(listicle)

In today’s wartime job market, having a standout resume is crucial to attracting the attention of potential employers. Kyiv is full of refugees from all occupied regions of Ukraine. Whether you’re a seasoned student or just starting your career journey, here are five essential tips to help you craft an impressive resume that gets noticed. I think they belong to the most important now:

1. Look for Keywords in the Job Posting: Before you start writing your resume, carefully review the job posting for keywords and phrases that are relevant to the position you’re applying for. These keywords often include specific skills, qualifications, and experience that employers are seeking. Incorporating these keywords into your resume can help ensure that it passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and reaches the hands of hiring managers.

2. Call Attention to Important Achievements: Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on highlighting your key achievements and accomplishments in each role. Did you exceed sales targets, streamline processes, or lead successful projects? Quantify your achievements with numbers and metrics whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your contributions. This not only showcases your value as a potential employee but also sets you apart from other candidates.

3. Keep Your Work Experience Recent and Relevant: While it’s important to showcase your entire work history, prioritize listing your most recent and relevant experience on your resume. Include details about positions held within the past 5-10 years, focusing on roles that are directly related to the job you’re applying for. If you have older experience that is still relevant, consider briefly summarizing it or including it in a separate “Additional Experience” section.

4. Put Experience First and Education Later: Unless you’re a recent graduate or your education is directly relevant to the position, prioritize your work experience over your educational background on your resume. Start with a strong summary or objective statement that highlights your skills and experience, followed by a detailed work history section. Include relevant details such as job titles, company names, dates of employment, and bulleted lists of responsibilities and achievements. Save the education section for the end of your resume, listing your highest level of education, relevant certifications, and any additional training or coursework.

5. Include Relevant Certifications and Licenses: If you possess any certifications or licenses that are relevant to the job you’re applying for, be sure to include them on your resume. This could include professional certifications, industry-specific licenses, or specialized training programs. Certifications not only demonstrate your expertise and qualifications but also show employers that you’re committed to continuous learning and professional development.

By using these five tips in your resume-writing process, you’ll be well-equipped to create a solid document that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and qualifications to potential employers. With a well-crafted resume in hand, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.