Last week, we delved into the nitty-gritty of starting one’s own business and the inherent benefits of drafting a business plan. However, after looking at one or two responses to the newsletter it soon became clear that more and more people are shying away from self-employment due to the stringent economic situation in the country.

More people are looking for gainful employment in Nigeria than ever before, and there will be even more in the immediate future, but do not fret, Young & Cerebral is here to help you stand out amongst any given pool of job applicants.

Whether you’re looking for your first job, a placeholder job or even your dream job, your resume is your first impression. It’s your chance to show potential employers why they should hire you. Here are the key things you need to know when crafting your resume:

Keep It Short and Sweet

Employers don’t have a lot of time to read each resume, so try to keep yours to one page. Use bullet points and short sentences to make it easy to read. Only include the most important information about your skills and experiences.

Customize for Each Job

Tailor your resume for each job you apply to. Read the job description carefully and include the skills and experiences that match what the employer is looking for. This helps you get past software that scans resumes for keywords before a human even looks at them.

Show What You’ve Achieved

Don’t just list your job duties; show what you accomplished. For example, instead of saying “Worked at a coffee shop,” say “Served an average of 50 customers per shift and received employee of the month twice.” This shows you did a great job, not just the basic requirements.

Highlight Your Skills and Use Numbers Where Possible

Include a section that lists your skills. This can include both hard skills (like proficiency in Microsoft Office) and soft skills (like teamwork or communication). Be specific about what you can do. For example, instead of just saying “Computer skills,” you could say “Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.”

Whenever possible, use numbers to show your achievements. Numbers make your accomplishments more concrete and impressive. For example, “Managed a team of 5 people,” or “Increased sales by 20%.”

Show a Bit of Your Personality

While staying professional, you can add a little personal touch to your resume. This could be a brief mention of hobbies or interests, or any volunteer work you’ve done. For example, “Enjoy hiking and volunteering at the local animal shelter.” This can help make you more relatable to employers.

Creating the perfect resume can take some considerable time and effort, but it’s worth it to land that dream job. Always remember to update your resume regularly as you gain new experiences and skills. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a resume that stands out and helps you get noticed by employers. Happy Job Hunting!