A resume is often the first impression a potential employer has of you. A polished and professional resume can make a positive impression and increase your chances of getting noticed. A good resume allows you to showcase your relevant skills, experience and accomplishments. It provides a clear and concise summary of your qualifications, making it easier for employers to see why you are a good fit for the job.  

A strong resume can lead to more interview opportunities. When your resume effectively highlights your qualifications, employers are more likely to want to learn more about you through an interview. In a competitive job market, a well-written resume can help you stand out from other applicants. By highlighting your unique skills and accomplishments, you can demonstrate why you're the best candidate for the job. 

Tips for a strong resume: 

• Tailor your resume to the job: Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills, experiences and accomplishments most relevant to the position you are applying for. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you are a good fit for the role. 

• Keep it concise: Aim for a resume length of one to two pages, depending on your level of experience. Be concise and only include information that is relevant to the job you are applying for. 

• Use a professional format: Choose a clean and professional-looking format for your resume. Use a simple font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and stick to standard margins and formatting. Submit your resume and cover letter in Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF format. 

• Include a summary or objective statement: A summary or objective statement at the top of your resume can provide employers with a brief overview of your skills, experience and career goals. 

• Highlight your accomplishments: Focus on your accomplishments and the impact you have had in previous roles. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate your achievements. 

• Use action verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.  

• Proofread carefully: Make sure to proofread your resume carefully for spelling and grammar errors. It can also be helpful to have someone else review your resume to catch any mistakes you may have missed. 

• Include relevant sections: In addition to your work experience, consider including sections for skills, education, certifications and volunteer work, if applicable. 

• Be honest: Always be truthful on your resume. Misrepresenting your skills or experience can come back to haunt you later in the hiring process. 

Essential components of a strong resume

• Contact information
  • Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).
• Education and training
  • List your degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
• Work experience (List in reverse chronological order – most recent first)
  • Include job titles, company names, and employment dates.
  • Describe your key responsibilities and accomplishments in each role.
• Skills  and competencies
  • Workplace skills – essential abilities like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
  • Technical skills – industry-specific skills required for the job.
  • Achievements and accomplishments
  • Highlight measurable results and contributions that showcase your impact.
• Volunteer and community Involvement
  • Demonstrate transferable skills gained from volunteer work.
• Awards  and recognitions
  • Showcase honours from school, work, or other professional achievements.