Are you interested in learning how to apply for jobs? If you’re unsure of how to build the perfect resume, click here to learn more!
Did you know that the unemployment rate in the United States is 11.1%?
If you’re looking to make your living conditions better, applying for a job is your go-to option. But with varying company requirements, you might find it difficult to fit in. Worse, you may get dismissed because you don’t know how to market yourself better.
Don’t feel discouraged yet.
With this guide, you’ll learn how to apply for jobs and write a great resume. Read on to learn the proper way to get employment by writing the best resume.
1. Pick the Right Format
Writing a resume isn’t free-form—you must consider established formats to increase its effectiveness.
You have three options for standard resume formats: functional, reverse-chronological, and combination. Use these as a basis on how to present yourself, to ensure you won’t be part of the 61% of job applicants ghosted by recruiters.
Functional resumes are the best fit for entry-level job applicants. Entry-level applicants can use these to emphasize their skills to compensate for their lack of work experience. The only problem with this format is that HR managers might assume you’re hiding information.
Reverse-chronological resumes are the traditional format used by most job applicants. It’s great since it’s familiar to most employers, meaning it’s easy to read. But because it’s too common, you have limited opportunities to be creative with its design format.
Combination resumes are perfect for experienced workers and career changers. This format is great in emphasizing skills you can transfer from field to field. However, it’s the most uncommon format among the three, and entry-level job applicants won’t benefit from it.
2. Add Contact Information and Personal Details
Striking the balance between what information to give and what to hold back is important. That’s why you must include some on your resume while leaving out the others. Here are things you must include:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Email Address
- LinkedIn URL
Here is the information you must avoid:
- Birthdate
- Second email or phone number
- Photo
Adding your birthdate often leads to ageism. It’s only a must for jobs that require you to be within a specific age range. A second email or phone number only makes your employer confused.
3. Put Relevant Skills Fitting the Job Ad
Your resume must have a good set of both hard and soft skills. Simply put, you must tailor your resume to demonstrate your specific abilities and know-how while showing off your self-developed, life-learned skills. Some skills you must put include:
- Communication skills
- Technical skills
- Job-specific skills
- Organization skills
- Transferable skills
Do you need a more professional resume? If so, convert it to a PDF for a crisper look. Use this free PDF converter and increase your chances of getting hired today!
4. Complement Your Resume With a Cover Letter
You must submit a cover letter since it allows you to be more specific with the things you listed on your resume. The best part is you can speak using normal sentences. Also, most employers believe that a resume holds insufficient information for a definitive decision.
Learn How to Apply for Jobs Today!
These are things you must consider to learn how to apply for jobs. Follow these tips to ensure you ace your next job application.
Did this guide help you learn how to apply for a job? If so, read our other posts and get more nuggets of wisdom today!