A resume is usually the first thing a prospective employer learns about you, so it’s important to make sure your resume is in tip-top shape. Plus, how much more confident do you feel when you head in for an interview when you know you have a stellar resume? A good resume is your foot in the door, what will get you noticed, and separate you from the rest of the pack. Here are some tips for the three, no four, R’s of resume writing—research, relevance, results, and realism.
Do your RESEARCH 
It’s important that you research a company before you apply and absolutely crucial that you do so before you walk in for an interview. But your research can make your resume stand out, too. You should echo the same language on your resume that’s in the original job posting. Make sure you highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments that are listed as necessary to do the job. After all, resumes that lack that key information will probably get tossed aside.
Only share what’s RELEVANT
Focus on what the employee is looking for, not what other random achievements you might throw on your resume. Those are sometimes important, too, but you especially want to make sure your stats match what the hiring manager will be looking for. Highlight the details about yourself that are most relevant to the employer. Which of your skills, qualifications, and experience are the best matches for the job? Make sure these are the ones that jump off the page upon first glance. It should only take the reader a few seconds to know that you’ll help add value to their company.
Your performance RESULTS are crucial
Focus on specific results from your career. How were you successful? How did your hard work pay off? Did your company save money? Did you help boost productivity? Or streamline efficiency? Be specific! Offer precise numbers, measurements, or percentages to prove that your efforts benefited your company. The results are your finish line! They’re the proof that you’ve been an effective employee, so it’s imperative that you include them on your resume.
Be REALISTIC
Be realistic. Though you’re on the lookout for your next challenge, don’t exaggerate your qualifications. You can’t fake your skills, education, or experience after you’re hired, and if you can’t perform as they expect you to, your new employer probably won’t be thrilled. Plus, do you really want to be hired for a job that you’re totally unprepared for? If a prospective job seems like a reach, but you really want to give it your best shot, show off your soft skills instead. Your employer can always help you get more training and develop new skills that are relevant to your new job, but they can’t teach you those other valuable character traits like hard work, effective communication, problem solving, confidence, and the ability to persevere.
For more information on how to craft the perfect resume, check out our website at https://www.chiefofstaffkc.com/job-seekers/.
Blog written by Erin Greenhalgh