Five Ways to Help your Resume Help You

Tips for Students and Recent Grads

Resumes are the first step in developing a connection with a potential employer. Recruiting teams are flooded with resumes during recruitment, allowing little time to review each application. We have outlined five helpful tips to make the most of that first impression. Help your resume help you by efficiently and effectively selling your unique aptitude for the role.

1. Tailor your resume to the position

Before applying to a new job, take some time to understand the goals of the company and consider how your skills and experiences set you up for success in the position. A common misconception about writing the perfect resume is highlighting YOU, rather than highlighting how you can help THEM. If a job description mentions a skill first or repeatedly, match this on your resume by connecting your experience to the emphasized skills. It can be helpful to work through the job description and ask yourself, “How clearly can I connect this skill to information on my resume?”

2.   Quantify accomplishments

Quantifying accomplishments makes for more compelling stories. Identify relevant metrics to showcase results using numbers, percentages, statistics, or specific time frames. These more specific stories will spark greater interest, giving you opportunity to show off the challenges you overcame and specific actions you are proud of. Demonstrating your ability to drive results directly displays your ability to add value, rather than listing responsibilities. When possible, focus on results directly achieved by you rather than overarching company progress.

Before: Led development of on-campus initiatives to reduce single-use plastic waste.

After: Reduced single-use plastic waste on campus by 70% in three months, leading a team of seven people.

3.   Employ active language

The most effective way to prove you take action and get things done is by using an active voice. Focus on words such as “achieved”, “directed”, and “resolved” to present a clear image of how your skills and experience have prepared you for the position. Active language can aid in keeping your resume short and sweet, lending itself to effective, concise bullets. If you cannot relate a point back to an actionable verb, reconsider the main idea of what you are trying to communicate and ask yourself if it adds value to the recruiter.

Before: A 60% reduction in time required for product changeovers was achieved.

After: Achieved 60% reduction in product changeover time.

4.   Include extracurriculars

Extracurriculars provide additional opportunities to illustrate leadership and unique passions, especially as a current student or recent grad. You may also encounter an interviewer with a similar hobby or interest, helping you to stand out among the sea of applicants.

5.   Review your resume with others

Getting additional perspectives on your resume provides a fresh set of eyes to catch mistakes and identify opportunities for improvement that you might miss as the author. When possible, have someone review your article with previous experience within the industry of the target role.

Final tips

Whether submitting your resume online, at an info session, or a career fair, ensure that it leaves a lasting, positive impression of your fit for the role.

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