It is not a secret that there are more opportunities online than anywhere else. At the same time, competition is global and fierce. Any help we can get is important. In this guest post, Alina Burakova explains how to fine-tune your resume for online jobs.
When applying for online jobs, one can have a huge challenge to write an enticing resume. Today employers prefer electronic resumes as opposed to the traditional drop off CVs. This document is an easy way for employers to establish the best employees for their companies.
What Is An Online Resume
An online resume is a digital document that has your contact information, educational background, and job history with suitable skills. This is not the same as a scanned copy of a CV. An online resume takes into account details that promote readability and function. It features like hyperlinks and media clips, unlike paper resumes. For example, if you are applying for a job as a videographer, you may attach videos or images of your previous work. You can also add links to the sites that your work has been uploaded.
How To Host Your Online Resume
As a business professional, you can access different social networking sites. You can easily upload your resume on any of the platforms available for safekeeping. Some employers may require you to upload on their job portal. You may also prefer to upload it to your website. For example, companies have a section where you can upload your resume after completing registration.
How To Create A Professional Resume
Tips for Successfully Writing A Resume For An Online Job
Writing a resume is quite easy, but most people do not know how to go about it. There are many mistakes people make that harbours them from getting the job they want. Writing a resume, whether online or paper one can be daunting if you do not have these skills:
Use the Proper Resume Format
A format showcases the display of information on your CV. How you format your resume will affect whether the hiring manager will consider you or not. There are many types of formatting a resume. Here are the different types:
1. Functional Resume
A functional resume is also known as a skill-based resume. This type of resume is more focused on the skills and expertise relevant to the job you are targeting. For example, when applying for a job as a social media manager yet your experience is in writing, you can showcase the skills that involve the job post. You may add content creation and editing as skills.
2. Chronological Resume
This resume is often referred to as a reverse chronological. It is useful in showcasing your experience in a chronological format. Companies are now adamant about using Applicant Tracking System to sort through resumes that are most suited for the job vacancy. You can get more tips on how to surpass the ATS scanning and improve your resume. For instance, it’s important to put the most current education first.
3. Combination resume
This is a mixture of both chronological and functional resumes. It allows you to showcase the best of both worlds – experience and skills. Combining these two segments may leave very little room for sections such as personal interests and hobbies. The combination resume will include work experience, relevant skills, education, contact information, and personal objective. When applying for a job, check what the employer is looking for, and craft your CV to fit the bill.
Name and Contact Details
When writing your CV, put your name and contact information in the first part. Your name should have a larger font compared to the rest of the document. Also, make sure you add the email address as well. If you have an online portfolio, add a link to showcase your previous works.
Summary or Personal Objective
A Personal objective will give a detailed but concise idea of who you are as a professional. This is a great way to showcase your ambitions and your sense of direction. Always use active tense to describe yourself.
Soft and Hard Skills
Before you list your skills, ensure that you do your research. Different jobs require a different set of skills. It is, therefore, paramount that you provide skills that are in line with the job description. You can note down your technical, interpersonal, and transferrable skills. Examples of these skills are editing, graphic design or analytical skills.
Professional History
Start writing your professional history in reverse order. The most critical is the most recent job by providing a summary of the name, period of employment, job title, and significant achievements. Here are some of the best practices to incorporate when writing this segment:
- Use of Keywords
The keywords used in the job description are meant to guide you in writing your resume. They will give a clear picture of what is wanted. Ensure your achievements are in line with what the employer has stipulated in the requirements.
- Use of Numbers
Always go for statistical representations of your achievements. Write in terms of percentages, and avoid generic summaries. For instance, I contributed to 40% growth of the company.
- Concise and Clear
Recruiters are usually looking for ways to save time. A lengthy irrelevant resume is not a great option if you want your employer to pick you. Do not use filler words when writing a professional CV. Avoid saying like, so, and therefore.
- Language Use
The language you use may seem insignificant, but it creates a lot of impacts. Always go for action verbs to create a more resounding effect. The tense should always be present.
Education Section
This is relevant if your work history is not extensive. If you are a graduate, this section is exceptionally important. If you are considering a career change, lay more emphasis on this segment as well. Fill in information including;
- Leadership Positions held
- Awards, achievements, and certifications
- Grade points
- Relevant coursework
Be keen to include the name of the institution, the dates, and the degree of specialization. You should also attach certifications to back up the qualifications you have listed.
Optional Sections
Do not hesitate to edit your resume by adding significant sections. You may add hobbies, achievements, and interests sections to supplement the resume. These sections will be substantial if your CV is short. Make sure the benefits you list are in line with the employer’s requirements. If you are applying to be a social worker, you may include traveling as one of your hobbies.
Formatting
The essential bit of a resume is the formatting. Be keen to check the font size, font style, margins, and spacing. The format will ensure your CV is professional and readable. Here are ways you can improve your resume:
- Ensure that your font is 12-point size
Always settle for appropriate font sizes. You can quickly reduce white space by utilizing font size 12. Do not incorporate any size above as it does not look professional. Ensure that your resume is one page; if not, change the font size to 10.
- Use Arial or Times New Roman
Be keen to make sure your resume is clear and readable. Your employer should have an easy time when reading through your CV. Employers usually utilize ATS to scan through documents, and it is not subject to light fonts.
- Margins should be 1.5 inches
Using an appropriate margin will improve the readability of the resume. Standard margins are set for cover letters, which are one inch on each side. Always make sure that they are below 1.5 inches.
- Bold your sections headers
By bolding your sections, recruiters can pinpoint the relevant information quickly. You can opt to bold or underline the parts as you see fit. Make sure that your name and contact details are in bold.
- Use bullet points
Bullet points will improve the readability of the resume. You can utilize it when writing the hobbies, skills, or experience. Always use bullet points when you have more than two points.
Proofread
Reviewing your resume is very important. Always check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation mishaps. I always ask a friend to help you go through my CV in case I missed something. Also ensure that its only one page, to avoid tiring the reader.
Verdict
Writing a resume for an online job is much easier now with the guidelines above. You will be sure to get a call back if you follow the instructions laid above and with in-depth research. As you create your resume, ensure that it is subject to the job offered. Check on the keywords used as a guide to writing a suitable resume. The job description is beneficial in denoting what language you should use and what you should input in the resume.
Author bio:
Alina Burakova is one of the most prolific resume writers. She offers a new perspective that is refreshing and effective for people seeking employment or a change of career. She reviews resume writing services, and her expertise has landed her in top circles in the writing industry.
