Setting the classic holiday scene: As you are picking up your 17th sausage ball, your parents and all of your aunts and uncles will be asking you what you are planning to do with your life after graduation (or for some of you in January). You take a deep breath, finish chewing, and then think to yourself…”baby steps. First I need a resume.” #eyeroll
So this blog is for you – hopefully it helps!
When sitting down to review or write your resume for the first time, you should be asking yourself two things:
1. What is your professional brand? What do you want your supervisor and co-workers to say about you when you aren’t around? What professional impression are you leaving? Your unique brand (who you are and what you can offer a company) should be expressed throughout your resume graphically and written. Make sure your contact information heading and layout are marketing your strengths and brand (no templates). For example: if you think you are organized at work, your layout should reflect organization. If you are saying you are creative, your resume should be creative and only yours. Your profile should NOT be in first person – this isn’t eharmony. Think of this section as sounding like a mini skill bio. No more than 2 concisely detailed sentences professionally outlining your brand. What can you offer a company. They should know your professional brand and a little about your personality from glancing at your resume for 6 seconds.
2. Who is your audience? Make it relevant for those reading it. It should be about you understanding what they need and being able to serve them. Be creative with subject headings to tailor it to your audience. Seeking artist management? Have an “artist management” section or separate your “industry experience” from your retail experience. You want your audience to see the most relevant information easily. The most relevant bullets should come first in your duties. If they need someone with licensing experience, those bullets come before the “answered phones.” Do your research to understand your audience. Your resume isn’t your biography – it is a professional snap-shot of how your skills are relevant to what they need.
Questions or help with your resume or anything career related? Feel free to email me! tish.stewart@belmont.edu
Wishing you and your inquiring family a safe and wonderful Christmas,
Tish
