Constructing a Professional Resume in 2023
2023 New Years Resolution? Be proactive with your resume! Some simple tips are below;
Whether you have been using the same resume format since university– adding to it every so often – or recently updated it, take a look at your resume and ensure it has the following:
Branding elements that point to the level and sector you’re aiming for as well as a few high-level keywords/phrases that position you for said level/sector.
A profile speaking to your abilities and what distinguishes you; a few achievements could be here as well. Reflect on - what is your USP (unique selling point)?
A Core Competencies/Key Proficiencies Section of keywords/phrases that speak directly to your skillset, including a few key soft skills, especially those pointing to management (of people or projects), collaboration, and effective communication.
An experience section that goes back no more than 10-12 (maybe 15) years (less if you are a younger professional) in-depth and focuses far more on achievements/impact than responsibilities. Earlier work should be abridged.
Bonus if the resume is modern, succinct, clean, easy-to-read, and has a few visual eye grabbers to direct a reader’s eye throughout the document. Why? Because we know most readers won’t actually read it in depth the first go-round; as such, minor visual elements like bolding, shading, and color can help a reader’s brain better organize and make sense of your great info while scanning the document. This will then increase the likelihood of someone feeling like you could be a good fit and want to bring you in for an interview. We do suggest aiming for visually engaging but conservative documents.
Professional Resume Writer Tip: Keep in mind that your updated resume, no matter how amazing it is, should be only 95% done; those last few percentage points are for you to modify the content slightly – and quickly – so it better aligns with each opportunity. Once you are in the groove of making these changes, they should take no more than 3-5 minutes. Time is money, especially in a job search
Cover letters are still used but in a different way. Keep your format consistent but you are much more likely to use these to help assist your online application or to use it as a body of an email - if you are applying directly to a position.
LinkedIn really should get its own separate post but, for now, know this: you must be on it, the content should complement your resume, and there is an entire platform of hidden functionality beyond just your text that you will want to leverage.
These are just a few of the tips to help your resume succeed with job applications in 2023. Contact us if you wish to have an award-winning resume writer assist you.