7 answers
Alexander
Student
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Questions
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Info on resume?
What would anyone say is the most important thing to put in a resume and how did anyone come to writing the resume that got you the job that you have.
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7 answers
Molly Godfrey SHRM-CP, CIR
Career Specialist
9
Answers
Upland, California
Updated
Molly Godfrey’s Answer
My best advice is to tailor your resume to each role you apply to by speaking to the skills and qualities they are looking for. The better your resume shows how you can do the job you're applying for, the better your chances of getting an interview. This means that every time you apply for a position, you should go through the job description and look for places to incorporate the language of the job into your resume. Your summary, list of skills, and previous experience are all excellent places to adapt the content to match the job. Every resume you submit should be tailored for the specific job you're applying for. Explain to the reader why you're a great candidate for that specific role vs sending a general resume. That is what will help you stand out as a candidate.
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
234
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Alexander,
I would say that the most important thing to put on a resume is a list of relevant skills to the job you're applying for and (most importantly) relevant experiences that show that you know how to use those skills. To build these skills I would recommend getting any kind of jobs, volunteering at nonprofits, and/or after school programs/projects.
I hope this helps!
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Dexter
I would say that the most important thing to put on a resume is a list of relevant skills to the job you're applying for and (most importantly) relevant experiences that show that you know how to use those skills. To build these skills I would recommend getting any kind of jobs, volunteering at nonprofits, and/or after school programs/projects.
I hope this helps!
--
Dexter
Thank you for giving me advice.
Laura M. Labovich
I own an outplacement and career transition firm
3
Answers
Bethesda, Maryland
Updated
Laura M.’s Answer
Alexander,
Great question! Unfortunately, I don't think I can give you that ONE thing that is most critical to include on a resume, as I've seen some really poor resumes that have been used to land pretty good jobs! But, since I've been writing resumes for 16 years, I can say that every person must answer the "Why, What, How" questions that every employer asks when reviewing a resume, such as:
- Why should I hire you? (make it clear in your career summary paragraph at the top WHY you are a good fit for the job you are targeting)
- What experience do you have that can translate to this job? (Be clear about how your experience can be translated, even if you need to spell it out!)
- Why do you want to do this job? (if it's not clear, make sure they know why you want the job that is offering less pay, or in a different state, etc. You can also do this in a cover letter).
Think like the employer when you are writing your resume, and try to answer the questions you believe they will have when reviewing it. If you write your resume with the hopes of solving whatever problems/challenges you believe the employer to have, you will have done a good job!
Hope this helps!
Laura
Great question! Unfortunately, I don't think I can give you that ONE thing that is most critical to include on a resume, as I've seen some really poor resumes that have been used to land pretty good jobs! But, since I've been writing resumes for 16 years, I can say that every person must answer the "Why, What, How" questions that every employer asks when reviewing a resume, such as:
- Why should I hire you? (make it clear in your career summary paragraph at the top WHY you are a good fit for the job you are targeting)
- What experience do you have that can translate to this job? (Be clear about how your experience can be translated, even if you need to spell it out!)
- Why do you want to do this job? (if it's not clear, make sure they know why you want the job that is offering less pay, or in a different state, etc. You can also do this in a cover letter).
Think like the employer when you are writing your resume, and try to answer the questions you believe they will have when reviewing it. If you write your resume with the hopes of solving whatever problems/challenges you believe the employer to have, you will have done a good job!
Hope this helps!
Laura
Jennifer Dzmura-Denney, MA, CCC, CPRW, ECC
Career Coaching/Resume Writing
21
Answers
Saint Clair Shores, Michigan
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Alexander,
The most important item to have in your resume is quantifiable job duties. For example, " Managed 200+ projects saving $1200 in 2 months " On a resume, you need to tell the employer how you can do the job. I recommend seeing a school career counselor or hiring a resume writer for your first draft.
The most important item to have in your resume is quantifiable job duties. For example, " Managed 200+ projects saving $1200 in 2 months " On a resume, you need to tell the employer how you can do the job. I recommend seeing a school career counselor or hiring a resume writer for your first draft.
Catrinel Răduți
Marketing
3
Answers
Bucharest, Romania
Updated
Catrinel’s Answer
Hi, Alexander.
The first thing I would say is that a resume will NEVER get you the job. Its only purpose is to get you the interview where you can amaze the employer. And that will get you the job. ;)
So for the resume, I always think about what will stand out from all other resumes. Here are a few pointers:
- structure and clarity - the template you use, the way you structure your thoughts, the way you present your skills, your experience etc says a lot about how structured and focused you are as a person.
- no matter how much/little experience you have, you need to be able to build a 1 page resume. It's not always easy, so maybe start with writing down the extensive version, where you include everything that comes to mind. And then break it down and keep only what is relevant for the job you are applying
- give just enough hangers to make the employer want to know more , for example say what you did, with what impact, don't say how. (i.e. I managed to lead a 3 people project team to organize an event for 100 people with 1k USD at a 5 star facility in 3 weeks.)
- out of everything you have done in your life/career, only choose the relevant experience for the job you are applying. Use whatever keywords you can from the application posted or company website (i.e. prove that you already "speak" their language)
Hope this is useful, good luck job hunting!
Catrinel
The first thing I would say is that a resume will NEVER get you the job. Its only purpose is to get you the interview where you can amaze the employer. And that will get you the job. ;)
So for the resume, I always think about what will stand out from all other resumes. Here are a few pointers:
- structure and clarity - the template you use, the way you structure your thoughts, the way you present your skills, your experience etc says a lot about how structured and focused you are as a person.
- no matter how much/little experience you have, you need to be able to build a 1 page resume. It's not always easy, so maybe start with writing down the extensive version, where you include everything that comes to mind. And then break it down and keep only what is relevant for the job you are applying
- give just enough hangers to make the employer want to know more , for example say what you did, with what impact, don't say how. (i.e. I managed to lead a 3 people project team to organize an event for 100 people with 1k USD at a 5 star facility in 3 weeks.)
- out of everything you have done in your life/career, only choose the relevant experience for the job you are applying. Use whatever keywords you can from the application posted or company website (i.e. prove that you already "speak" their language)
Hope this is useful, good luck job hunting!
Catrinel
Sofia Smith
Product Business Planner
9
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Sofia’s Answer
The most important thing on your resume is your prior work and leadership experiences. Jobs want to know that you have transferable skills and will succeed in the role if they hire you.
I wrote my resume by first looking up resume templates to understand the format I should do. Then after completing my resume I sent it to a few of my friends to proof read and make sure there were no typos, and get suggestions on what phrasings I could improve.
I wrote my resume by first looking up resume templates to understand the format I should do. Then after completing my resume I sent it to a few of my friends to proof read and make sure there were no typos, and get suggestions on what phrasings I could improve.
Kristina Sosine
Localization Program Management
6
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
The most important thing on your resume is relevance to the job. I recommend maintaining a full and complete resume (multiple pages okay) with all of your experiences listed. Learn about the company, and what's important to them. Look at your experience, and compare it to the company's vision and values. From there, tailor your resume down to a single page with items most relevant for the specific job posting.
Here's a great template you could use: Then tailor your resume for every single job you apply to .
Here's a great template you could use: Then tailor your resume for every single job you apply to .