Many people decide to make significant changes with the New Year, and perhaps finding a new job is your resolution. One of the first steps in a new job search is to update and improve your resume. Here are some tips:

Update your resume

When creating your resume, you don’t have to start from scratch. If you already have an older resume, use that as a template and update it where necessary. For example, you can add recent positions that aren’t on there and remove old, irrelevant jobs. You should also update your skills, contact information, education, and volunteer experience if those things have changed.

Mention transferable skills

Transferable skills can be a selling point, so make sure you mention them. For example, you might gain some skills in an administrative role that are transferable to a customer service position. Examples of transferable skills include strong communication, organization, critical thinking, and multitasking. These skills can be valuable across a range of job applications and are what employers look for.

Promote your accomplishments

Promoting your past accomplishments will help employers see how you’ll benefit their organization. For example, were you involved in a big project? Were you faced with a challenge and succeeded in finding a solution? Did you accomplish something through education, sport, or another experience? Did you receive any special recognition at work or in your community? Be sure to include all your accomplishments and accolades on your updated resume.

Make sure it’s in a readable format.

Bad formatting can be off-putting for an employer reading your resume. Use a standard font and leave plenty of white space. You can find a resume template online or through Microsoft Word. Make sure to adjust it a bit to highlight your skills and experience best. For example, use bullet points instead of paragraphs, use numbers instead of writing out the number, and be consistent in your style.

When it comes to resumes, less can sometimes be more. You want to share your skills, experience and qualifications in a way that attracts employers, but they won’t want to read a multi-page resume. Keep it clear, concise and high-quality.

Save the document properly.

The filename you choose for your resume document is essential. Make sure the filename includes your first and last name, along with the word “resume.” If possible, save your resume as a PDF before sending it to an employer. A PDF will preserve your careful formatting!

Need help? EmployAbilities can offer resume-building advice through our employment services and online training videos.

To contact us, please phone 780-423-4106 or email employ@employabilities.ab.ca