Resumes: Your Digital Real Estate
Sep. 30, 2021
Read time: 3 minutes and 2 seconds.
tags:The resume.
That one-page wonder that can make or break your chances of landing that dream job. It’s like your digital handshake, the first impression you make without even stepping into the room. And in today’s world, where everything’s online, your resume is more than just a piece of paper – it’s your footprint in the vast world of digital real estate.
Think about it. Your resume is essentially your personal billboard.
It’s got to be eye-catching, informative, and leave a lasting impression. But unlike a billboard on the highway, you’ve got mere seconds to grab someone’s attention before they move on to the next candidate. No pressure, right?
I remember the first time I had to update my resume for a job I really wanted. I was in business school and there was this big pressure about making your LinkedIn and your communication channels awesome.
“Put your best foot forward!”
“Make sure you highlight your achievements!”
The ideal cookiecutter stuff that reminded me how little I’ve achieved and how awesome I had to make myself sound. It felt like the weirdest conversation about myself in the third person.
It felt like I was trying to condense my entire life into a few bullet points and a couple of paragraphs. How do you sum up years of experience, skills, and achievements in a way that’s not only clear but also compelling? It’s like trying to fit an elephant into a Mini Cooper.
Tell your story
But here’s the thing – your resume isn’t just about listing what you’ve done. It’s about telling a story. Your story. It’s about showing potential employers not just what you can do, but who you are and how you think. It’s your chance to stand out in a sea of sameness.
Everyone knows how to use microsoft word, excel. Yes, anyone born after 1995 has a high WPM and can do virtually any realistic task on a computer.
If your life was a movie…
One trick that worked for me was thinking of my resume as a highlight reel. You know, like those sports montages that show all the best plays in quick succession. I focused on my biggest achievements and framed them in a way that highlighted my skills and strengths. Instead of just saying I “managed a team,” I wrote about how I “led a team of 10 to increase sales by 20% in six months.”
Specifics make a difference.
And let’s not forget the digital aspect. In this age of LinkedIn and online job portals, your resume is often the first thing recruiters see. It’s your foot in the door, your chance to make them want to know more about you. So, it’s got to be polished, professional, and free of typos. Trust me, nothing kills your credibility faster than a misspelled word or a misplaced comma.
But beyond the basics, think about how you can make your resume stand out digitally. Adding links to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or even a personal website can give recruiters a deeper insight into who you are. It’s like giving them a backstage pass to your professional life.
And don’t be afraid to get a little creative. While keeping it professional is key, adding a touch of personality can make your resume memorable. Maybe it’s a unique design element or a clever way of presenting your skills. Just make sure it aligns with the industry you’re in. A graphic designer’s resume will look very different from that of an accountant, and that’s okay.
Your resume is more than just a list of jobs and skills. It’s a reflection of you – your experiences, your achievements, and your potential. It’s your digital footprint in the professional world, and it can be the key to opening doors to new opportunities.
So,
- take the time to craft it well
- make sure it tells your story in the best possible way
Because you never know who might be reading it and what opportunities it might lead to.