Ever since my early high school days, I've been an ambitious student, always eager to be one step ahead of the curve. I've pounced at every opportunity to network with people, and I've always tried to gain a competitive advantage in all aspects of my professional career. Naturally, I sought leadership positions including Student Council President, Latin Club President, and even served as a student representative on the Board of Education for my high school. I developed close relationships with my Principal, Superintendent, members of the Board, local business owners, and local officials. Aptly, when it came to applying to college and a summer marketing internship, I had put myself in a position where I had a competitive advantage over other applicants -- I was a leader who had great endorsements from reputable people. The lesson I've learned from these experiences is that in business, and every industry alike, having a competitive advantage is essential to separating yourself from a common pack.
Villanova University recently held a Professional Development seminar titled "How to: Write a Winning Resume", and it was an event for freshmen looking to make early advances in their respective professional careers. A resume is a one-page document that highlights one's education, skills, experience, profile, and other relevant information. While the content of a resume is the most important aspect of the document, it is the little things - formatting, layout, diction - that gives an applicant a competitive advantage over another.
In the seminar, one of the key statistics was this: "An employer will initially screen a resume for less than 20 seconds". Knowing this, how can an applicant change his or approach when applying for a position? One key approach is to highlight only the key accomplishments, as opposed to every accomplishment known to existence. In addition, this also means that every word on a Resume is important and must contribute to selling YOU as a person. Complete sentences are not helpful, and bullet points are a must. By using the right diction and formatting a resume that is easy to follow, an applicant will win the favor of an employer.
This idea stretches beyond just a resume. In every facet of life, there exists competition between opposing sides, and sometimes, one side may have a clear "talent" advantage. However, as the famous adage goes, "Hard work beats Talent when Talent fails to work hard." Employers appreciate the little things that people do to ensure they are perfect. Whether it's fixing an apostrophe error or formatting a cleaner Resume, employers reward those who care for the little things.
And as for you, the reader, I implore you to take my advice and meditate upon the way you go about things. Are you putting in the effort to make sure every little aspect of your work is being accounted for? Do you have a heart of mind to always be looking towards the future? Do you consider your decisions and how they may impact you in the future?
In terms of your professional career, take another peek at your Resume and ask yourself:
1) Is it easy to follow?
2) Do I highlight the BEST achievements, and not just all of them?
3) Have I double-checked the little things? (I.E: Font, Accuracy, Spelling, Format)
~ For more tips on how to create an effective resume for college students, click here! ~
December 6, 2018.
