If you want to score your dream job, you need more than just a decent employment background and the necessary skill set. You need a professional resume that highlights the skills, traits and experiences that bring value to the company and the workplace. Follow these resume tips to craft a holistic resume that snags the hiring manager's attention to increase your chances of getting an interview.
Before hiring managers get to see your resume, they must first look at your cover letter and find it interesting. Craft an eye-catching cover letter that includes a clear statement that reveals your understanding of the industry, the company's values and the position for which you are applying. A modern resume includes an email address along with other contact information, so be sure to use an email address that sounds professional. If your personal email doesn't fit this requirement, create a new one just for this purpose to make a positive first impression.
One way to create a resume that brings you closer to your dream job is to focus on your own achievements. A good resume tip is to keep it short, so instead of wasting space listing your previous employer's achievements, explain how you were instrumental in helping the company achieve its goals. Focus on the types of achievements that you can transfer to the workplace of your dream job.
When expressing your strengths and weaknesses, be honest while avoiding exaggeration. To get a clearer idea of your strengths, consider completing a personality profile test such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or StrengthFinder. Keep in mind that employers value qualities such as motivation, energy, accountability and emotional intelligence. They also prefer candidates who are good at multitasking, possess good leadership skills, are good problem solvers and work well on a team. When expressing your strengths, use concrete examples that involve successfully completed projects, received awards and other professional achievements.
The resume for your dream job should also express your passion for the industry. Explain how you can help the company tackle a specific problem, or indicate how much time you plan to dedicate to exploring new technology and innovations specific to the industry. Your statements should identify you as a self-motivated yet composed prospective employee.
On a similar note, express your interest in the company itself. Research the company by visiting its website and talking to current employees to better understand the company's core values. Also place examples in your resume of how you have shown commitment to previous employers. Project yourself as a responsible and dedicated employee if you want your dream job to become a reality.
Once your resume is finished, proofread it for accuracy, completeness, grammar and spelling. A single error can land your resume in the discard pile, so consider having one or two colleagues proofread your resume as well. Finally, follow all the employer requirements for sending in your resume to boost your chances of landing your dream job.
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