Are you ready to wrap up this Year?
Are You Ready for the Journey to Employment? Unveiling Resume Writing Tips and Job Hunting Strategies
By: Yuxin Dong
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Hey! Have you ever thought about your career plans? As the year winds down and we turn our heads to winter break, we’re presented with a unique opportunity to set our sights on a different kind of challenge: preparing for our future careers. Let’s explore how you can make the most of this time to maybe craft, update, or prepare your resume and kickstart your job search journey.
Crafting an Impressive Resume is Your Key to Opening Doors
The resume is one of the most crucial tools in your job-hunting arsenal and is your initial opportunity to make a positive impression on potential employers. A well-crafted resume serves as your introduction, showcasing your skills, experiences, and accomplishments.
Here are some essential tips to help create a resume that stands out from the rest:
- Tailor Your Resume
Customize your resume for each job application, instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach. Highlighting experiences and skills that align with the specific job requirements. Don’t forget to prepare a template resume in the interest of time, and modify it depending on the job.
For example, if you would like to apply for the role of Compensation Coordinator, your experience and skills related to data analysis should be emphasized on your resume; if Talent Acquisition Intern is your targeted position, reflecting your excellent communication skills on your resume is highly recommended.
- Clear Formatting
A cluttered and confusing resume is likely to be overlooked. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make your resume easy to scan. Among different kinds of resume formats, chronological resume format (aka the standard resume format), which emphasizes your work experience and career achievements, is highly recommended.
- Highlight Achievements
Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements and the impact you’ve made in previous roles. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate your contributions.
- Use Action Verbs
When describing your experiences, use strong action verbs to convey your responsibilities and accomplishments effectively. For example, conducted, performed, monitored, led, partnered, collaborated, etc. are frequently used in resume writing.
- Proofread Thoroughly
Typos and errors can leave a negative impression. Proofread your resume meticulously to ensure accuracy and professionalism.
- Seek Feedback
Before finalizing your resume, ask peers, mentors, or career advisors for feedback. Fresh perspectives can help you fine-tune your document. Booking a career advising appointment for resume review through Career Exploration & Education is an invaluable way to obtain feedback from professional career advisors in UofT. There are also various Career Workshops worth attending on this platform.
Apart from a well-crafted resume, a concise cover letter provides a platform to showcase your personality, express your enthusiasm for the position, and elaborate on key aspects of your resume. It’s an opportunity to connect the dots between your experiences and the specific role you’re pursuing. As you dive into the job search, keep in mind that opportunities are waiting to be discovered in various corners. Online job boards (such as LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.), company websites, and career fairs are excellent places to begin your search.
Take LinkedIn as an example, please visit the “Jobs” bar frequently and click the positions that you are interested in, more detailed information will be seen. Beyond the digital realm, consider the power of networking. Engaging in coffee chats with professionals in your desired field can offer insights, advice, and potential job leads. Your college (like Woodsworth, University, or New-College) is a great way to find professional networking programs.
Upcoming Events
Study Session at the CIRHR student lounge, Thursday, December 7, 12 pm-2 pm
Executive Tip of the Month
December’s arrival brings with it an agenda that deserves our undivided attention. With final exams on the horizon, it demands thorough preparation and focused effort to excel in our academic endeavours. As the curtain falls on the last exam and the holiday spirit descends, it’s time to ignite the flames of your professional aspirations. Channel your energy into enhancing your resume and crafting compelling cover letters. And don’t forget to sip some coffee while forging meaningful connections through networking.
Source
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-make-a-resume-with-examples