If you thought spring cleaning was limited to your home, think again. Spring is the perfect time to dust off your old resume and revamp it. You may not be looking for a new job just yet, but it’s vital to your career growth to always have an updated resume handy.
You never know when the opportunity to interview for your dream job will pop up, and a standout candidate like yourself needs a resume that shines.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Is your summer job from high school as a fast food employee still listed under your professional experience? Unless you’re interviewing as a manager at a franchise, this work experience needs to go. Only include information on your resume that is relevant to your desired career path. If you’re hoping to be a web designer, then your job as a telemarketer in college isn’t going to help your cause.
Also, don’t just focus on your work experience. Update your resume with any credentials or certifications you may have acquired recently. And while you’re at it, update your virtual resume on LinkedIn.
Eye-Catching Format
If you’re interviewing for a traditional job in an industry like business administration or finance, it’s best not to put too many bells and whistles on your resume. But more and more companies are searching for creative candidates who know how to think outside of the box. And what better place to show them than on your resume?
Business Insider recently featured 10 resumes that went viral. They ranged in creativity from a potential employee listing himself as a product on Amazon to a 3D printing of a candidate’s head. These resumes didn’t just set the candidates apart from all others; they got worldwide attention. There is literally nothing better for your resume than that.
Keep in mind, though, when you’re getting creative to keep focus on what’s important here: your credentials. Don’t lose sight of what potential employers are looking for in your attempts to wow them. Your work should speak for itself; the resume should simply be a way to grab their attention.
Get Personal
These days, employers aren’t just looking for someone to fill a seat at a desk; they’re looking for someone that can mesh seamlessly with the team. With that, don’t be afraid to get a little personal on your resume.
Highlight volunteer activities or your participation in an athletic league. If you have a blog or Twitter account, don’t be afraid to include them on your resume. We live in an age where people appreciate transparency; so don’t just limit your resume to the professional in you.
So after you wash the windows and wipe the dust bunnies from the fan in your home, grab a seat and your resume. Get to work on making it squeaky clean, and see where it takes you!
What are some things you have tried to make your resume standout? Weigh in below!
IMAGE: Courtesy of Flickr by Joanna Bourne
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