Small and Powerful Updates to Make to Your Resume

Resume Tips

The best thing you can do for your career, especially if you’re looking for a new job is to update your resume. 

It’s the first thing hiring managers to see when they’re going through candidates, and it’s in your best interest to make your achievements and talents stand out. 

But how do you make the most of your work experience? How can you best tell your story? 

Here are some tips on how to polish your resume and be sure to stand out from the crowd. 

It’s OK to leave off older jobs

There comes the point in your career where your early jobs aren’t necessarily indicative of what you’re doing now, or where you want to go. Older jobs are often the first to fall off the first page of your resume, so in the name of expediency and playing up your current and most recent work experience, it’s perfectly acceptable to leave out jobs you had 10 or 15 years ago or more. You can always discuss those jobs and the skills you’ve learned along the way during an interview if those experiences are relevant. 

What’s your objective? Spell it out

Add a mission statement or objective to the top of your resume, clearly explaining the kind of position you’re hoping to secure. If the job you’re applying to is a big change from your current position, use this opportunity to explain why you’re looking to expand your career. If you’re new to the working world, this statement can be used to show how you want to apply your skills to the job you’re applying for and why you’d be a good candidate. 

Update your current experience 

This is a good practice to get into even if you’re not looking for a job because you never know when an opportunity will come along. Have you added any new skills or attended any pieces of training? Do you have any certifications that aren’t yet included? Have you received any awards or accolades? Use strong, active words to highlight what you’re doing now to let a potential manager know how you’d be an asset to their team. 

Update the format 

If your resume is written in paragraphs, change those to bullet points. This will help your achievements and responsibilities stand out more and will be easier to read than blocks of text. Remember to use numbers whenever possible: include sales increases, cost savings, efficiencies achieved, etc. These will stand out! Also, make sure that the same font size and style are used throughout your resume (and cover letter). It might not seem like a big deal, but it shows that you’re paying attention to detail and that you’re consistent in your presentation. 

Have someone else read your resume 

It’s very easy to get “copy blind” to a document you’ve read and reread, written and rewritten many times. Have someone you trust to give it a look-over and get their feedback. They might see typos or incomplete thoughts that you’ve missed. They might also remember an achievement or success you’ve left off that could be worth noting. 

Your resume is the most important document in your portfolio when looking for a job. It tells your story before you’ve had a chance to introduce yourself in a phone call. Do everything you can to keep it current and looking great. 

Contact Debbie’s Staffing

When you’re ready to actively look for a new job, or if you’re just curious about what positions are available, contact Debbie’s Staffing. We work with some of the top companies in the industry and know who’s looking for candidates just like you to help fill out their team. Call us today and let’s get started toward your great new job! 

Debbie's Staffing