A strong resume can play a significant role in whether or not you land a job. However, it’s important to remember that the qualities of the most impressive resume for a given job-seeker can vary depending on the type of job they’re applying for, along with the overall nature of their industry.
For example, if you want to work for a PR firm, or you wish to work in the PR department of a company, you can improve your chances of securing a position by keeping the following resume tips in mind:
Provide specific examples of your work
It’s critical that you avoid being too general when drafting a resume. In this line of work, it can be easy to fall into the trap of making vague claims about your talents. While these claims may be rooted in fact, that doesn’t render them any more effective in landing a job.
Instead, it’s wise to include samples of past work as attachments to a resume, unless a potential employer asks you not to. Your goal is to demonstrate why you’re qualified for a certain position in practical ways.
Keep it short
You need to strike a delicate balance when submitting a resume for a PR job. Again, you do want to include examples of your work to show off your skills, but you also need to consider that PR jobs are often in relatively high demand.
Your resume is likely to be one of many that are being reviewed by potentially overwhelmed hiring managers. You must ensure your resume is thorough enough to give someone an overall sense of your real-world experience, while also being short enough to illustrate that you understand the necessity of efficiency.
Make multiple resumes
If you really want to improve your chances of getting that dream job, you may need to invest some extra time into the resume-drafting process. Doing so can significantly pay off in the long run.
For example, many experts recommend modifying a resume when applying to a new job instead of submitting the same resume to every single potential employer.
Often, employers react positively to any indication that someone is highly enthusiastic about working with them. If you tailor a resume to a given position or company, you stand a much better chance of getting a job you may be seeking.
Brag in your opening summary
When writing a resume, your impulse may be to emphasize modesty. This is understandable, but if you’re too modest, you run the risk of giving an employer the impression that you aren’t excited about a role. You could also end up sounding unqualified if you don’t come across as confident in your abilities. Remember, your job as a PR expert is to be proud of the clients you represent. You can demonstrate your ability to convey this attitude by being proud of your own accomplishments.
When writing your opening summary or objectives statement, take the opportunity to show off a little bit. Ironically, doing this can yield positive outcomes.
Most importantly, experiment when a resume isn’t helping you get a job. Drafting the strongest possible resume is an art. You may need to practice resume-writing for a while before you get it right.
