When applying for a job, students quite often notice that they do not have the kind of resume they would want. This is often because we usually spend most of our time studying and therefore do not have time to work in jobs that would boost our resumes. However, there are things we can do during our spare time that will definitely look good on a resume. There are also ways we can modify our resumes to make us look like the best potential candidate.
Both paid and unpaid internships are a surefire way to show you have some experience, especially if the job application states that “prior experience required”. These internships prove that you have real-world work experience and are able to commit to a long-term job. If you are aiming at getting a job in your own field, consider applying for internships in the same field instead of working in another one.
Also worth listing on your resume is volunteer experience. Any volunteer work that highlights your skills and talents should be listed alongside your work experience and internships. If you do not have any of the experiences listed prior, listing hobbies is also something worth considering. Yet, remember to only include hobbies and interests that are relevant to the position you are applying to. It is also worth explaining how the skills your hobbies have taught you are transferable to the job.
Usually, most people list their experiences chronologically; they describe the jobs they have had in the order in which they had those positions. This is what most potential employers are used to seeing. However, if you do not have a lot of experience, this is not the best option. In this case, I would suggest building a skill-based resume, where you highlight your mastered skills and explain how and when you acquired them. You should remember to be specific with these skills. You could for example list out computer programs you have experience with, or if you consider yourself to be a social media savvy, listing your social media accounts will be a plus. It is important to highlight the specific strengths you bring to an organization. In other words, do not get hung up on skills you do not have, but instead, focus on what you bring to the table.
Also worth considering is customizing the skills and experiences you do already have based on what kind of job you are applying for. For example, if the position you are applying for is an assistant, it is not useful to explain how your babysitting experience helped you improve your childcare skills. Instead, you should explain how those experiences helped you develop your multitasking and management skills. When listing your skills, it is also worth mentioning if you speak more than one language. This could be a huge benefit and could possibly make you stand out against other applicants. Do not be modest but instead share everything that shows a potential employer that you are the right choice. After all, your resume is the first impression you give your possible employers.
The last and most important thing to consider when making your resume is to customize it for every job you apply to. Different job listings have different job duties and keywords listed, so it is important to take them into consideration when customizing your resume. The key to land a job is to appeal to the individual employer’s needs and job requirements. Eventually, gaining experience and learning how to customize your resume will land you your dream job!