The job market is tough out there, especially for recent graduates. Your resume is one of the most important tools you have to make a good impression on potential employers. This post combines tips for creating your resume with advice from Yencil co-founder Les Ragsdale, who talks about entering the workforce after college and putting your best foot forward during the hiring process.
Crafting a powerful and concise summary on your resume is one of the most important steps when you're aiming to get your very first job out of college. Your professional summary should not only emphasize the skills and qualifications that make you an ideal candidate, but it should also give recruiters and hiring managers a glimpse into who you are as an individual. Try your best to make it dynamic, focusing on things like experiences outside of academia or any volunteer projects that set you apart from the competition. As Les pointed out, "make yourself marketable. Think about what the employers are looking for and tweak your resume to fit their criteria."
One of the most important elements to include in your resume is your education, as it demonstrates your knowledge and experience. Make sure that you list the degree that you earned, along with any additional relevant coursework, such as advanced classes in a particular subject and internship positions that you held during college. Les acknowledged that after graduation you may not have a lot to put on your resume other than your education. That's okay! Many employers want someone who they can train.
When it comes to preparing your resume for the job hunt, every relevant work experience should be included. This can be taking on an internship role, working on a project with a professor, or even employment in an unrelated field to your desired career – each of these positions can add valuable knowledge and skills that better prepare you for your chosen career. Even if this work was completed outside of the related field, be sure to include it as it can show employers your self-motivation, dedication and capability. Use this opportunity to reflect on these experiences and showcase yourself as the ideal job candidate.
Taking initiative in previous roles is key to creating an effective resume that can help you stand out and get your first job. Crafting your accomplishments with strong and meaningful action verbs is a great way to express what you have achieved. Using more active terms such as “initiate”, “influence”, “maximize”, or “explore” can add detail and impact to meaningful achievements. Having the right words to show potential employers the skills you possess will help them envision how you fit into their current workplace. For action verbs that cover different scenarios, check out this post by the University of Colorado Boulder.
Before showing off your skills and accomplishments to employers, make sure your resume is in it’s best form. Carefully proofread for any grammatical errors and typos. Read through the resume again and again, guaranteeing the information is concrete, accurate and clear. Ask a friend or family member to review the resume to provide honest feedback, allowing them to provide a fresh pair of eyes for things that you may have missed. Finally, double check all contact information is correct before submitting.
Your resume does not summarize who you are, especially when you have just finished college. If you are looking at your resume and it seems like there should be more experience or technical skills, know that those come with time. Employers aren't expecting a perfect resume, they want you to put your best foot forward and show them your education and experience in a clear, concise manner. Les knows how intimidating this process can be, which is why he uploaded a Modern Resume Template to Yencil. If you are struggling with creating your resume for the job search, this template may help you get started.