Why a Well-Crafted Resume Is More Important Than You Think

Make your first impression count

A resume is a reflection of who you are and what you can do. Without spoken words, it can tell a detailed story about you to the person reading. If not for anything but for the fact that it represents you,  it is a crucial piece of writing. It is useful in your career and can make or break your chances of employment.

It can be difficult to write a good resume. However, it’s important for any job applicant to be able to say, “I can write my resume,” even if they are uncertain about their skills. It is imperative to take this seriously as your resume is essential. If you’re still wondering why this is the case, here are a few reasons to convince you:

·       It is a self-marketing tool

A resume is a mirror that shows your accomplishments and skills all in one place. The employer has no idea of who you are but can get to know you through this vital document. It is the first impression of the prospect before a physical meeting. Research has shown that most employers judge their job applicants based on their resume before anything else.

In essence, a resume is what will determine whether or not you are getting shortlisted for an interview. Therefore, if an employee considers your resume unworthy, then be sure that your chances of consideration are off. For this reason, this is more important than an average document you see on a desk. A succinct resume will have your background (both educational and life), your education qualifications, skills, and achievements throughout your life or career. By using this information, your prospective boss will weigh your possible contributions to the company.

·       Helps to brand yourself

The professional world is quite competitive, as everyone is trying to succeed. As an individual, you should strive to be distinct from the competition as this will increase your success mileage. Ask yourself what separates you from the rest. To become different, you need to brand yourself. The knowledge and skills you have need to be seen by the employer so that they can grant you a chance. A good resume is an effective and brilliant self-branding method. It shows your professionalism and personality as a whole, which is likely to impress the person reading.

·       It helps you convince the employer that you are the one

It is not easy to convince anyone that you are better. Especially if you are all qualified for the job and have close similarities. You may have all answered interview questions in the right manner and shown apparent professionalism, but a resume is what will determine who gets picked. A recruiter has the liberty to choose anyone that he or she feels best fit for the vacant position. Your resume, therefore, can confirm your eligibility when every other factor is similar to the rest.

·       Acts as your “spokesperson.”

Sometimes you may not have the right words, in speech, to show your capabilities. This can be due to difficulty in talking or panic. Your resume can rescue you when you are stuck on words. It speaks a lot about your professional life and what you can deliver, sometimes even more than you can say. It talks about your past and present, in addition to mentioning what the future holds in terms of your motives. Thus, you need to make it as brief and detailed as possible so that you send your message home without losing the interest of the reader. This is where you need to seek the services of professionals so that your document serves its purpose correctly.

·       Shows that you’re sure about yourself

In life, there are failures and victories. Unfortunately, many people concentrate on the failures more, and this often leads to despair. If you’re not careful, failures can destabilize and distract you from the primary agenda of success. A resume has a detailed record of all your past achievements, and this gives you a reason to move on and be confident. It removes the need for self-pity, as you will easily remember what you have achieved.

It enables you to identify your challenges and own them. Later on, you can learn to overcome them for the greater good. This is why you need to have your resume updated after every accomplishment in life. It should be a systematic record showing all your positives. Hence, when you feel like giving up, go through it and see how far you’ve come. However, this doesn’t imply using it as a personal diary for daily events but merely jotting down the most prominent achievements. When you’re confident, then it is easier to beat the competition.

·       Helps you get the interview

The primary function of your resume is to get shortlisted, as mentioned above. And you cannot get shortlisted if you don’t have the right qualifications. So, how do you portray your qualifications when far from the recruiter? Well, through your resume. It should act as a starter at a buffet — to get the employer interested in meeting the face behind the written text, in eating the main course meal. If your resume doesn’t do this, then it is null and void. If it is properly drafted and prepared, a resume can work magic to your favor. On the other hand, if it’s shoddy, then you don’t need to ask what will happen.

Therefore, use your resume to get the interview and not to lose the chance. It is your choice whether you want to get selected or otherwise neglected. As much as the recruiter is the one who decides who gets picked or called for an interview, he or she bases the judgment on the resumes. But be careful not to write false information on your resume as this will only throw you out of the list. Be honest and creative in your manner of approach. You might not have a thousand qualifications, but your line of argument on that piece of paper can be the light you seek at the end of the tunnel.