Writing a resume can be a daunting task. The best way to approach it is to sit in a comfortable chair and start writing a list of skills from your past jobs and make notes of start and stop dates. When you are ready to write, organize the info in chronological order, with your last position first on the list. Having this information in order will serve as the heart of your resume.
Keep in mind that you might be writing more than one resume. Why? Because you will want to use the language from the actual job description for the position in which you’re applying. The best way to do this is to include keywords from the job description within your resume to showcase your qualifications.
Action verbs: One type of power word is an action verb. This kind of verb shows your ability to succeed. These words demonstrate the skills you have used in previous jobs to achieve success.
Examples of action verbs include “accomplished,” “designed,” “supervised,” and “initiated.”
Company values: To demonstrate that you are a good fit for the company, use key terms that the company uses to describe itself. Check out the company’s “About Us” web page to find this language or use the language in the job listing.
For example, if the company identifies itself as “innovative.” A word you might incorporate into your resume is “innovate” or “innovative.”
“Work-Ready Skills” or” Soft Skills” are words that relate to qualities that almost every employer is looking for in a job candidate.
For example, employers always want an employee who is responsible, passionate, and a strong leader. Try to use this kind of language to demonstrate you have these work-ready skills.
Other Keywords are words from the job listing that relate to skills or other requirements for the position. By adding these words in your resume or cover letter, you will demonstrate that you fit the requirements of the position.
Keywords might be “planned,” “quantified,” “analyzed,” “designed,” “programmed,” “taught,” or “trained.”
Industry buzzwords and jargon: Each industry has certain keywords that are important. Knowing and accurately using those words demonstrates you have the necessary hard skills. If you don’t know what these words are, search the internet for the industry and descriptions of the sector in which you are aiming to be employed.
Resume buzzwords: You can decode the buzzwords that employers use in job postings and use them to highlight the relevant skills in your resume. Sprinkle the appropriate buzzwords into your resume and cover letter to demonstrate that you are a part of the industry. Some common buzzwords are “experienced,” “expert,” “skilled,” “facilitated,” “launched,” and “demonstrated.”
Try to keep your resume to one page and be sure to include the best contact information so that you can be reached. (Create a free account at www.MCVJF.com and create a resume today!)
Best of luck to you from our team at the Maui County Virtual Job Fair.
