A résumé is defined as “a brief account of a person’s education, qualifications, and previous experience, typically sent with a job application.” With a ramped-up résumé, you can greatly increase your odds of moving successfully through the hiring process.

Tip 1: No Work Experience, No Problem!

You may be thinking, “I can’t produce a résumé. I’ve never worked a day in my life!” If that is the case, think again! Have you ever participated in an organized event, volunteered, free-lanced, or done chores around the house? Many of the skill sets required to complete these tasks are things that employers look for when hiring for entry-level positions. Don’t discredit yourself and your capabilities. After all, we all have to start somewhere right?

Tip 2: Reverse Chronological Order is Your Friend

Whether it’s your education, job history, volunteer experience, or interests, you should follow reverse chronological order. That means you should always place your most recent activity first. Remember, a resume is brief, so there’s no need to go back any farther than 7-10 years. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to see your most recent accomplishments.

Tip 3: No Go on the Typos

Be sure to proof-read your résumé for grammatical errors and typos. It shows the hiring manager that you care enough about your work to make sure it is correct. It also keeps the hiring manager from making presumptions about you being lazy or unfocused. First impressions are vital when conducting your job search. Make sure your résumé is helping to present the best you possible.

Tip 4: No Exaggeration Necessary

Sometimes you may feel like a little embellishment, white lie, or “exaggeration” on a résumé is necessary. DON’T DO IT! Hiring managers are looking for qualified and trustworthy individuals to add to their teams, you don’t want to start off on a lie. It’s OK that you were a bit of a job hopper or have gaps in your employment. By addressing the issue truthfully and with legitimate explanations, you’ll make it less of an issue for the employer.

Tip 5: Tailor your Résumé to the Industry

Although you consider yourself a Jack/Jill of all trades you don’t need to include skill sets that are not relevant to the position you’re applying for on your résumé. It is perfectly fine to omit information if it serves no purpose to the position. For example, you may have a well-rounded industrial background. However you wouldn’t submit the same résumé for a forklift driver position as you would for a weaver position. It can also be helpful to change your opening statement or objective to match the specific company or position.

With these tips in mind you can go forth and create a stunning résumé that presents the “youiest you” possible! If you need some help getting started on your ramped-up résumé,you can download 5 free résumé templates courtesy of MAU!

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