Get Your Resume Right!

Here are my top resume tips for young professionals and students that I think can help you secure more interviews and stand out based on my experience and having spoken to a couple of recruiters.

1. Template - This is often overlooked and usually only the elaborate graphic design resumes make the rounds on social media. However, most companies use ATS software to scan resumes against job postings and Adobe Illustrator resumes while beautiful, are not very ATS friendly. Consider using one of these templates, to make sure your resume makes it passed the screening software and to the hiring manager.
2. Format - Consistency is key, make sure your resume uses the same font, text size, date format and alignment throughout. You want your resume to look clean and professional, as any inconsistency or spelling errors will show a lack of detail. 
3. Structure - This is subjective and may change based on each stage of your career.
   • For Young Professionals - I recommend the following order: 1. Name/Contact Info, 2. Professional Experience, 3. Leadership or Volunteer Experience, 4. Skills, 5. Certifications, 6. Professional Memberships and 7. Education.
   • For Students - I recommend the following order: 1. Name/Contact Info, 2. Education, 3. Relevant Experience or Coursework, 4. Skills, 5. Certifications 6. Volunteer Experience and 7. Organizations.
4. Tailor Your Resume for Each Position - You want to tailor the following sections of your resume to each position you are applying for: 
   • Summary – A strong summary that highlights your experience, articulates your value and aligns yourself with the employer's needs by demonstrating why you are the best fit for the job.
   •  Work Experience - Word your responsibilities towards the specific position you are applying for, remembering to incorperate any keywords that are listed in the job posting. Ensure that you begin each bullet point with a verb and try to incorporate any programs used, if possible. For example: "Designed 3D grading using AutoCAD Civil 3D for site development projects". If applicable, quantify your responsibilities and results on each project/task. For students, add any internships or relevant coursework that will showcase your knowledge, and any software you have used that is relevant to the position.
   • Skills - This is where you would add all the software/programs that you experience with and use regularly. Add the versions of each software (i.e AutoCAD Civil 3D 2020 or MicroStation SS10) and be sure to highlight programs that are listed in the job requirements of the position you are applying for.
   • Certifications/Training - Here you should add any certification (ENV SP, LEED Green Assoc.) that you have obtained or specific trainings you have taken for specific software or management. For students, add if you have passed the FE (i.e Fundamentals of Engineering Exam: Passed March 2021), even if you cannot apply for your EIT until after graduation, as it shows you are on the way to eventually obtaining your PE. If you have not yet taken the FE, add when you plan on taking it (i.e Fundamental of Engineering Exam: Expected May 2021).
5. Honesty - This is the golden rule, always be honest on your resume and particularly if you are a student. Most employers know that students and to a lesser extent young professionals are not expected to know everything and there will be a learning curve, so there is no need to embellish your proficiency or responsibilities. In my opinion, it is better to act with integrity rather than stretching the truth, as it will not help you in the long run by misrepresenting yourself and your abilities.

Lastly, I always recommend getting your resume reviewed by a colleague, peer or family member to help catch any errors or check for clarity. That being said, I am happy to review anyone's resume, so please send them my way. Hopefully you can find some value from these tips and they help you secure more interviews and subsequently jobs.