Career Research

1. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Posting

• Always customize your resume for each job you apply for. This means reading the job descriptions carefully and making sure your resume reflects what the employer is looking for.
• Highlight your most relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Make it obvious why you're the perfect fit.
• By tailoring your resume, you can show that you're truly interested in the position. It also indicates that you're willing to put in the effort to match your qualifications to the job.

2. Use the Correct Resume Format

• You should choose the right resume format based on the job you're applying for. The best resume formats include chronological, functional, and combination.

3. Use Clear, Concise Language

• Be brief yet impactful when writing your resume. Hiring managers often skim resumes, so make sure your points are easy to understand at a glance.
• You can use short sentences and clear, concise language.
• You should also add strong action verbs and bullet points to make your achievements stand out. 

4. Quantify Achievements

• Numbers speak louder than words, so use them to paint a clear picture of your capabilities.
• For example, instead of saying you "improved customer satisfaction," mention something like, "increased customer satisfaction scores by 15%."

5. Optimize for Keywords

• Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems look for specific keywords related to the job.
• To beat these systems, you must carefully read the job description and include relevant keywords in your resume. Use them in your resume summary, skills section, and work experience. 

6. List Certifications 

• You should list any certifications that demonstrate you're the perfect fit for the role. These can include general skills or industry-specific certifications, like a project management certificate.

7. Proofread

• Spelling and grammar mistakes can be a significant turnoff. Always proofread your resume to keep it error-free and professional-looking. 
• Also, ask someone else to review it. They might catch errors you missed.

1. Include Generic Skills

• Skip the generic skills like “good communication” or “team player.” Instead, demonstrate these skills through your experiences and achievements.
• You can highlight specific tools, technologies, or techniques you are proficient in. For example, instead of saying "good with computers," mention specific software like "proficient in Microsoft Excel." This gives employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the role.

2. Add Unnecessary Information

• Do not waste valuable resume space with irrelevant details and adjectives, like "driven" or "results-oriented." Quality always trumps quantity.
• If a piece of information doesn’t support your qualifications for the role, leave it out. This keeps your resume focused and relevant.

3. Mention Personal Details

• You should avoid adding personal details, such as your age, marital status, religion, or political beliefs, to your resume.
• Including this information can lead to bias and is generally not necessary for evaluating your qualifications.

4. Copy the Job Listing Description Word for Word

• While it’s important to include keywords from the job description, don’t simply copy the job listing into your resume. Hiring managers can spot this easily, and it can make you look lazy.
• Instead, use the job description as a guide to tailor your resume. You must highlight your relevant skills and experiences in your own words. 

5. Use Unprofessional Fonts and Designs

• While creativity can be a plus in some fields, overly artistic fonts and designs can detract from the content. Avoid them as much as possible.
• Always choose readability over creativity. Stick to professional fonts, like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri. For the design, you can use a consistent format with clear headings and bullet points.

6. Get Caught Up in the One-page Rule

• There's a common myth that resumes must be only one page long. While it's good to be concise, don’t sacrifice important information or readability just to fit your resume on one page.
• Prioritize the most important detail at the top, and ensure your resume is easy to skim.
• It’s acceptable to use two pages, especially if you have extensive experience or relevant skills. A well-organized two-page resume is better than a cramped one-page document that leaves out significant details.

7. Include Your GPA

• Unless you are a recent graduate with little work experience, including your GPA is usually unnecessary. Employers are more interested in your professional achievements and skills.
• If you want to include your GPA, only do so if it is exceptionally high and relevant to the job. Your focus should be on your work experience, skills, and any relevant projects or internships.

8. Lie or Exaggerate

• Honesty is the best policy. Don’t fabricate or exaggerate your experiences or skills. Be truthful about what you can bring to the table.
• Employers can easily verify your information, and being caught in a lie can cost you the job.