What Should I Include on My Resume to Impress the Employer?

It can be stressful putting together a resume- trying to fit everything onto one page, making sure you include all your best attributes, and making sure you give a great first impression to your potential employer. Here are some of the essentials to include before submitting your resume for a job interview. 

The basics- job experience and education 

This one seems obvious, but always be sure to include your previous job experience and the education you have under your belt. Both can show how your academic and working experience is applicable to the open position. Start with your most recent work experience and most recent schooling. For work experience, include your primary roles, years worked, and your title. For education, include your field of study, credentials earned, and which years you attended. 

Skills and talents 

Showcasing your skills is essential in highlighting what you can bring to the table in a future job position. For example, it’s important to include talents such as the ability to communicate, collaborate with others, manage your time properly, or stay organized within multiple projects. Think back to your prior jobs and which skills you gained along the way. 

Program or software knowledge 

Within your job experience, you likely have knowledge of online software or programs. In the digital world, many companies utilize technology by using certain programs. For example, you may have knowledge of using marketing programs such as HubSpot. Or you may be efficient in using Google Suite. Any program you have effectively used and have active knowledge with, make sure to include it. 

Personal attributes 

Including positive personal details is a great way to show how you can fit in with colleagues and add to a great work environment. For example, you may want to highlight that you are friendly, approachable, dependable, or reliable. 

Awards and certifications

Having a small section for awards and special certifications can show how you go above and beyond. For example, you might want to show an employee of the month award, or if you made Dean’s list in college one year. Listing any certifications can be helpful as well- for example, if you are applying for a position where small amounts of travel are required, even listing that you have a valid driver’s license won’t go unnoticed. 

Updated personal information and contact details 

It is always important to ensure you have updated contact information if the employer wants to call or email you with the next steps for an interview. Include your full name, phone number, primary email, and city and state location. It’s a great idea to include the link to a personal website, such as a site you have providing work samples or a LinkedIn link. 

Don’t forget a cover letter and reference to go along with your resume 

While cover letters and references don’t go on a resume and sometimes aren’t required, it’s a good idea to provide them anyway. Cover letters provide the opportunity to break the ice with a quick and personalized introduction about yourself. References show the employer that someone valued your work enough to write about your accomplishments on your behalf. These show effort and increased interest in the open position. 

For more career advice and preparation for the workforce, check out https://focusedusolutions.com/ today.