If you are looking for a new job, the first thing that you need to do is put together a resume. If English isn’t your first language, writing a resume can be quite difficult. To avoid any mistakes, learn as much as you can about the process before you begin.
Use the tips below to craft an English resume that adheres to the basic standards that are followed in this part of the world.
- Include Your Contact Details At The Top Of The Page
The resume’s heading should include all of your contact details. This includes your first and last name, your physical mailing address, your email address, and a phone number where potential employers can reach you. Use a professional sounding email address to make a good impression.
- Don’t Include Personal Information
Any personal information that doesn’t directly relate to the position you are applying for should be left out of your resume. This includes how old you are, when you were born, whether you are single or married, and your Social Security number. Only add a photo if you are applying for a job where your appearance matters (e.g. a model or an actor).
- State Your Objective
In the “Objective” section, include a short statement that identifies what you want to accomplish in your career. Include the title of the position you are applying for and a quick overview of any skills you have that make you a good fit for the job.
- Highlight Your Qualifications, Skills, And Education
Your qualifications and your education should be broken into two separate sections. The Education section should include where you went to school, when you graduated, and what type of degree you received. If you haven’t been out of school long, you can also include information about your GPA. If you have been working professionally for quite a while, put the Education section after the Work Experience section. That way, you can highlight your real-world work experience.
- Include Any Volunteer Work
Adding a section for volunteer work is particularly important for people who have recently graduated and don’t have a lot of on-the-job experience. If you worked as an intern or as a volunteer, include that experience in your resume to show employers that you have the necessary skills for the job. Volunteer work also demonstrates your willingness to support your community, regardless of whether or not you are getting paid. Most employers view this type of community-mindedness favorably.
- Use Statistics And Active Verbs
Action verbs and statistics help bring your experience to life, making it easier for potential employers to understand exactly what you accomplished in the past. Don’t just write a list of your job responsibilities. Instead, include relevant statistics that demonstrate your effectiveness. For instance, if your work resulted in a direct growth in sales at your previous company, provide a statistic showing exactly how much sales grew.
- Add Job-Related Keywords
Many companies rely on computer programs to handle the initial screening of resumes. These software programs usually scan for specific keywords to identify relevant resumes. To avoid having your resume rejected by the computer, include relevant keywords from the job description.
- Add An Additional Page If Necessary
Most experts recommend limiting your resume to one page. Unfortunately, that isn’t always practical. If you decide to include an additional page, always add a header with your contact details at the top of the page. Using two pages allows you to space out the information on your resume so that it is easier to read. If the content is too crowded, the hiring manager may miss key details when scanning through the document.
- Handle Your References Correctly
Be aware that most employers request a list of references. Have this list ready to go before you apply. On your resume itself, include a line at the end stating that you can provide references if they are requested. This post discusses why including references in not necessary.
- Include A Cover Letter
The odds of getting an interview without a cover letter are relatively slim.
A cover letter allows you to present yourself in the best possible light. It showcases your writing ability and demonstrates that you have good mastery over spelling and grammar. Put extra effort into writing an excellent cover letter. When you are done, proofread it several times to catch any errors that you may have inadvertently made. You may want to have someone else proofread it, as well, since they may be able to spot mistakes that you missed.
Alpha Female Society. 