Resume Basics: What is a Resume Used For?

Looking for a new job can be a lengthy and stressful process. You'll need a good resume to boost your chances of getting an offer. You'll also need to tailor it according to the position's specifications. But doing so is easier said than done.

While a resume is just a piece of paper, it can be your career ticket. It reflects who you are and lets employers know if you're the right candidate. But what is a resume used for exactly?

What's a Resume?

A resume is a document that shows your professional essence to potential employers. It's an informative overview of your skills, experience, and relevant education. But you must also leave your file with manageable details. Otherwise, you risk getting rejected without even a proper evaluation.

Since companies usually get many applications, your resume needs to stand out. Think of the job hunt as a performance; your resume is your audition. To ensure you get the role, impress them with the correct details. This can mean researching more about the role and how you can meet the criteria.

Building an effective resume means knowing what you want in your career. This includes knowing what you want to try and where you want to go. Once you know these, you can custom-build your resume to fit different recruiters.

What is a Resume Used for?

While a piece of paper may not seem like much, resumes can take you anywhere. Learn what a resume is used for and the advantages it can serve.

An introduction to recruiters

Your resume is the first thing recruiters see before they meet you in an interview. They use it to get a surface-level idea of who you are. This helps them gauge what kind of person you are professionally and privately.

A summary of your career

A resume is a simple record summarizing your professional history. It can include dates, previous roles, and industries you've worked in. These will help recruiters understand your career better and speed up the hiring process.

Illustrates your skills

Your resume will show what you can do to help a company grow. You can establish this by presenting relevant data that proves your experience and expertise. Companies may look into your experience if you've been in a senior role.

Highlights your achievements

Major successes can be a bonus in your resume. It shows that you don't just have experience, but you're successful in your efforts, too. As a result, you sell yourself as a stronger candidate than other applicants.

Shows your compatibility with the role

A good resume isn't just about collecting a wide range of skills. Recruiters want you to be compatible with the role as well. Before you write your resume, consider the company you're applying to and its culture. You can use this to match your introduction to something they want to see.

Great First Impressions Go a Long Way

Resumes are your passport to land your desired career. Before you can get a job, you need to prove your potential. Apart from skills, you'll also need to match other criteria your potential employer may have. Boost your chances by building a resume that stands out.

Now that you know what a resume is, time to create yours and visit Career.com to get it to work.