Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four hours sharpening the axe..
Abraham Lincoln
Invest time, money and effort to learn the soft skills that are the greatest determinant of your success
As we embark on our journey to build new lives and embrace fresh opportunities, one vital aspect that demands most of our attention is crafting a compelling tailored resume.
Yes, you read it right a “tailored resume”. Not the one that you cut, copy and paste for every job position.
Just like your passport lets you travel to many counties. In a similar manner, your resume acts as your passport to the door to opportunities. Of course, your cover letter also acts as a gateway to unlocking countless doors, but we have already discussed that in our previous newsletter.
Now, back to Resume!
Tailored resumes act as a tool that showcases your skills, experiences, and potential to prospective employers; thus, making it crucial to invest time and effort into perfecting it.
In this newsletter, we will explore the benefits of creating a good resume and provide you with important tips to make yours stand out.
Additionally, we will be joining forces with Resume Expert Doreen Fernandez to deep dive this process.
Who is Doreen Fernandez?
Doreen, an experienced professional in the financial services sector, has a remarkable background working for the leading banks in Canada. With her expertise, she assists individuals in various areas such as crafting tailored resumes, providing interview coaching, offering guidance in networking strategies, and developing effective job search strategies. Notably, many of her clients have successfully secured employment through her mentoring and support.
What is a tailored resume?
Your resume is not just a word or pdf file; it’s your personal sales pitch, an opportunity to showcase your unique value to potential employers. To truly stand out in today’s competitive job market, it is essential to craft a tailored resume that speaks directly to the needs of each employer.
In the words of Doreen Fernandez,”Your resume is a sales pitch, so sell yourself.”
Keeping the above in mind, let’s shed some light on this statement:
Imagine you are applying for a customer service job at a leading company. The job description emphasizes the importance of excellent communication skills, proficiency in customer relationship management (CRM) software and problem-solving abilities. A generic resume may list your previous job titles and responsibilities, but a tailored resume takes it a step further. It specifically aligns your skills and experiences with the requirements of the role, captivating the attention of the hiring manager.
Now, let’s dive a bit further on how to effectively sell yourself:
🎯 Analyze the Job Description
Take a moment to review the job description and identify the key requirements and desired qualifications. Carefully highlight the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. For example, they may value excellent communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and a customer-centric mindset.
🎯Create your Professional Summary
Start with a compelling introduction instead of a generic statement to catch the attention of the reader. Doreen Fernandez says “Craft a bold summary in your resume that will catch the hiring manager’s attention by showcasing your skills and accomplishments.”
“Results-oriented customer service professional with a proven track record of exceeding customer expectations. Skilled in actively listening to customer concerns, providing empathetic support, and delivering timely resolutions. Recognized for achieving a 98% customer satisfaction rating and increasing customer retention by 15% through effective problem-solving and personalized service..”
🎯Align your Skills Section
Emphasize those skills that directly relate to the customer service role. Be sure to use the same terminology mentioned in the job description to establish alignment.
“Active listening, Problem-solving, Effective communication, Patience and Empathy”
🎯Highlight your USP in Experience Section
According to Doreen Fernandez “Avoid using cliches and jargon and focus on telling your story. Talk about what you have done and what it resulted in. Address the gap and the need that exists in the job for which you are applying.” When detailing your previous work experience, focus on accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to excel in customer service and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
- “Implemented a customer feedback system, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.”
- “Resolved complex customer complaints, consistently achieving a resolution rate of 95% within a short turnaround time.”
★ Example on how to present a Gap in your resume:
“Family Caregiving Responsibilities (2018-2020)” During this period, I took time off to fulfil my caregiving responsibilities for a close family member. It was an invaluable experience that allowed me to develop essential skills in organization, time management, and empathy.
If the gap requires further explanation, you can provide a brief mention in your cover letter. Use this opportunity to highlight the personal and professional growth you gained during the gap and how it has positively shaped your readiness for the role.
★Snippet from Cover Letter:
During the gap in my employment history, I took a sabbatical to focus on personal development and explore new horizons. This experience provided me with valuable insights, allowing me to gain a fresh perspective and renewed motivation. I am excited to bring the skills and knowledge acquired during this time to contribute to your organization’s goals.
🎯Commitment in Volunteer Experience
Incorporating volunteering experience into your resume conveys your eagerness to make a difference in causes that resonate with your values. This demonstration of active involvement beyond professional pursuits can create a favourable impression on employers, highlighting your positive impact. Including volunteering experiences enables you to showcase transferable skills to potential employers. Moreover, if you have gaps in your employment history, incorporating volunteering experiences helps to fill those gaps and illustrates your continued engagement and productivity during those periods.
ABC Community Center, City, State – Volunteer Coordinator (Jan 19 to Jan 23)
- Led a team of 10 volunteers in organizing and executing fundraising events, resulting in a 30% increase in donations year-over-year.
- Developed and implemented volunteer training programs, improving overall volunteer engagement and satisfaction.
Additional Tips
In addition to the previously mentioned guidelines, please consider the following points as well.
- Keywords: Employers often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to manage resumes. To increase your chances of getting past the ATS, incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your resume.
- Language and Tone: Align your language and tone with the company culture and values. Research the organization’s mission and vision, and mirror their language in your resume to demonstrate your alignment with their core values.
- Proofread and Seek Feedback: Before submitting your tailored resume, proofread it carefully to ensure accuracy and correctness. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it and provide feedback on its clarity, impact, and overall effectiveness.
- Formatting and Presentation: Make your resume visually appealing and easy to read. Use clear headings, bullet points, and appropriate spacing. Consider using action verbs like “assisted,” “collaborated,” or “achieved” to describe your experiences.
- Font Size and : We recommend incorporating either serif or sans serif fonts into your resume design. For the body of your resume, including section headers, opt for 10- or 12-point fonts. To make your name stand out in the heading banner at the top of your resume, consider using a larger font size between 16 to 18 points.
Now, it’s your turn!
Take a moment to review a job posting you’re interested in and identify how you can tailor your resume to highlight your skills and experiences that closely match the position’s requirements.
As Doreen Fernandez says “Show your best self so your resume gets to the top of the “Yes” pile.”
So remember, a tailored resume not only increases your chances of getting noticed but also showcases your genuine interest in the role and your ability to meet the employer’s needs. It communicates that you have taken the time to understand the company and have carefully curated your resume to align with their expectations.
If you need assistance on how to craft your tailored resume, then we got an Army of Ambassadors ready to hear you out.
If you wish to learn more, you can always connect with us. Our team at Immigrant Networks is here to listen and provide support. Register with us www.immigrantnetworks.com and tell us about your journey!
Networking to get working! 💪
