Resume and Job Searching Tips to Keep in Mind

Post written by Kylie Fanning, Sr. Recruiter

A job search isn’t always easy. Nothing worth doing ever is. But there are a few basic steps you can take with your resume and job searching approach that will help you find that next opportunity.

When creating a professional resume for your job search, be sure to include the most important duties of your current and past roles. Also, highlight how those duties transfer to the types of jobs you’re applying for. In addition, list all of your achievements and any additional education or skills you learned along the way.

This is important because when you’re posting your resume to job boards or applying to different positions, recruiters routinely search for keywords that are related to the particular position they’re trying to fill.

If your resume doesn’t have those keywords, there’s a good chance you won’t appear in those searches…even if you’re qualified for the position. 

Another critical piece to job searching is making sure to keep your contact information updated.

There’s nothing more frustrating than submitting your application for a position you are confident you’re qualified for, but then never hearing anything from the company or recruiter.

Believe it or not, this often happens because the company or recruiter couldn’t successfully get in contact with you to discuss your relative experience and qualifications.

Always keep your information up to date. Also be sure to follow up on all of your job postings to make sure contact information is accurate.

Consistency is also important when formatting your professional resume. As just one example, keep the font and size consistent throughout your resume. Also, make sure there aren’t any typos!

Always include your current or previous job titles and time frames you were in that specific role. Listing the dates you worked in a specific role can usually qualify you for a new and better opportunity.

A lot of companies, depending on the industry, will accept a candidate based on hands-on experience rather than basing the opportunity solely on education. That’s why it’s so important to include the proper dates, titles, and accurate and relevant descriptions of what you did and accomplished in each role.

Those resume basics are an easy way to show potential employers that you pay attention to details and that you’re serious about making a positive impression in your job search.

If you need more, a few quick Google searches on the topic will give you all you need as you look for your next opportunity.