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How can I boost my resume?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering but I don’t have much job experience and I didn’t do internship because my scholarship agreement didn’t allow it. What are some ways I can boost my resume so that I can stand out among applicants? Right now I’m trying to get certified in solid works. What are some other things I can do?
#jobsearch #career

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Subject: Career question for you

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Emily’s Answer

Hi Tanya!

I would focus on the following categories: education, jobs, volunteer opportunities and organizations, and special skills/certificates.

Education - Have you taken any classes or had any academic events/experiences that are unique or can highlight some of your skills? If so, be sure to include that information in your resume. This may help you stand out compared to other applicants.

Jobs - Though you weren't able to be part of an internship, do you have past experience in any other work setting? If so, list it out and try to expand upon your experiences. If possible, try to highlight the parts of the job that relate most to the field you're interested in. Feel free to tailor your resume to the position you're applying to, as well. This can help you to look at what skills the job is looking for, and how your experience fits into that. Looking into your experiences and skills this way can also help you in the interview.

Volunteer opportunities/organizations - If you have been able to be part of any volunteer organizations or events, I would list them out and highlight the role you had. Again, if possible, try to highlight parts of the experience that relate most to the field you're interested in. Feel free to tailor your resume to the position you're applying to, as well. I would also include any clubs or other organizations you have been involved in.

Special skills/certificates - You noted you're working on getting a certification. I would absolutely include that on your resume, as well as any other special skills or certifications you have earned(also include any awards, you may even consider listing the scholarship you were awarded here). You can always note the progress you've made here, or save that as a talking point in your interview. I would also take a look at the job description and see if they're looking for any skills you know you have so you can be sure to include/highlight that as well!

Feel free to reach out with any questions! Good luck!

Best,
Emily
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Carole’s Answer

Hi tanya: If you do some volunteer work it will help you get noticed and experienced. If you did something in any of your classes especially Engineering, that you either managed the project or was a part of it, that can go on your resume and that will give the idea to the reader that you have some experience and are able to run a project and work as a team player. Were you in a project in which you were in charge of some part of it. The resume is very important, but it is also important to get experience if you don't have any yet. You need to show that you are reliable, and experienced , and that means you should look back on what you did in your Engineering classes that you could state on the resume and also go through what are the skills set that would be able to give to the company you are interviewing. You can also look up Engineering companies and see if they need an intern or an assistant to see if they have any openings for an assistant or intern because many times these jobs will lead you to get experience and maybe even they will hire you to work there full time if you show them that you are a very good worker. the more you look around and check into engineering companies the better you will feel. A friend of mine with hardly any experienced made an appoitment with the manager and They interviewed him and after a couple days he got a phone call that he didn't get that job , but there was an opening in another part of the company and he loves he job. So what I am trying to say is experience,volunteer work, researching engineering companies for part time jobs, assistant job or interns and any kind of work that you do that will be helpful for your engineering career. I wish you the best on finding a the job you would like to have. Also get a good resume book and look at some of the engineering resume's so that you can begin to research the things I wrote above.

Carole recommends the following next steps:

Find a good resume book , there are many "High impact resumes" look through books and check out what the resume should look like
Write any project that you have been involved with in which you used your skills or managed.
Ask to Shadow a person you know who is working at a job you would like to have.
Look thru the jobs on-line that are Engineering that might need assistants or interns
Tell your friends and family what you are looking for, they may know someone.
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Meighan’s Answer

Consider exploring external certifications. Two good options may be Project Management Certification and Coding certifications. Both have online course options and you can study using prep books. Either of these could be a good complement to your Engineering degree, and show additional skills on your resume.
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Debbie’s Answer

Ways I recommend boosting a resume is by getting involved in organizations. Join comittee's, volunteer and relationship build! This will show leadership and will also promote skills recruiters are looking for in applicants. I would also recommend making sure your resume verbiage matches engineering buzzwords and make sure your resume aligns with the job description in which you are applying for.
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Mark’s Answer

Hi Tanya, I have applied for a few jobs that I was not technically qualified for, and therefore had to find a way to customize my resume to make it more appealing to the recruiter. One thing I do in this situation is use an "objective" section at the top of my resume. In this section, I write a few sentences about why I feel like I am a good fit for the job and highlight some of the experiences I have that would help me be successful in the role.

Sometimes bullet points don't stand out to someone quickly looking at the resume. I think it helps to be explicit in calling out why you would be a good fit in the objective section. The objective section also gives the recruiter something to read and helps them reach the conclusion you want them to reach, as opposed to having to draw conclusions based on all of the bullet points.

Mark recommends the following next steps:

Update your resume, customize it for the job you are applying for, and include an "objective" section at the top
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Ed’s Answer

Other than impressive internships and experiences that some are unable to attain, there are other ways to improve your resume.

Focus on the things you can control. Develop and add skill sets that will set you apart. If you do this, the interviewer may ask you about them as well, so be prepared for that.

Skills and volunteer work always look good as long as they are genuine.
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Gina’s Answer

I would look into volunteer opportunities or internships. It's a great way to network and get your foot in the door!
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EJ’s Answer

Hi, Tanya.
I had interviews with recent graduates for pharmacists position who don't have that much job experience or internship. My recommendation is highlight what you have like education or volunteer work. Do some research before submitting your resume. Find out what that position is for or what kind of skill they require. You can modify or tailor resume based on the position you're applying to . If you take any classes or did project related to that job you', then emphasize those. Explain more about those classes or project and show a future employer you have skill or understanding on that position. Even if you don't have specific skill or certificate related to the position you're applying to, you can still show your positive attitude and willingness to help others in volunteer opportunities/organizations. Good luck!
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Judi’s Answer

You should look at signing up for volunteer opportunities that help you show off the skills you are trying to promote that also align with your personal interests. This way you can personally benefit from the experience, others will benefit, you can add it to your resume and speak to the experience the work afforded you during any interview.
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