Business people giving grade to a job candidate in a bright officeAt some point in everyone’s career they transition from an entry-level candidate into a more experienced professional. They rely less on what they learned in class and more on the hands-on experience they have gained and how they have applied their knowledge. As you switch jobs, however, your resume should reflect this transition. The resume you used fresh out of college may not accurately demonstrate the scope of your skills and experience today. Making some adjustments to the organization, formatting, and content of your entry-level resume can elevate it to the next level.

Move your education to the bottom. For recent graduates, putting their education at the top of their resume can be beneficial because it shows employers their newly acquired degree, which can be a strong selling point. It shows that, although they may not have a lot of experience, they have the educational background necessary.

For those who graduated a few years ago, this is no longer the focus. The focus should be on relevant experience and the jobs they have held since graduating. This more accurately conveys their abilities and accomplishments as they pertain to the job they are applying for. Education is still included, just not in such a prominent place. You can also remove mentions of specific coursework and your GPA as these probably serve little value given that you have spent a few years working in the field.

Swap out internships for professional experience. Now that you have been employed in the industry for a few years, your professional experience is most likely more meaningful than what you did as an intern. Save valuable space by removing internships and elaborating more on what you have done in recent positions. The scope of your responsibilities and projects is greater and you hold more leadership and authority now than you did as an intern.

Highlight growth and achievement. What have you accomplished in the years since you graduated? How have you continued to refine, develop, and apply your skills? Focus on the impact you have made and how you have benefited the company and clients. Including metrics can provide more solid proof of a job well done. Show how you have grown as a professional and elevated yourself to the next level. Highlight more complex projects or tasks that you have been accountable for and what your role was.

As a mid-level professional, you possess more knowledge and skills than you did as an entry-level employee. Make sure that your resume accurately reflects your career progression and your current abilities. You don’t want to sell yourself short by making it look like you are capable of less than you really are through an outdated resume.

If you have made this transition in your career and are looking for jobs with more responsibility and authority, the professionals at Chic Resumes can help you to craft a resume that accurately reflects this. Position yourself as a leader and maximize your potential by showing employers what you have to offer. Contact Chic Resumes today at (803) 831-7444 or resumewriting@grammarchic.net to revise your resume and portray yourself as an experienced professional.

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