8 Tips for Writing a Winning Resume

Summary

This video offers practical tips for crafting a standout resume. It highlights the key sections every resume should have, like contact information, work experience, education, skills, and extracurriculars. The creator emphasizes tailoring resumes to each job, prioritizing relevant experience, and showcasing achievements with measurable results. Additionally, the video addresses how to overcome a lack of experience by creating projects or volunteering. While there is no perfect resume template, these tips aim to help viewers make their resumes effective and attention-grabbing for potential employers.

Takeaways

• 📄 **Resume Purpose**: A resume is a brief summary of your skills, achievements, and experience tailored to the job you're applying for.
• 🚀 **Tailoring Resumes**: Customize your resume for each job application to highlight the most relevant experience first.
• 👤 **Contact Information**: Include your name and contact details, but consider omitting phone numbers on publicly accessible resumes.
• 🌐 **Online Presence**: Add links to your website or portfolio to showcase your work and skills.
• 🔝 **Relevant Experience**: Prioritize showcasing the most relevant work experience at the top of your resume.
• 🕒 **Recruiter's Time**: Be concise and impactful; the average resume gets only six seconds of a recruiter's attention.
• 🎯 **Highlight Achievements**: Use concrete achievements and quantify them with numbers to demonstrate your capabilities.
• 🔄 **Experience Paradox**: Overcome the lack of experience by creating your own projects or gaining relevant experience through internships or volunteering.
• 🎓 **Education Section**: Place your education section strategically; it might come before or after work experience depending on your situation.
• 🏆 **Extracurriculars and Awards**: Include these sections to demonstrate additional skills and traits that are attractive to employers.
• 🛠️ **Skills Section**: Only include a skills section if you have specific certifications or skills relevant to the job; avoid generic terms.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a resume according to the video?

The main purpose of a resume is to serve as a brief summary of your skills, achievements, and experience, and how they relate to the specific job or company you're applying to, with the goal of getting an interview.

Why is it important to tailor your resume for each job application?

Tailoring your resume for each job application ensures that your most relevant experience is highlighted first, increasing the chances of getting noticed by recruiters who typically spend only a few seconds reviewing each resume.

What is the average time a recruiter spends on a resume?

According to the video, the average time a recruiter spends on a resume is about six seconds before making a decision to proceed or not.

Why should you include a portfolio or examples of your work on your resume?

Including a portfolio or examples of your work allows hiring managers to see concrete evidence of your skills and accomplishments, which can be crucial in distinguishing you from other candidates.

What is the recommended order for listing work experience on a resume?

The recommended order is to list your most relevant experience first, regardless of when it occurred, and then follow it with other experiences in reverse chronological order.

How can you overcome the 'experience paradox' mentioned in the video?

To overcome the experience paradox, the video suggests creating your own projects or gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or other activities that demonstrate your skills and potential.

Why is it advised to list achievements rather than duties in your job descriptions?

Listing achievements with quantifiable results shows recruiters what you have actually accomplished, which is more compelling than simply stating your job duties.

What is the significance of including a personal website or portfolio link on your resume?

Including a personal website or portfolio link allows potential employers to easily access your work and get a better understanding of your capabilities beyond what's listed on your resume.

Should you include your GPA on your resume if it's below 3.2?

The video suggests that if your GPA is 3.2 or above, it should be included; otherwise, it's better to leave it off to avoid raising red flags for recruiters.

Why is it not recommended to list generic skills like 'hard worker' or 'good communicator' on your resume?

Generic skills like 'hard worker' or 'good communicator' are subjective and can be claimed by anyone, including the least qualified candidates. It's better to demonstrate these qualities through specific examples and achievements.

What is the role of extracurricular activities and awards in a resume?

Extracurricular activities and awards can showcase your work ethic, leadership, and other desirable traits to recruiters, providing a non-pathetic way to convey 'hard worker' qualities without explicitly stating them.