The logical answer to this question would be you, of course. After all, your resume is a document depicting your education, skills, experiences, and accomplishments. However, your resume isn’t just about you. It’s also about prospective employers. When writing your resume, you need to keep their needs and interests in mind.
Change Your Perspective
There are probably plenty of things in life that you’re proud of and interested in, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they belong on your resume. If you’re applying for an accounting job, the fact that you knit blankets or volunteer at the food bank every week probably isn’t very relevant. It’s fine to list it as volunteer experience, but you don’t need to spend several bullet points elaborating on what you do, especially if they’re not related to your career.
Look at things from an employer’s point of view. They’re skimming your resume to quickly assess how you would be an asset to their business. They want to know what skills you possess or accomplishments you have achieved that would benefit their needs. The fact that you knit 25 blankets last year doesn’t speak to your ability to manage a ledger, process expense reports, or follow generally accepted accounting principles.
Focus on the things you are proud of from the perspective of an employer’s interests. Read through the job description carefully and highlight areas where you really shine. The projects you’ve done are probably different from those another applicant has done. This allows you to show who you are while still checking the right boxes. Keep in mind this may mean cutting things like listing your hobbies unless they pertain specifically to what you want to do. While you’re passionate about them, they don’t necessarily need to take up space on your resume.
Add Personality to Your Cover Letter
Creating a cover letter for each position provides you will a little more flexibility in adding personality. You can touch on what makes you interested in the company, position, or field, and how your trip to Indonesia inspired your focus on international business due to differences in the economy. Since it is not quite as formulaic, you have more opportunity to interject enticing tidbits of information that make an employer want to learn more.
However, be cautious about going overboard in your cover letter as well. Your focus should still be on showing why you are a good fit for the position and what you bring to the company. Every cover letter – and resume – should be tailored to the job you are applying for.
If you’re unsure how your resume is presenting you, ask a trusted friend or family member for honest feedback. Have them review it as they think an employer would and tell you what stands out to them the most. If their takeaway doesn’t line up with what the job opening is looking for, you may have some revising to do.
When it comes to writing your resume, you want it to be about you but also appealing to hiring managers. The team at Grammar Chic can help you to find this balance and create a consistent message. Contact us today at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to learn more.
