It’s common to worry about your resume getting lost among countless others. Standing out can feel challenging, but you can make your resume compelling, polished and effective with the right approach.
A well-crafted resume guides hiring managers through your career and skills, offering a snapshot of your professional value. By the end of the document, they should have a clear understanding of what you bring to the table.
At UCPath, we want to attract the best candidates and we want them to put their best foot forward so we can evaluate them fairly. To help with that, we’ve got 5 tips for a great resume that will get your foot in the door at UCPath–and any employer.
1. Showcase Your Professionalism
Your resume should always reflect the professionalism expected in the workplace. While hiring a professional resume writer or using a template can help, it’s more important to focus on structure, layout and conciseness. Think sharp and to the point, ensuring every section has a purpose and avoids filler.
A great resume doesn’t just list your background; it highlights the skills you’ve cultivated in a way that aligns with the job. Avoid generic phrases and use specific examples to show, not tell, about your education and work experience. Ideally, place a skill set section at the top that directly speaks to the requirements of the role.
2. Keep It Concise
Though some applicants feel pressured to add length, most professional recruiters recommend keeping resumes to two pages or less. Each line should contribute meaningfully to your profile, encouraging recruiters to read more. Provide just enough detail to generate interest rather than overwhelming it with excessive content.
3. Proofread Like a Pro
One small error can reflect poorly on an otherwise great resume or cover letter.
Before submitting, proofread thoroughly. A trusted person reviewing your resume can also spot mistakes you might overlook. In a professional setting, spelling, punctuation or grammar errors may disqualify you early in the process.
A business-appropriate email address is also essential; personal or unprofessional addresses can give the wrong impression. Be sure to create an email address that’s simple, professional and clearly tied to your name.
4. Include a Clear Objective Statement
You have about 30 seconds to make your resume stand out. An objective can give the recruiter immediate insight into why you’re a fit for this position, especially if it’s tailored to the role and organization.
Though resume objectives are sometimes skipped, they can make a strong impression when well-crafted. A short, concise objective at the top of the page helps capture attention quickly. In a sentence or two, explain why you’re interested in the role and what specific value you bring.
5. Speak to the Job with Measurable Accomplishments
For a great resume, list not only your duties, but also specific achievements. Use action verbs and quantify results wherever possible to highlight your contributions. For example:
- Rather than “managed a team,” try “led a team of five in increasing department efficiency by 30% over six months.”
- Instead of “handled customer complaints,” opt for “resolved an average of 20 customer complaints daily with a 95% satisfaction rate.”
Each example should show how your work benefited the company, team or clients. This approach paints a picture of a results-oriented candidate with an understanding of the position’s core needs.
Final Tip for a Great Resume: Tailor Your Resume to Every Job you Apply to
Hiring managers, including those at UCPath, notice when resumes are carefully aligned with the job requirements. This can mean focusing on relevant experiences or adding a tailored skills section near the top of the document. A tailored resume objective is another effective way to clarify why you’re the right person for the position.
Following these tips for a great resume helps ensure your application is professional, concise and impactful. Remember, your resume is often the first impression you make; with the right adjustments, it can make the difference in opening doors to new opportunities.
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