Students need to start planning for their future early on. This includes things like researching what careers might interest them, beginning to develop relevant skills, and, most importantly — building an effective resume. Your resume is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, so you must know how to make an effective one. Here are some tips on building a resume that will get you a job in the future:
Join Organizations
As a student, joining organizations is the best way to prepare your resume. This will give you experience and something to put on your resume. You can join organizations relevant to your field of study or something you’re passionate about. Moreover, some organizations have an application process, and others don’t. If there is an application process, follow the instructions carefully and submit a well-written application. These organizations will also teach you necessary skills you can put on your resume, such as teamwork and leadership.
Get an Internship
Aside from organizations, internships are also a great way to get real-world experience in your field of interest. Many internships are unpaid, but some internships will also give you academic credit. Often, they don’t accept interns below 18, but some accept interns at least 16 years old. Moreover, some internships may even lead to a job offer after graduation.
Networking
Networking is important no matter what stage you’re at. You never know when or how you might meet someone who can help you in your future endeavors. You can network by befriending your fellow students and the superiors you meet in your organizations or internships by joining relevant clubs or attending relevant events.
If you surround yourself with peers who share the same goals, you will likely be more motivated and stay on track. This will help you achieve your goals and build a strong network that can support you along the way. Some students fear networking because they think it’s all about asking for favors. However, that’s not true. Networking is about building relationships and mutually beneficial connections. So don’t be afraid to reach out and get to know people.
Resume Content
When preparing a resume, you need to have a target company in mind where you want to apply. This helps you tailor your resume according to the company’s requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position at a construction company, focus your resume content on skills relevant to marketing, such as social media and writing skills. You need to know what employers need for the position you’re applying for. Do a job search online and finding a position that aligns with your goals.
Once you find a position and company you want to apply for, you can change your resume as needed and consider if the company requires any other documents. It’s best to provide everything that’s asked of candidates when submitting your application instead of sending additional files as follow-ups. For example, if the job listing says to include a cover letter, make sure you include one when you submit your application.
Resume Types
When it comes to choosing the right resume type, it’s important to do your research. There are many types of resumes, so it’s important to find one that’s a good fit for you. For example, if you’re a recent graduate, you might want to choose a functional resume. This type of resume focuses on your skills and experience rather than your chronological work history.
If you have a lot of work experience, you might want to choose a chronological resume. This type of resume lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. It shows employers a clear picture of your career progression.
Formatting Do’s and Don’ts
Once you’ve chosen the right resume type, it’s time to start formatting it. This will make your resume appear more professional and polished. Here are a few formatting tips to keep in mind:
Do
- Use clear and legible fonts (e.g., Times New Roman or Arial).
- Use white space to make your resume more readable.
- Use bullet points to list your skills and experience.
- Use action verbs to describe your accomplishments (e.g., prepared, wrote, managed).
- Make sure to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.
Don’t
- Have large blocks of text. You must limit your paragraphs to 3-4 sentences.
- Use excessive amounts of color or graphics.
- Use bright font colors. You should stick to professional colors like black, blue, or grey.
- Include irrelevant information or experiences. If you’re applying for a sales position, don’t include your tutoring experiences.
- Forget to proofread your resume.
Your resume is one of the most important tools you have when looking for a job. It’s your opportunity to show potential employers what you can offer them and why they should hire you. With so much competition out there, it’s important to make sure your resume stands out from the rest.
