Whether you’re looking to get onto the first rung of the career ladder or move up to a better position, a great resume is so important. It’s the first impression that an employer will get of you, and it’s generally what will decide whether or not you make it to the interview stage. It’s crucial to stand out- read on to find out how to go about it.
Recent education
Education is so important, many jobs will require you to have a certain level of education to even apply. Having a degree, even in an unrelated subject to the field you want to study in, can open doors, so it can be well worth acquiring this. Thanks to online learning, university is much more in reach for many people now and can be done in a flexible way, part time and from home. Having recent education is even better, if you completed your degree a number of years ago then look into further education courses you can do. Diplomas and other kinds of certification don’t take as long to achieve, and can be great refresher or top up courses to show an employer than your knowledge is still current.
Furthering your knowledge is always a good thing, and it’s never too late for it. Obtaining a degree in general studies will give you a broad knowledge base, and the ability to easily adapt to new environments. It shows that you are academically capable and have a thirst for knowledge, both qualities that employers look for.
Relevant training
There are lots of training courses you could do which would be relevant to any job and help you to stand out from the crowd. From first aid to public speaking, managerial training and more, you can find these courses on places like Indeed and Linkedin and complete them in person or online. Completing these shows an employer that you’re proactive, and give you many hard and soft skills that can improve your position as a candidate.
Career specific courses
Along with general courses, taking career specific courses and training can be incredibly useful. It could be anything from artificial intelligence training by stl to critical care training for healthcare workers. If you research the role that you want and find out exactly what types of training courses will help, this can be a great way to go about things.
Experience
Experience is one of the most important things on your CV, if you’re moving up the ladder or moving from one similar role to another then chances are you’ll have plenty of great experience you can add to your resume. However, when you’re just starting out it can be tricker. Consider any crossover experience and related skills that you have from other jobs, hobbies and education. In many cases you may need to do some voluntary work within the field you want to work for in order to build up your experience.
A driving licence
Having access to your own car and a driver’s licence is really beneficial. Even if the job isnt driving based, the role might require some travelling round. It might also involve unsociable hours when public transport isn’t running, or the need for you to get to places where there is no public transport. If this is the case, an employer is likely to choose a similar candidate over you if the only difference is the fact that they can drive and you can’t. So while it might not always be a dealbreaker, it’s something to consider. And of course, being able to travel, drive and get to work easier is beneficial for you too.
Hobbies
Many hobbies have skills that are transferable, which is why employers ask about them. From logic and planning from playing chess, to teamwork skills when playing team sports. Hobbies are great for everyone so it’s always worth starting some up if you don’t have any already. Not only are they fun, but they can also be something you could add to your resume and speak about at a job interview when asked. At the very least, they show that you’re a well rounded individual, and have a good balance between work and life.
Charity work
Finally, showing that you’ve done some voluntary or charity work for a good cause shows a compassionate side to your personality. It showcases that you’re motivated outside of your work life, and might show that you’re just the person an employer is looking for to integrate into their current team. You could volunteer at a local hospital, refuge, animal shelter or soup kitchen. Think about causes that are meaningful to you, and then call around to see if any volunteering opportunities are available.