Different people approach job searching in different ways. Some people go by the book. They come up with a résumé, send it to employers and agents, wait for them to respond and then go in for interviews. Others approach the job search process via networking. They go through the list of all the people they know, get in touch with them and find out whether they know of any available jobs.
Both methods can yield results as long as you are persistent. And if you’re really serious about finding a job, you might want to use more than one method.
Résumé Writing
No matter how you approach your job search, you’re going to need a résumé. So here are some résumé writing tips:
- Make sure your résumé is neat. Use the same font throughout and keep it readable.
- It helps to divide your résumé into smaller sections with subheadings. Use bullet points to clarify the material under each subheading.
- Do your best to make sure that you don’t go over a page. If necessary, you can make the margins ½ inch or less to make sure you have enough space for everything.
- Try to be detailed about your past experience. For example, if you have a degree in English Literature, be sure to mention the degree, the field, the school, the year of graduation, your GPA and any accolades you might have received.
- Try to be similarly detail-oriented about your job descriptions. You want to show people that you have a lot of experience and that you can handle anything that’s thrown at you.
- Nowadays, you can do all your job-searching online and send your résumé via email. Make sure your résumé is saved as a PDF file so that the formatting doesn’t get messed up while emailing.
- Try to avoid jargon in your résumé unless you know that the person reading it will be able to understand what you are talking about. Keep the language simple.
- Use a white or cream background and print your résumé on résumé paper. Keep a few copies with you wherever you go. Carry a folder which will prevent them from crumpling.
- Don’t give unnecessary personal information in your résumé. Your employer doesn’t need to know your race, sex, ethnicity or religion.
- Include some information about your activities or personal projects so that you come across as human and relatable.