If you’ve just graduated from college and are heading into the job hunt with limited experience, take the following steps to increase your chances of getting hired.
1. Create different resume variations.
By tailoring your resume to the job instead of using a generic version for each application, you improve your chances of standing out in a stack of resumes. Spend time adapting your resume to each job while noting the position’s broader category and the job description’s keywords. When creating resume variations, here are some elements to keep in mind:
- Highlight relevant experience. For example, if you’re applying for a management position, include relevant leadership experience in clubs or internships that show you’d be a strong fit to become a first-time manager. On the flip side, sharing that you were a food columnist at your college’s student newspaper likely has no relevance to the position and doesn’t merit space on your resume. If you’re applying to be an entry-level chef, however, your food column may regain relevance and demonstrate your culinary knowledge.
