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Preparing an impressive resume- 2-Aug-2010
WHEN you apply for a job opening, most of the candidates have probably done the same.
So, how do you ensure your resume stands out from rest of others? What exactly is the company looking for while short-listing candidates? Here's the lowdown.
ENTRY- LEVEL RESUME:
Highlight all your non-academic achievments: At entry-level when you have no industry experience, underscore your other achievements.
'Highlight projects that you have done, awards you have bagged and companies you have interned with,' says a top official from a manpower consultation company. Companies also give high rating if they see you are a team person and enjoy good inter-personal relationships.
So, if you are part of student's associations or an NGO, stress on these points. Certainly, academics is the first thing that recruiters see, but extra curricular excellence does count a lot too.
Talk only about business interest: Do away with the habit of mentioning interests like singing, dancing, music, swimming, painting or astrology. 'Talk only about your business interest,' says Sunil Kalra, consultant to a leading HR firm. And be well prepared. If you say your interest lies in reading, 'Then know the book inside, out, upside, down,' emphasizes Kalra.
Gain proficiency in a professional area: While studying, gain competency in an area that will hold you in good stead in your professional career. Learn basic computer
skills. Having done that, move on to adding other skills like Coral Draw if you want to get into computer graphics or learn accounting software Tally if you see your future in accounting.
MID-LEVEL RESUME
Flexibility and responsibility: When you have gained 3-4 years of experience, review your CV. For a person with 2-4 year's of experience and more, the thrust shifts on industry knowledge and his adaptability in the organisation, among other qualities. 'At this stage, cultural fit is given more importance, flexible approach matters and the learning starts playing an important role, says Rajesh AR. The organisation sees if you have been flexible in previous roles and whether you are prepared for a new responsibility.
Personal Initiatives: The companies also see the personal initiatives that you have taken to add on to your skill and knowledge base. While it hints your progressive mindset, 'It also subtly, positively speaks of your career consciousness', says Kalra. Candidates should highlight those events where their ideas have been implemented their analytical skills have been applauded.
OTHER MUST-DOS
Be Specific: If you are applying for a position in sales and marketing vertical, a requirement which is across industries, should you tailor your CV every time? Not really. Just be specific.and highlight the best fit experiences
Remain updated: Be aware of the news and current affairs. 'Read newspapers', advises Rajesh AR. Read business writers. Focus more on your field
Communication skills: Work on your verbal communication skills and writing skills. Prior to the interview, prepare a list of questions that a recruiter might ask, write down the answers and read it aloud to yourself. Keep your answers to the point.
Use these pointers and rest assured you will get an interview call no sooner your CV reaches the recruiter.
QUICK TAKE
Keep your CV short. For fresher's it's a page and a half. For mid- level executive not more than two-pages. CV should be business-led. Mention business interests and not personal interests like cooking, singing etc. Companies see whether your career interests are in line with what you have done in the past and whether your achievements substantiate that, says, Head Operations, Naukri.com. Be updated on the news and current affairs. Be well-read in your respective field Keep taking personal initiatives to enhance your knowledge and skill base.
