Introduction

A resume or CV is always the most important tool as regards job application. Regardless of your qualification or level of experience, if you present your resume in a poorly written format, you will definitely have difficulties in attaining the job that you are applying for or even the chance of being called for an interview. It is undeniable that resume/CV writing is a very daunting task but it is very important that you take your time to work on it.

Think of a resume as an advertisement and yourself being the product being advertised. Your objective is to get the recruiting managers to buy what you are advertising, which implies giving you a chance to attend an interview. To accomplish this task, you need to see a resume as your marketing tool without which you are completely powerless.

However, since recruiting managers often receive many resumes, what would determine whether or not you get a chance to attend an interview is the attractiveness of our resume. Recruiting managers are often attracted to resumes that are well-formatted having attention-grabbing details. Therefore, in order to stand out, you should market your skills in a manner that would demonstrate that you can effectively perform the tasks of the job you are applying for.

Purpose of a Resume

1. A resume is exclusively a marketing tool that attends to prove that:  
2. You are employable
3. You meet the job and organizational requirements
4. You have the right education and qualifications
5. You have the right skills and experience
6. You have the required professionalism for the job

Structure of a Resume

1. Contact details
2. Opening statement
3. List of key skills
4. List of technical/software skills
5. Personal attributes/career overview
6. Educational qualifications
7. Employment history/volunteering/work placements
8. References/referees

Do You Need to Change Your Resume Each Time You Apply for a Job?

Yes. You are required to tailor your resume for each job application in order to make the resume respond to the specific requirements and specifications of the job that you are applying for. You do not have to change everything on the resume but you should ensure that the opening statement, your abilities as well as your personal attributes respond to the requirements of the job you are applying for. You should also tailor your resume to exhibit how your job experience specifically fulfills the requirements of the job that you are applying for.