Do's & Don'ts
What should you always include at the top of your resume?
Your contact information should always be at the top of your resume.
When someone is good at managing a team, setting goals, and motivating others, they are demonstrating this strength.
Leadership
This section of your resume highlights your academic background, including your degree, school name, and graduation date.
Education Section
Failing to do this could result in a resume that’s full of irrelevant information and makes it harder for hiring managers to find what they’re looking for.
Not tailoring your resume for the specific job
This action is important before submitting your cover letter to ensure it’s error-free and professionally written.
Proof reading
How should you handle a situation where you don’t have much professional experience but want to demonstrate your skills?
You should highlight transferable skills, such as leadership from extracurricular activities, and any relevant volunteer work or internships.
This skill is important when you’re able to think clearly, make decisions quickly, and solve problems, especially in challenging situations.
Critical Thinking
This brief statement at the beginning of your resume summarizes your skills, experience, and career goals, tailored to the specific job you're applying for.
Summary/Objective
What mistake can make it difficult for employers to contact you after reviewing your resume?
Not including your contact information.
This section of a cover letter should be brief and to the point, while still giving the employer an overview of your qualifications.
Introduction
When it comes to references, what should you do if you don’t have professional references yet?
You should include references from teachers, mentors, or volunteer coordinators who can speak to your skills and character.
When someone is able to remain focused and motivated, even when a task is difficult or boring, they are demonstrating this strength.
Perseverance
This is the most important thing to avoid on your resume, as it can drastically reduce your chances of getting noticed by employers.
Spelling or grammatical errors
Using this on your resume can make you seem dishonest or exaggerate your qualifications, which can hurt your credibility.
Including false information or exaggerating achievements
This is the recommended length of a cover letter to ensure that you’re concise, but still detailed enough to highlight your strengths and interest in the job.
One page
This should be avoided on your resume, as it can make you seem unprofessional or outdated.
Using an unprofessional email address
This strength is demonstrated when an individual leads a project, sets clear goals, and motivates others, ensuring that the team works efficiently toward success.
Project Management
These types of references should be listed only when specifically requested by the employer, not as a default on your resume.
Professional References
What mistake can occur when you fail to match the qualifications listed in the job description, causing your resume to appear disconnected from the role?
Not aligning your resume with the job description
This is the key element to highlight when tailoring your cover letter to a specific job, ensuring the employer sees how well you match their needs.
Related skills or experience