Version: 2.3.23
Resumes tips and tricks
Make your resume stand out from the competition by following these strategies and tips. Additionally, don't forget to utilize LinkedIn to showcase your skills and experience. With a well-written resume and a strong LinkedIn profile, you'll increase your chances of landing your dream job.
Where to start?
To help you get started, we recommend an exercise to map out your achievements. Take a notepad/doc or piece of paper and write down all of your previous job experiences. Leave room to make 10 bullet points for each role. This will allow you to identify and organize your key accomplishments.
For example
Customer Service Representative 2020 - 2022
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Now, consider the most significant achievements you were responsible for in each role. Focus on processes you improved or initiatives you led that had a significant impact. From the list of 10 bullet points for each role, select the 4 most impactful accomplishments to include in your resume.
Note: it can be more than 4 but each job title should have 3 - 4 accomplishments.
Make every bullet count
One common mistake we see when reviewing resumes is the lack of emphasis on the impact of the candidate's actions. Instead of just making statements, it is important to highlight the impact you had in your previous roles through the use of specific examples and achievements.
For example
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Responsible for X to ensure quality assurance
The statement above didn't bring any of the possible impact you had in the role into perspective. The golden rule should always be X Y Z this rule is well known to help each bullet point.
The X Y Z Formula
What is it? in short it what each bullet should have:
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X - What you accomplished
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Y - How is this accomplishment was measured (aka quantifying numbers)
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Z - What YOU Personally provided/added or change
Quantifying Numbers?
Trying to quantify the impact you had can be challenging but it is a MUST. Try thinking of the process that you may have improved or implemented.
For example:
"Implemented a new inventory management system that resulted in a 15% reduction in inventory errors and a 25% increase in efficiency."
In this example, the candidate has provided quantifying numbers to illustrate the impact of their work. By implementing a new inventory management system, they were able to reduce inventory errors by 15% and increase efficiency by 25%. This helps the employer better understand the scope and significance of the candidate's achievement.
Providing quantifying numbers in a resume can help to make your achievements more concrete and impactful. It's important to try to include specific numbers or percentages whenever possible to help illustrate the scope and significance of your work.
X - Implemented a new inventory management system
Y - 15% reduction in inventory errors
Z - 25% increase in efficiency
More examples of quantifying numbers?
There is a great article written by Lily Zhang that goes into this concept and provides more tips and details.
Now putting it together
Now that you have your previous and current job(s) with strong bullet points. You can start getting together the resume on a template. There are several templates you can use for free.
LinkedIn Resume Builder:
LinkedIn Resume Builder is a *free and useful tool for job seekers who want to create a professional resume quickly and easily using the information from their LinkedIn profile. To use it, follow these steps.
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Sign in to your LinkedIn account and go to your profile page.
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Click on the "More" button on the right-hand side of the page and select "Export LinkedIn Profile" from the drop-down menu.
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Choose a file format for your resume. LinkedIn allows you to export your profile as a PDF, Word document, or text file.
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Choose which sections of your LinkedIn profile you want to include in your resume. You can select all sections or just specific ones, such as your work experience or education.
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Click the "Export" button to download your LinkedIn profile as a resume.
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Open the downloaded file and review it to ensure all the information is accurate and up-to-date. Make any necessary edits or updates.
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Save the file and use it as your resume when applying for jobs.
Alternatively, you can use LinkedIn's "Resume Builder" tool, which allows you to create a professional-looking resume using your LinkedIn profile information. To use this tool, click on the "More" button and select "Save a PDF of your LinkedIn profile" from the drop-down menu. This will open the Resume Builder tool, where you can customize the layout and design of your resume and download it as a PDF or Word document.
Before you begin crafting the summary statement on the template, there is a great YouTube video created by Jeff Su here you should view and keep in mind while writing the resume.
There is an app that can help you with a guided walkthrough and has a free version. They leverage your LinkedIn OR if you already have a resume. Check them out below.
Leveraging LinkedIn
Now that you have your resume created, make sure you upload it to your LinkedIn. Uploading your resume to LinkedIn makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to find and review your work experience, education, and skills, and also allows you to highlight specific accomplishments and showcase your professional brand and personality. You can customize the formatting and layout of your resume, and easily update it as you gain new experience and skills. This can help you stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired. Follow these steps to upload your new resume:
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Log in to your LinkedIn account and go to your profile page.
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Click the "Add profile section" button at the top of your profile page.
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In the "Media" section, click "Upload" to upload your resume file.
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Select your resume file from your computer and click "Open."
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Edit the title and description of your resume if desired, and click "Save."
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Your resume will now be visible on your LinkedIn profile under the "Media" section.
Note: If you want to update your resume on LinkedIn, simply repeat these steps and upload the revised version of your resume. The old version will be replaced with the new one.
LinkedIn also has a course we highly recommend on how to make your profile as impactful as possible. Check out their course below.
LinkedIn Premium offers discounts for Students from time to time and is free for U.S. Veterans. Note: Terms and conditions may change from the time of publication, please check each site and review current offers.
Begin connecting 📶
Now that you have you LinkedIn updated to reflect your current professional accomplishments and resume. Begin connecting, SOMOS.tech members are a great way to grow your network. You can make an announcement in our online forum, or review member profiles to connect.
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Click the "Connect" button: Once you've found the person's profile, click the "Connect" button to send them a connection request.
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Customize your request message: LinkedIn allows you to customize the message you send with your connection request. Take the opportunity to personalize your message and explain why you want to connect with them.
Make sure to include a message of why you want to connect. This is a very important step. You can do this by customizing the request message. Below is an example
"Hi [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I came across your profile on LinkedIn and was impressed by your experience and accomplishments in the [industry] field. I would love to connect with you and learn more about your career journey. I am also apart of SOMOS.tech and see you are too.
I am currently [explain your current situation, such as looking for a new job or seeking industry insights]. I believe connecting with professionals like yourself would be a valuable opportunity for me to learn and grow in my career.
I would be grateful if you could accept my connection request. Thanks for considering it, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards, [Your name]"
This message establishes a personal connection with the person you are reaching out to, explains why you want to connect, and shows that you are interested in learning from their experiences. By using a customized message like this, you can increase your chances of getting a positive response to your connection request.