarize and select the most relevant points. If it’s shorter than a page, consider including more information about your skills and the responsibilities you had in your previous roles.
2. Use active verbs.
When you describe what you have achieved in previous jobs, use active verbs for a strong positive effect on the reader. For example, to make a change from was responsible for, use verbs like led or managed (a team / a project); created or developed (a product / a positive atmosphere); delivered (results/training); and provided (support/training).
3. Fill in the gaps.
Avoid leaving gaps in your employment history. If you were travelling the world, on maternity leave or looking after small children, include that in your CV.
4. Make sure it’s up to date.
Always ensure your CV is up to date. Include your most recent experience at the top of each section.
5. Don’t exaggerate or lie.
Your potential employer can easily check information about where you have studied and worked. Don’t be tempted to lie or exaggerate about your expertise, because sooner or later this will be discovered and may result in you losing the job.
6. Spend time on the layout.
Make sure your CV is clear and easy to read. Use bullet points and appropriate spacing, keep your sentences short, line up your lists neatly and use a professional-looking font (e.g. Arial font size 12).
7. Check for mistakes.
Mistakes on a CV create a bad impression. Use spell check, reread your CV and ask someone else to check it for you too before you send it.
8. Include a cover letter.
When you send your CV to apply for a job, you should send it with a cover letter or email to introduce your application. The cover letter should show your personal interest in the role, highlight the skills and experience you bring and encourage the employer to read the attached CV.
Writing a good CV takes time and is hard work, but these tips and your effort will help you get the best possible start in your job search. Good luck!