Refining Your Resume Further

Successful job applications lie in customising your resume to suit each role you’re applying for!

The saying “You reap what you sow” is very applicable when it comes to job applications, pun intended. So don’t underestimate the importance of tailoring each resume you send out.

Tweak your resume strategically for each application so that it’s directed and relevant to the role in question, thus increasing your chances of being shortlisted for the next round of the recruitment process!

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Take keywords from the job description

Work your magic on your career objective

Job descriptions for roles tend to contain keywords that encompasses desired qualities and skill sets. So your resume would need to show that you have the necessary academic qualifications, personality traits and professional experiences – whether from part-time jobs or internships – to fit the role.

So hook and reel in the recruiter with your resume at first glance by including keywords from the job description!

Before you begin jotting down your academic and work experience in your resume, include one to three lines about your career objectives at the very top to create a touch of magic.

Akin to sprinkling some fairy dust all over your resume, making your career goals and areas of expertise known immediately may just be the impetus recruiters need to read on.

Moreover, recruiters and hiring managers often have to wade through thick stacks of resumes for any one position, so take the initiative to make their lives easier by adding a clearlywritten career objective that shows why you’re exactly what the company needs.

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Show off

There’s no need to be afraid of showing off your skills and experience in your resume; it won’t exactly come across as bragging if you’re merely stating your skills and experience. Keep in mind that employers are always keeping an eye out for talented candidates and award winners who’ve made their mark in any field.

Include all noteworthy achievements, skills and experiences so that you can get a chance to talk about them during the interview if you’re called in. Let your awards and experiences be the shining leads in your resume!

Recruiters and hiring managers have a marked preference for candidates with training and experiences relevant to the position they’ve posted. So take a shot at maximising your chances of getting an interview by stating your exposure in the areas of work you’re applying for.

For instance, if you’re a fresh graduate applying for a role in business development, make sure you include any experience you have that shows your interpersonal skills and resourcefulness in your resume.

This can range from leading a sports team to achieving goals set out, securing a grant for a final-year project, or even receiving compliments from customers over the course of a part-time job.

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Play up your experiences and transferable skills

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Show why you’re meant to be there

On top of professional and academic pursuits, every new hire comes with their own personal passions and interests that usually influences their career performance. So if you have a calling for a particular role or feel a connection to it, show it clearly in your resume; employers want to know if your personal values are aligned to the company’s mission and vision.

For example, non-profit organisations will keep a look out for candidates with voluntary experience as it speaks of their personal inclination to social causes.

Finally, clean up any clutter in your resume. Leave out any information not related to the role you’re gunning for, and ensure each fact and detail mentioned is highly relevant.

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Trim the fat