Career

Craft an Impressive Resume that Lands You Your Dream Job

by Dr. Shanthi Thomas

Roxanne has just received her degree in Mechanical Engineering. She was indeed elated, a Mechanical Engineer now. But she knew that she had to find a job first. Her family was not exactly well-off. In fact, she had barely managed to pay her fees through university. She said to herself that the first step in job hunting would be resume writing. She had heard that a good resume can really take her places. She wondered where she could get reliable information on resume writing. She turned to Google finally.

Characteristics of a good resume

  1. A good resume is clear and easy to read.
  2. It is well organized.
  3. It is dynamic, packed with action verbs.
  4. It should be geared towards getting job interviews.

Components of a good resume

1. Resume header

This is what people look at first. Here you can put your full name, current address and phone number with area code. If your permanent address is different, give that also. Then add your email address.

2. Your photo

Typically, on the left or the right-hand side. Not in the middle. Be sure that you look professional and well-dressed. You can smile, but not laugh in your photograph. Avoid grumpy looks.

3. Education

List each of your degrees, duration of the course, the grade obtained, the degree-conferring institution and the place. Add also any specialized certifications or diploma such as a diploma in creative writing.

4. Experience

List all your work experience in chronological order from the latest to the earliest. Begin with the job title, organization name, location, and dates.  You can also include volunteer experience such as internships or community experience. You have to describe each position briefly.

5. Publications (optional)

If you are qualified in academia and are applying for a lectureship for example, you will have to give a list of journal articles or books you authored or co-authored.

6. Awards and achievements

Here you can describe any awards and achievements you have received during your student years that are relevant to the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a leadership role, you could list a ‘best leader’ award you received during your college years. You can also list any scholarships you have received during your student years.

7. Skills and abilities

You might have acquired various skills during your student years such as computer skills or fluency in two or three languages. You could list them here.

8. Activities

These days, most students are involved in some extra-curricular activity or the other. If you are involved in any clubs at college or in your community, you can include them here. This includes your membership in any professional organizations.

9. Interests

Here you can write about any interests or hobbies that are connected to your area of expertise. For example, if you are applying for the position of a computer programmer, and you design websites as a hobby, you could include that here.

10. References

Many companies ask for at least two references. You can give the name and contact details of a person whom the interviewer may contact to ask about you. Make sure that you first contact this person and ask their permission to be your referee. You should choose individuals who will provide candid and positive recommendations.

11. The cover letter

The cover letter is not part of your resume, but it is sent along with your resume to an organization you wish to be part of. It is typically seen first before the resume. So, you have to introduce yourself, convey your enthusiasm for the job and demonstrate your knowledge very briefly. 

Tips for writing a good resume

  1. You should avoid grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes in your resume. A lot of resumes get rejected due to problems like this.

  2. You should not boast of your achievements in the resume. Keep it matter of fact. Use simple, direct language.

  3. You should not use slangs and words that are not to be used in polite company. Of course, this is a no brainer!

  4. It is good to use Times New Roman or Arial as your font. Use font size 11 or 12. Not more or less than that.

  5. Do not use a photo that is too large.

  6. Do not give personal opinions or comments about anything in your resume.
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