Your resume is your ticket into a job interview. Itās the first impression you’ll make on a potential employer, and as an entry-level candidate, your resume needs to be concise, relevant, and tailored to the job youāre applying for.
That said, hiring managers typically spend just a few seconds scanning resumes. So how can you keep yours short, but impactful? Itās easier than you think. Here are six simple tips to help.
1. Skip the Objective Statement
An objective statement is a thing of the past and simply wastes valuable real estate on your resume. Hiring managers know you want the job. After all, thatās why youāre applying. Instead, use that space to include a brief skills summary, strengths, and accomplishments that are connected to the job.
2. Stick to Whatās Relevant
When youāre fresh out of school or new to the workforce, itās tempting to list every job or internship youāve ever had. However, not all of your experience is important. Rather, focus on jobs, internships, and volunteer work where you gained relevant transferable skills, like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
3. Be Mindful About Your Education Section
As an entry-level candidate, your education is important. But it shouldn’t take up half your resume. Only list your school, degree, major, and graduation date. Leave out unrelated coursework, clubs, and activities unless they are directly related to the job. If your GPA is impressive (above 3.5) or you graduated with honors, you can include that as well.
4. Use Bullet Points and Clear Language
Long paragraphs are overwhelming, especially for busy hiring managers. Use bullet points instead to list your duties and achievements in previous jobs or internships. Be concise and start each bullet point with an action verb, such as “led,” “managed,” or “implemented.” This makes your resume easier to read, while highlighting your accomplishments clearly.
5. Combine Sections
If you’re struggling to fit everything on one page, try combining sections. For example, instead of separate sections for “Skills” and “Certifications,” merge the two. You can call it something like “Skills and Certifications” or “Relevant Skills” to save space.
6. Play with the Format
Donāt be afraid to adjust the formatting a bit to make your resume fit neatly onto one page. You can:
- Reduce your margins slightly (keep them at 0.5 inches or more!).
- Use a professional, easy-to-read font like Arial or Calibri at a point size of 10 to 12.
- Skip including any graphics or elaborate designs.
- Focus on a creating a resume that is simple to skim, while setting you apart.
Get Expert Help Finding Your Next Job in Phoenix!
By following these tips, you can streamline your resume while still presenting yourself as a strong candidate. If you’d like professional help with the process, turn to PrideStaff. As an award-winning employment agency in Phoenix, we can help you polish your resume skills and connect you to rewarding jobs at top companies. Search our jobs now!