Fall is finally here! Leaves are changing colors, the temperature is dropping, and pumpkin spice is once again taking over the country. But before you put on your sweater and run outside to enjoy the crisp officially autumn air, take a second to think about your resume. When was the last time you updated it? Even if you aren’t actively seeking a job, it’s important to have a resume that reflects your current experience. Here are a few fall-inspired things to keep in mind!
- Paint with the All the Colors of the Leaves
No two fall leaves are exactly the same, with patterns of brown, orange, sometimes even yellow; the possibilities are endless. Your resume should be the same. All applicants use words like “saw,” “did,” and “used.” You want to use a variety of descriptive words and action-verbs that make you stand out.
- Job Search Keywords Are the (Pumpkin) Spice of Life
Whether you like it or not, pumpkin spice is everywhere this time of year. The same applies to resume keywords. If you look at a few job descriptions you’re interested in, you’re bound to notice words that pop up again and again. It’s important to include these words in your resume, both to show your prospective employer that you’re right for the job, and to get past any applicant tracking systems that may be looking for those keywords.
- Don’t be a Rotting Pumpkin
Jack o’ lanterns are great! They’re fun, festive, and help your house stand out with a bit of creative flair. They’re substantially less great when they’ve been out too long and start to rot. Your house is still going to stand out, but not in a good way.
When it comes to your resume, you want to make sure everything is catered toward the type of job you’re applying for. You want to stand out within your industry. If you have too much irrelevant experience on your resume (high school jobs when you’re later in your career, etc.), you’ll stand out in a negative way. However, you should include any soft skills you learned in previous positions.
Take advantage of these resume tips, and you’re sure to be up-to-date in no time. Now go out there and enjoy the rest of this wonderful season!
Do you have any resume questions? Let us know in the comments section below!
