You spend several hours polishing your resume, adding keywords from the job description and tailoring it to the employer. But are you missing some key elements that could mean the difference between landing an interview and missing out on the opportunity entirely? Here are four things you must remember to include on a resume if you want to get ahead of other candidates.
1. Education
Make sure to list all forms of education on your resume, especially if you made incremental steps in your higher education. Most certainly list the highest degree you obtained, even if that was 20 years ago. If you attended a trade school after that, even if it's unrelated to the job at hand, include that as well. Your education section should be structured much in the same way as your past work experience with the most recent degree first. Education on a resume is also important in that it shows you have the ability and determination to stick with something until you see it through.
2. Volunteer Work
Volunteer work, though unpaid, is a key aspect of your resume, as it demonstrates leadership abilities and dedication to a cause. Volunteer work might also fill in any unemployment gaps you have. Volunteer work might bolster your soft skills and even prepare you for some aspect of your career. For example, if you volunteer at a hospital's pediatric ward, the skills you learn there could get you ready to be a nurse, doctor or teacher.
Choose a targeted volunteer opportunity related to your chosen field so it bolsters your chances of learning a new skill. After you complete your volunteer work, make sure you maintain contact with your supervisor there because that person can vouch for your abilities and your skills similarly to a previous supervisor in a paid position.
3. Achievements
Listing major professional and personal achievements in your resume can help you showcase your leadership, goal-setting and problem-solving skills. These soft skills may be hard to prove on paper before an interview, but major achievements in your life demonstrate that you have what it takes to go the extra mile. Consider professional achievements such as awards, certifications, promotions and honors. Personal achievements to include range from completing a marathon and winning a sporting event to climbing a mountain or driving cross-country along Route 66.
4. Other Skills
You always put job-related skills in your resume, but what about other skills you possess that relate to your job but you don't necessarily use while at work? You might state you have a daily workout routine that involves weightlifting 200 pounds in rapid succession. This skill might come in handy if you have a job that requires heavy lifting in a factory or in construction. You could say you coached a state championship softball team to demonstrate your leadership abilities. If you run a small e-commerce shop on the side, mention that to show you have sales skills.
Your resume serves as a snapshot of all of the relevant skills and accomplishments you need to complete the duties of the advertised job. These four things might not seem vital, but every little detail helps paint a complete picture of your skills to your potential employer while also setting you apart from other applicants.
Photo courtesy of Nirmalla Ratna at Flickr.com
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