By: Aubry Hawks, Account Executive
There’s a six letter word that most fear, hate or try to avoid until the last minute. Right now, I bet you’re counting on your fingers, trying to figure out what I’m talking about. Let the drumroll commence… The six letter word is a resume! For most people, job hunting can be overwhelming, and unfortunately, building the “perfect resume” can be equally time-consuming and challenging.
I have sent countless resumes to many employers in my life, some that have helped me obtain great jobs, but there have been times where my resume was the reason why I didn’t land my dream job. If this has happened to you, don’t get discouraged; learn from it, accept their criticism, make revisions and keep on searching! Cue music to “Hi-ho It’s Off To Work We Go,” from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Your resume should never be the reason that holds you back from getting a job. For those who are currently seeking jobs, or for those who need to update their antiquated resume, here are three tips to help make your resume stand out from the crowd.
1. Shine bright like a diamond: Did you know that the average employer spends only six seconds looking at your resume before he or she makes his or her decision? This fact might seem overwhelming, but you can also use this to your advantage! This is why it’s crucial to find a way on your resume to make your PR achievements, experiences and skills shine brighter than all of the other applicants. One way you can do this is to include a bulleted section of keywords that are tailored specifically to the job or internship that you’re applying for. If you decide to include a summary of qualifications or an objective statement, utilize it the same way you would an elevator speech about yourself.
2. Make it AP friendly: Chances are that you use AP Style everyday when crafting press releases or sending emails. But, are you using it in your resume? If you are applying for a job that is all about PR, you should make it AP affable! Writing is a huge part of any job, so show a potential employer through your resume that you have mastered the nearly 400-page AP Stylebook already. Maybe you know how to use AP Style, but need a refresher course on some of the basic guidelines. Check out this article from www.ragan.com to avoid 11 common AP Style errors on your next resume.
3. Errors…Ain’t nobody got time for that: Just like the YouTube sensation Sweet Brown didn’t have time for bronchitis, recruiters and/or employers don’t have time to look at resumes with flaws. When drafting your resume, avoid using a passive voice. You want your resume to stand out, so be action-orientated and concise. Another thing employers can’t stand is a resume full of typos. Before you send out your resume, be sure to edit, edit and re-edit your resume. Remember that employers want to see resumes that are current and credible. Before you send out your resume, also make sure you answer the question, “Why should I hire you?”
Whether you’re about to graduate from college or are looking for a new job, having a PR appropriate resume will ultimately help you land the job of your dreams. Although developing the perfect resume takes time, by implementing my three tips, you will be on your way to creating the perfect PR resume! Good luck with your job search.