Good day everyone! This month in our university that I am currently studying in called for the attention of all incoming 5th year Engineering students. Because this month we are encouraged required to take up OJT (On-The-Job Training) course for summer before we step into the university's portal as official 5th year students.

In every company that we applied to, of course they will need to ask you for your resume, application letter, endorsement letter and the like. Other companies may require more documents upon confirming that you are accepted for a job position in their good office.

Now, in line with this I would like to share to you all a guide on how to correctly write a resume. From experience it is totally confusing on how to write a resume because I want to impress the hiring managers by giving them proper resume that is not overly written nor so boring.

Then comes the question "what do hiring managers look for in an applicant?" This question I will answer through giving an insight from a mentor whom we call Sir Joseph. This is what I learned and I will now start sharing you what I know.

A resume is like formally telling the company who you are in summary, especially in line with the job position you are applying for. And additionally by writing this, it can change your perspective on what you have accomplished so far and what you still need to improve.

To have an overview of your competitors here is a RECRUITMENT FUNNEL.

This is an inspiration to really put your heart out in making your content. Now let us tackle that next.

What sections should you include in your resume?

CAREER OBJECTIVE

The purpose of writing a career objective on your resume is to tell the reader what you are trying to achieve. It should be tailored fit for every job/application. The objective must be able to transmit that you are definitely the best candidate for the position and that you want to do something good in their company.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

The following information is advised to include in your resume:

• Name
• Address
• Phone Number (s)
• Email Address

While these are the unnecessary information not required in your resume (unless requested):

• Cover Letter
• Passport Size Picture
• Weight
• Height
• Marital Status
• Ethnic Group
• Religion
• Health Status
• Identification Number

SUMMARY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Accomplishments are relevant honors, achievements or awards that you earned for exceeding average performance. This may be the one section of the resume an employer focuses on if they do not have much time in reviewing resumes.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Include under this section the school name and location, graduation date or when you completed the program, and relevant awards. And list it in chronological order from most recent to least recent, including beginning and ending dates.

WORK EXPERIENCE

The important thing is to highlight the work you did, the skills you acquired and the achievements you attained (Include companies, job titles, dates, duties, and responsibilities)

INTERESTS/ ACTIVITIES

Activities including clubs, membership organizations, hobbies, and interests that show leadership, technical skills, community involvement, or team-playing capabilities can point out skills or valuable traits that were not identified in work experience.

Activities to include for example:

• Leadership roles in clubs and organizations
• Participation in charity events
• Athletics or other competitive sport

CHARACTER REFERENCE

A reference is anyone who can vouch for what you are like as a person and what you are like to work with. Details required when listing down your references:

• Name
• Job Title
• Organisation
• Phone Number
• Email Address

In summary,

Now moving forward to proper formatting of resume...

1. Keep your resume to 2 pages. Resume should persuade employers to read about you and then consider you for a position. It should not be too long that it does not hold their attention. Attempt to keep it short, while also including key points about yourself that employers will be interested in.

2. Use appropriate font and sizing. Words should not be squished together or too far apart.

3. Use the same tense for all verbs used.

4. Make it easy to read. Use bullet points, no run-on sentences, equal spacing, no acronyms. Ensure there are no spelling errors

5. Overall, the layout should be pleasing to the eye.

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We are often told that the competition in job application is tough and that we should not sell our selves short. We have to keep in mind that there are many people that is applying for the same job so we have to write about what makes us different and employable.

Whatever the competition is now, you have to make sure to be honest with your resume above all.

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That's a wrap! Hope this can help you in writing your resumes!

Thank you!

Yours,
@jasoncaspe