Ready to start looking for a new job in Miami? Haven’t searched for one in a while? Your first step should be to refresh your resume to ensure you’re putting your best foot forward with hiring managers. Here’s how to do it:
Find your focus.
Before you start the process of updating your resume, make sure you know the types of jobs you want. If you don’t have a clear vision in place ahead of time, you could end up with an unfocused and ineffective job search. If you have a couple different interests, then you’ll need to develop different versions of your resume. Don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach.
Revamp the look.
If your address is front and center – with no email and cell phone number – then your resume already looks dated to potential employers. Likewise, if you have an objective at the top, remove that, as well (unless you’re a career changer). Most employers today look for a summary of qualifications, not an objective, on resumes. Also, make sure to:
- Use a professional looking font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, Verdana, or Calibri in a font point size of 11 or 12.
- Include enough spacing so information doesn’t look cramped.
- Format your resume so it’s easy to scan, with bolded job titles and bulleted lists of accomplishments. Just don’t go overboard with design features.
- Create a resume that’s one to two pages; no longer.
Think achievements.
Today’s hiring managers don’t want to see a list of job duties and tasks. They want to know about the results you delivered for your past employers. How did you save or make money? Save time? Improve processes? Or enhance the customer experience? The more details you can provide – in the form of dollars, percentages, quantities – the better.
Write in an active voice.
The active voice (rather than the passive one) helps to keep your statements short and simple, while also adding energy to them. For instance, a passive voice uses phrases like “Was responsible for” and “Duties included.” An active voice, on the other hand, sounds like this: “Managed,” “Spearheaded,” “Accomplished,” “Enhanced.”
Proofread, proofread, and then proofread again.
Before you submit your resume, proofread it multiple times. Then ask a trusted family member or friend to read through it and offer suggestions. Once any edits are made, proofread it a final time. Be on the lookout for errors in grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Need more help refreshing your resume for the best job search results?
Call Future Force. As one of the leading employment agencies in Miami, we can help you with every aspect of your job search, from creating your resume to connecting you with the top employers in and around South Florida. Contact us today or search our Miami jobs now.