A resume is a necessary requirement for job opportunities whether it’s for an office or online job. It allows your possible employer or client to gauge if you’re a good fit for the role. But how do you set yourself apart from all the applicants in the world? The first step is writing a compelling resume!
But how do you write one for your dream online job? Worry not! We got you covered!
What is a Resume?
First, what’s a resume? And how is it different from a CV?
In the Philippines, a resume and Curriculum vitae (CV) kinda mean the same thing connotatively. They are used interchangeably.
But in a strict sense, though, the main difference is a resume shows the summary of your work history plus skills. While a curriculum vitae shows the ENTIRE aspect of your career and education. So it lists everything you got regardless if it’s relevant to the job or not.
Tailor Fit Your Resume For The Position
Knowing this, do you aimlessly compile your achievements? No!
Remember, your resume is not just a list of your past jobs and skills. It’s an advertisement for the job you wanted.
Recruiters and business owners only have around a few seconds to scan your resume. Make sure that it counts!
Tailor fit your resume to the job you want. If it’s a writing job for a car company, stating work history for clients related to automotives will surely help.
So make sure to include only entries that would prove that you are right for the job.
Don’t Include Hobbies and Interests Unless Relevant
Yes, you might be number 1 in your cooking contest a few years back. But that wouldn’t matter if you’re applying for an IT job. Do not include your hobbies or interests in your resume.
It wouldn’t mean anything if it isn’t relevant. But sometimes, it can give you an edge. For example, you are applying for a client that caters to Korean women.
You might include your K-pop and Kdrama addiction as an edge because it can show that you are relatively familiar with their culture.
Create a One-Page Resume Only
Given the time constraint, you shouldn’t bombard your possible employers with more than a page of your resume. With all your achievements in your career, only pick the most relevant ones to include.
At most, you can have a 2-page resume if it’s absolutely necessary. But for 90% of the time, a 1-page resume is enough.
Make It Stand Out
Traditional resumes are quite dull. With hundreds of applications, how are you sure that you’ll stand out from the rest. Again, your resume is your advertisement. And a few tweaks into your templates will surely go a long way.
If you’re not creative yourself, you can download some free templates from Canva as well.
Choose How to Arrange Your Accomplishments
Now that you know the purpose, you need to arrange your information the best way possible. There are three types.
- Chronological
- Functional
- Combination
A chronological resume highlights your work experience from most recent to least. Most applicants use this format.
So with the example above, list the last relevant job you handled. And then, followed by the next one. In this way, they can see your career growth, and you want to grow further with them moving forward.
On the other hand, a functional resume shows your skills that are relevant compared to your job history. This format is good for people with gaps in employment and our changing careers in the process.
Lastly, a combination resume mixes the two elements together. You can start with the key skills, and then show the relevant work experience for your client’s needs. It’s the best of both worlds.
But in this type, you should be wary on which to include because you want to maintain it on 1 page only.
Contact Information
Now that you presented yourself well, how can your possible employer find you? It might be commonsensical, but a lot of people forget it.
Always include your contact information! It might include your phone number, professional email address (No emails like “imcutie97@gmail.com” please), address, and social media accounts if relevant. You can even hyperlink these accounts from the get-go.
In this way, you are sure that they can reach out for an interview or maybe the job offer itself.
Final Touches: Proofread
If you have bad grammar, how will you impress your clients-to-be? As a final touch, you need to double-check your sentences and make sure it’s error-proof.
Grammarly will be your best friend here. Even without the paid version, you can correct some grammatical mistakes you overlooked. It can even check if your write-ups are easily understandable and coherent.
If you don’t want to use Grammarly, you can have a reliable friend to check your resume afterwards. Ask his impression and change accordingly.
Be Honest
The last thing you want to do is fake your application. Imagine, stating that you’re fluent in Japanese (when you’re not), and you got the job. When they need you to translate or talk to clients in Nihongo, I doubt that you can survive for too long. You will be found out.
Always be honest in your application. Set their expectations based on your real skills. In this way, you can both help each other in reaching your career and business goals.
Conclusion
Are you ready to get the best online job out there? By creating your compelling resume, you are one step closer to the career you deserve. Cheers and good luck with your remote working career.
