As a job seeker, it can be difficult to find the kind of position that will meet your needs, abilities, and expectations.

For companies, it can be difficult to find highly-qualified professionals, but looking for a job is even more challenging for specialists themselves.

Without further ado, here are some valuable tips for job seekers on how to successfully write a resume and pass an interview.

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide to Successfully Changing Careers

#1 Prepare Information for Your Resume

First of all, you need to prepare all the information you will need for your resume. The better you prepare, the easier it will be to plan and write your CV. Think about your qualifications and anything else that will be relevant to potential employers. Prepare information about your education, experience, skills, qualities, and so on.

#2 Create an Outline to Organize the Details

Once you have prepared all the necessary information, you will need to create an outline for your resume to organize all of its details. In most cases, you will have several sections that will include information with:

  • Your Personal and Contact Info – Who you are, your email address, your phone number, etc.
  • Your Education and Training – Where you studied, which courses you completed.
  • Your Work Experience – Where you worked, your job position, and responsibilities.
  • Your Achievements – What you are proud of (about your education and experience).
  • Your Skills and Qualities – Which skills you possess, which qualities characterize you.

You can add more sections if you believe there is more information you can add. For example, if you have extensive experience in volunteering, then you can either add it under the work experience section or in a separate section.

#3 Write, Proofread, and Edit Your Resume

Now that you have an outline, you can use it to write your resume. Try to be as concise as possible and preferably objective. Then, proofread and edit your resume to ensure that there are no factual or linguistic mistakes.

#4 Design Your Resume (Or Use a Template)

To show that you treat job-seeking seriously, you need to design your resume or use a pre-made template. If your resume looks nice, it will create a better impression. Moreover, a well-designed resume also looks more organized and is easier to read.

#5 Save Your Resume in Different Formats

Not every job listing will let you send your resume as a Word document which is why it’s best to save your CV in multiple formats. The two most commonly accepted file formats are DOC and PDF.

#6 Apply to Job Listings with Your Resume

Once you have your resume, you can start looking for job listings that meet your needs, abilities, and expectations. Send your resume and provide any other required information. Keep in mind that you might have to adjust your resume a little depending on the job listing. This is why it’s best to keep your original document as a Word document so that you can always edit it a little and create a new version of your resume when you need one.

#7 Start Communication with HR Reps

After sending out your resume and applying to different job listings, you will start getting responses from HR representatives. Make sure to respond as swiftly as possible and keep your communication professional and respectful. You want to uphold the good impression the HR rep had of you after reading your resume.

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#8 Prepare for Your Interview Thoroughly

You will eventually get invited to interviews, so you will need to prepare for them thoroughly. Here are some things to take care of:

  • Research the company. At the interview, you will need to show that you “did your homework” and know where you could be working if you get accepted.
  • Prepare your clothes. If there is a dress code, you should definitely stick to it. Otherwise, go for a formal look. Even if you have an online interview, you still need to look presentable.
  • Answer common questions. You can already practice your answers to questions that are commonly asked at interviews (e.g. “Why do you want to work for us?”)
  • Get any additional documents. If the HR rep asked for additional documents, prepare them so that you can take them with you to the interview.

#9 Be Punctual, Polite, and Honest

When going to the interview, be punctual, polite, and honest. Arrive on time – or rather a few minutes before the interview. Be polite and respectful to all the employees you meet at the company, including your interviewer. Answer questions honestly and show that you can be trusted.

#10 Follow Up After the Interview

Last but not least, follow up after the interview. You will be told to expect a call or an email, but it’s best to reach out yourself too. After a week, you can send an email to your interviewer asking about the results if you still haven’t received them. This shows your proactiveness and could actually help you get the job.

Final Thoughts

All in all, finding your next job shouldn’t be stressful, but it can definitely be time-consuming. Use the tips in this article to help you create a better resume and successfully pass all your interviews.

Bio

Kristen Bray is a professional writer and а blogger.

She has been working as an editor at а Best Writers Online.

Kristen mainly covers topics such as blogging, digital marketing, and self-education. In her free time, she practices yoga and also travels.

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