Step 1: Be creative
Have fun with the design, and choose a vibe that matches your personality. Are you a creative soul? Play with colour! More of a no-nonsense type? Keep it sleek and professional. Your resume should reflect who you are, so let your personality shine through! In what could be a stack of CVs, you want to ensure yours catches the eye so they'll want to pick it up. There are many free CV template providers online, such as Canva, that are easy to use and customisable.
Step 2: Include the essential sections
Use clearly titled sections for a guaranteed easy read. Sections to include:
Contact information: Make sure employers can reach you for the following interview!
About me: Drop a line or two about who you are, what makes you unique and why you're the perfect fit.
Education/ accolades: Show off your smarts with your academic/ cultural achievements.
Work experience: Highlight your past jobs and show how you've rocked it in the workplace. You don't have to mention every single job; if there are a lot, choose those relevant and beneficial to the position you're applying for.
Skills: Flex the skills that set you apart, whether coding, graphic design, or making killer coffee.
Bonus round: Got any cool side projects, exciting hobbies, volunteer work, or languages you speak? Throw them in!
Step 3: Customise for purpose.
Like a DJ would tailor their playlist for the crowd, you should customize your resume for each job. Read the job description and pick out the key skills they're after to ensure your resume hits the right marks. It'll make you stand out from the crowd!
Step 4: Less is more.
No one wants to read a novel, especially not busy employers. Keep your resume short, sweet, and easy on the eyes. Break up the text with bullet points, use clean fonts, and leave plenty of negative space.
Step 5: Please proofread!
Before you hit send, look for typos, grammar gremlins, or formatting fails. Better yet, get a friend to give it a once-over. Two heads are better than one when catching those sneaky mistakes!
Step 6: Keep it fresh.
Your resume isn't a one-hit wonder; it's a living, breathing document that grows with you. Keep it fresh by updating it regularly with your latest achievements and experiences. Who knows? Your next big opportunity could be just around the corner!
Congratulations! You've just levelled up your resume game. With your shiny new CV, you're ready to take on the world and show employers why you're the ultimate catch!
Make a start by using your CV when applying for opportunities with youth Employment Success!
