How to Add Extracurricular Activities and Academic Projects to Your Resume
The paradox of applying to jobs as a new college graduate is that you may have little relevant work experience...
When was the last time you refreshed your resume? If you need motivation to clean it up, here it is: September is International Update Your Resume Month!
Unlike a curriculum vitae (CV), which is a comprehensive document detailing your education, research experience, certifications, licenses, awards, and professional affiliations, a resume is a short summary of your work history and skills.
There are three types of resumes:
Regardless of which format you choose, your resume should be no more than one or two pages. If it’s longer than that, it’s time to cut the fat.
Once you’ve decided on a format, here are some tips to modernize and refresh your resume
Instead of long paragraphs, use easy-to-skim bullet points.
Did you know over 99% of Fortune 500 companies use an ATS of some kind? Many smaller businesses do, too. It’s not uncommon for an ATS to scan and filter incoming resumes, forwarding only the most “best fit” resumes to hiring teams.
Some resumes are more difficult to scan than others. When refreshing your resume, it helps to understand the basics of resume-scanning technology. Most ATS algorithms look for specific keywords, especially words matching those used in the job description. To increase the likelihood that your resume makes it past an ATS, try to incorporate skills that come up more than once in the job posting or appear near the top of the requirements and responsibilities sections.
While we’re on the topic of modernizing your resume, have you considered creating a video resume? This is a great accompaniment to a traditional resume that gives you the perfect opportunity to showcase your personality. While video resumes are usually optional, they are becoming as commonplace as video interviewing.
Keep your video resume short and sweet (between one and two minutes), and don’t just repeat what’s on your resume. Speak directly into the lens of your camera, introduce yourself, and explain why you applied for the job and what you can offer the employer. Invite them to contact you to learn more!
Whether you’re currently working or on the job hunt, it’s always a good idea to keep your resume up-to-date. Employed individuals who regularly document their accomplishments and career milestones can use this to negotiate a promotion. And, of course, unemployed and underemployed people can use their updated resume to land the job of their dreams. Use International Update Your Resume Month as a way to spearhead success in your career.
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