A resume is one of the important documents in the job search process. As the first description of a prospective employee’s abilities, a resume is a communication tool that determines whether an applicant will be considered or not. Therefore, effective resume writing is very important for candidates to pay attention to.
Understanding the Importance of Effective Resume Writing
The importance of effectiveness when writing a resume lies in its function as a determining tool for companies to assess prospective employees. This determines whether they have the qualifications that match the position needed or not.
In today’s competitive work world, many companies receive hundreds or even thousands of applications for one position. With limited time, recruiters or HRD must sort through these resumes quickly and choose the most appropriate candidate.
If the resume you send is not attractive or does not clearly show your abilities, it will most likely be ignored. On the other hand, a good resume can attract the attention of recruiters because it gives a positive impression that you are the best candidate for a position.
After knowing the importance of writing an effective resume, now is the time to understand the steps to create it. So that you can achieve these goals faster. The guide is as follows.
1. Determine the Purpose and Type of Resume
Before you start writing, first determine the type of resume that suits your purpose. There are several types of resumes such as chronological, functional or combination. Choose the most appropriate format to describe your experience and skills.
If you are just starting your career or want to change career direction, a functional format can be more appropriate. In addition to being flexible, this is an option that focuses more on skills than work experience.
2. Use a Clear and Organized Structure
An effective resume has a structure that is easy for recruiters to read. Some sections that are generally found in a resume are:
- Personal Identity: Full name, address, telephone number, and email address.
- Profile Summary (Optional): A brief description of who you are and what you offer.
- Work Experience: List your most recent work experience, starting with the most recent, with an explanation of relevant responsibilities and achievements.
- Education: Information about degrees or certifications you have achieved.
- Skills: Special skills you have, both technical and interpersonal.
- Certification or Training: If any, additional certifications or training that are relevant to the job you are applying for.
In the explanation on Jeff Su’s YouTube channel, he suggests writing skills first before education such as grade information. The reason is, some companies do not really prioritize educational grades. It could be that they focus more on whether or not the ability is relevant to the position needed. However, this is a step that is not too standard.
3. Focus on Achievements and Results
Instead of just listing tasks or responsibilities in previous jobs, emphasize achievements that recruiters can measure. For example, don’t just write “Have managed a sales team”. But it’s better to say “Managed a sales team that successfully increased the company’s turnover by 25% in one year”. This provides a more concrete picture of your contribution.
4. Choose Clear and Concise Language
Effective resume writing doesn’t need to be long-winded. Use language that is clear, concise and easy for readers to understand. Avoid using long-winded sentences or unnecessary jargon. Recruiters usually only need a few seconds to assess whether a resume is worthy of being continued to the interview stage or not.
5. Customize Resume to the Job You are Applying For
An important step in writing a resume is to customize it to each job you are applying for. Read the job description carefully and make sure your resume highlights the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. If necessary, use keywords in the job description to make your resume easier to find by the relevant system.
6. Double-check and Edit
Before sending your resume, make sure you have double-checked it. This aims to avoid typos or inaccurate information. Also check the format, structure and consistency throughout the resume. Small mistakes like this can ruin the impression you make.
So, effective resume writing is your first chance to make a positive impression on the recruiter. A good resume not only helps you stand out among other candidates. But it also shows professionalism, attention to detail and the ability to communicate clearly. By following the steps above, hopefully you can increase your chances of getting your dream job. /Edit
