If you are applying for a new job, an apprenticeship, or even a university program, a structured and clear resume is crucial because the first impression counts! The more organized the resume is, the easier it is for the recipient to find the important information about the applicant. But how do you create a professional resume that impresses from the very first moment? That's exactly the question we answer in this blog post!
1. What should you do beforehand?
Before you start writing your resume, it is important to gather, organize, and structure all your documents to get an overview of what you have achieved so far and not forget anything! It is also recommended to sort the documents by relevance. Which documents are relevant for a professional resume? School certificates, certificates of voluntary work or vacation jobs, internship certificates, as well as work certificates, language certificates, and further education certificates are important documents that can differentiate you from other applicants. Decide which documents are particularly relevant for the job you are applying for before writing the resume. By organizing and sorting all the documents before writing, you can ensure that you don't forget anything during the actual resume creation.
2. Give it some thought before you start
The first step is done, and you have gained an overview of what you have achieved so far. Now it's time to plan how you can highlight yourself and your skills in your resume to have the best possible chance of getting the job. It is particularly important to tailor the resume to the specific job and company. What kind of applicant profile is the company looking for? Take a close look at the job advertisement and the company's website. What impression does the company give? What is the company's philosophy? What information can you find in the "About Us" section? Is it a more traditional company that prefers a classic resume, or is your creativity needed?
3. How do I write a clear resume?
The usual form of a resume is the tabular resume. This type of resume is characterized by its tabular structure. It is important to make the resume as clear as possible for the recipient of your application. Therefore, the tabular resume consists of a two-column table. In the left column, you indicate the period (example: 01/01/2016 - 09/01/2018) during which you performed the respective activity. You write the activity in the right column. You organize all activities into different sections: personal information, education, work experience, and, if applicable, social activities. It is advisable to list only the most recent stages of education after completing a degree and, for example, omit primary school. To make the resume appear particularly structured, it is recommended to arrange the listed activities chronologically. Nowadays, it is common to write the most recent activities at the top. At the very top, you should list your personal information, which can also be done in a tabular form.
4. What should I not forget?
Before sending out your resume, double-check everything. The resume should have a consistent layout. Additionally, prepare copies of your certificates and documents in case the employer requests them.
5. General tips
Our experience shows that recruiters particularly filter out essential information from a resume. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure a clear overview in the resume and only list the most important skills, education, and work experience.
The resume is one of the first documents that reaches the recruiter. It creates the first impression of the applicant. It is better to invest a little more time in a well-structured and professional resume because the first impression counts!
Tops:
- A professional photo
- A well-designed resume
- Sending the resume as a PDF file so that nobody can edit the document
Flops:
- A photo that doesn't only show you or has Snapchat filters applied
- Do not use .png or .doc file formats! If the file is larger than 6MB, it is usually too big.
- Nowadays, you do not need to mention the names and professions of your parents