Starting a career is a daunting challenge, whether you are fresh out of high school or have completed a college degree. You can expect the journey to be scary, regardless of your skills, confidence, and capability. Setting yourself apart in the competitive landscape is perhaps the trickiest part of the journey. Your resume has a crucial role because it reaches the potential recruiters before you do it. Going the extra mile to make an impressive one makes sense. But newbies seldom know what goes into a good one. Here are some career hacks that a first-timer can rely on to create a valuable professional resume.
Check the samples
Not all newbies can afford professional resume writing services, but online samples can be helpful. In fact, you are the best person to narrate your story, so writing it yourself makes sense. But you can check niche-relevant samples for a first-time resume to understand the basic elements, design layouts, and best practices. Ensure the document is simple and easy to read, with the essentials properly highlighted. Since you will not have much in the name of experience, focus on skills that may benefit a potential employer.
Include relevant information
First-timers often fall for the temptation of information overload, only to add volume and length to their professional resume. Steer clear of the idea, and stick with the relevant information a hiring manager will be interested in. Typically, recruiters skim through resumes in a few seconds, and showing relevant details can get them to the next stage. A brief document with apt keywords is good enough to do the trick.
Have supportive documents at hand
An impressive resume gives you a great start, but no one will probably take your word as a beginner. Experts recommend having supportive documents at hand to validate the facts. You may get into the job landscape right after completing high school. The next question is how to get high school diploma before the graduation ceremony. You can buy a novelty diploma for submission at the time of joining. Getting one is a good idea even if you already have a real one because your employer may want to keep it in records.
Engage with storytelling
Your first resume may not have much to showcase, but you can engage recruiters with a storytelling approach. Everything boils down to presenting what you have well enough to create interest. Try creating a storyline with your academic achievements. Add some spice to your strengths and passion. Let the language do the rest because the words you use can make all the difference.
Remember to proofread and edit
Errors may happen when you write a resume as they can cost you an opportunity. You cannot expect a recruiter to trust you if the numbers on your resume do not match your documents. A spelling error indicates an irresponsible approach, which can turn off the potential employer. Remember to proofread the document critically to prevent mistakes and misses. Edit where required and ensure updated information.
Your resume can make or break the chances of landing a job. You must pay extra attention to writing your first one because you need a good opportunity the most at the start of your career. Follow these tips to ace it!