So, you are back on job hunt or looking for your first job…. This can be stressful and frustrating! It is time to dust off your resume writing skills and get to work. Remember, it is crucial that you tailor your resume to the specific job that you are applying for! One tool that I use is what I call my “Master Resume”. I put together all my old resumes, job descriptions, and achievement into one all encompassing resume. When I apply for a new job, I pull bits and pieces from my “Master Resume” and use them to match my resume closely with the job posting.
Another tool that I use when job hunting is using excel to track what positions I have applied for and who the recruiter/hiring manager is. If you are a recent graduate, this is a great tool as you are trying to get your foot in the door, and it is likely that you will be talking with a lot of potential employers. It makes it easy when you have a recruiter call you back and you can quickly pull up the basic information about when and with whom you have already spoken with.
Formatting Your Resume
When it comes to resume formatting, there a couple different formats the traditional chronological resume, a combination resume, and a federal resume. Most of the time a chronological resume is a strong way to go. All you do is list your previous jobs in order from your most current position moving back in time. Try to keep your resume to a single page, one sided. If you need to have two pages, take advantage of all the space on both pages.
If you have worked multiple jobs, only go back 10 years or so. If it has been more than 10 years since you graduated college or a trade school, do not put the graduation date. (Having a graduation date that is a long time ago opens the door for age potential discrimination… how long would you still work before retiring? etc) If you are a recent grad with little to no work experience, move your education to the top of your resume.
Formatting is critical – everything should line up and looks like it is in the right place. You do not want to have random dates or bullet points starting all over the place. If your resume is hard to follow, it can show that you are not detail oriented or you really do not care about getting the job.
Show Off Your Solid Work History and Experience
While it is important to show a solid work history, it is almost more important to spend time highlighting your relevant experience. If some former jobs do not relate to your new career only put 2 or 3 bullet points for those positions. If you do have some gaps in your employment history, consider using a combination resume to showcase your related skills and experience.
With the importance of key wording and software being used to screen resumes, it is crucial to make sure you are tailoring your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Focus on correlating your resume bullet points to the duties outline on the job posting itself. The job description is telling you exactly what the company is looking for on a resume. Make sure your resume is including the key qualifications of that specific job posting and you will be just fine!
When you create bullet points, do so using powerful action verbs. Do not take a passive approach on your achievements, instead use strong words to describe what you have accomplished. Think about using words like persuaded, corresponded, executed, delegated, and established instead of words like filed, ordered, led, etc.
Now, that does not mean that you lie and put experience on your resume that you do not have! That is a big no-no! Understand though, that the recruiters and the software will be looking for those specific skills. Do not repeat the same bullet points in your resume. Make sure that all bullet points are different even though they may fundamentally say the same thing. When in doubt add bullet points directly from the job description for which you are applying. Do not cut and paste them change them slightly.
Show Off Your Special Skills and Volunteer Work
Make sure to talk about what specialized procedures, software, or technology you have experience with. Highlight any software that you may have been trained on, specifically if the job posting states a specific software or systems. For Human Resources, Workday and People Soft are examples of Human Resource Information Systems that are commonly used. Also do not simply write experiences with Microsoft Office Products, instead write experience with Microsoft Excel to include formulas, pivot tables, and V-lookups.
Volunteer work, community service and different activities or organizations are also important on your resume. If you are applying for a smaller, local business showing that you are involved with the community with a good thing! You might even consider volunteering with the company you are applying with beforehand. You will have a good chance at learning the culture of the company and building connections. Sometimes, it who you know and not how good your resume is.
Example of Resume Formatting
Full Name
City, State Zipcode
(000) 000-0000
Email Address@outlook.com
Experience
Job Title 1: Company You Worked For March 2020-current
- Identifies, builds relationships with and leverages various channels and contacts…..
- Provides coordination support, including sourcing diverse candidate pools, conducting reference checks, and following up with candidates regarding candidacy status and outcome of interview/selection process…..
- Serves as the secondary contact to employees for leave of absence and disability program….
Job Title 2: Company You Worked For Sept 2018-March 2020
- Facilitated pre-hire processing and onboarding for new hires and transfers and maintains employment information in the Human Resources Management System (HRMS).
- Conducted thorough, in-person new colleague onboarding appointments while demonstrating strong customer service skills.
- Performed routine audits on colleague information and documentation recorded in Human Resource Management System.
Job Title 3: Company You Worked For Oct 2017-Sept 2018
- Maintained security by opening/locking buildings and responding to emergency situations, coordinating with the appropriate emergency personnel as necessary.
- Serviced work orders and handled day to day operations and maintenance.
Job Title 4: Company You Worked For Oct 2011-May 2017
- Directed and supervised daily operations and maintained 100% accountability for over $2 million of weapon systems and equipment in the Arms, Ammunition, and Supply Room.
- Logged over 6,500 hours patrolling and conducting law enforcement activities including physical security checks, arrest procedures, criminal investigations, practicing community policing leading to the completion of more than 250 detailed police reports.
Education
Bachelor of Science, Specific Major
The University or College: City, State Graduation Year
Activities and Associations
College/ University – Human Resource Association Vice-President. 2018 – 2019
- Coordinated events, activities, and developed recruitment strategies.
Drunk Driving Prevention Program: Oahu, Hawaii 2013 – 2014
- Volunteered as driver and booth worker, raising awareness about drunk driving dangers.
Relevant Course Work
- Human Resource Management
- Employee Staffing and Training
- Employee and Labor Relations
- Interpersonal Communication
- Compensation and Benefits
- Human Resource Law
So, after you have crafted a resume that matches the job posting take a break, come back and review the whole thing. Double check your formatting grammar, and spelling. Ask a friend, roommate or even your mom to red ink it. Once it is 100% good to go, pair it up with your unique cover letter and apply for that job! But, don’t forget to prepare for your interview once you get that call from the recruiter!
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