Because of the current state of our world, many of us have more time on our hands we know what to do with. Your weekends have said goodbye to brunch, and should start saying hello to getting your personal branding in the place it deserves to be!

At JBC, we have a multitude of clients who are thriving during this uncertain time and hiring ACTIVELY. You should be prepped and armed with a killer resume if you’re seeking a new role, or for the chance that your dream opportunity knocks on the front door.

To prepare you for whatever circumstance might arise, we’ve compiled our best tips and practices to help take your resume to the next level!

1. Clean it up: Get your resume in the most clear and effective format it can be. Cut off the fat and just leave the most important information that is direct and clear for a hiring manager to read. (P.S. Rule is, keep your resume at the length of one page.)

2. Out with the old, in with the new: UPDATE, UPDATE, UPDATE. What’s been going on since you started your new/current role? Where do you see the direction of your career going? Focus on that path and leave the information that supports it.

    – Add in achievements

    – Highlight promotions

3. Build out your certifications: Be sure to highlight any certifications that you’ve received. If this area is looking dismal, now’s the time to get them!

4. Numbers count: If applicable to your industry/role (which it is for most) include important numbers highlighting and supporting your successes.

5. Link out where relevant: If you have a creative role, more often than not, you are going to need to share examples of your work – be sure to link out your digital portfolio for easy access.

6. Create a cohesive look: If you aren’t a designer, don’t try to be! Craft your resume to be clear and easy to read by using bolding, italics, proper punctuation, and proper spacing.

7. Pre-prepare your career gaps: If you can make a relevant and quick note on why there was a gap in your resume, feel free to do so. If not, be ready to speak about those breaks and have something prepared if a recruiter or hiring manager asks about it.

Quick tips (you’re hopefully already implementing):

• Move your education to the bottom of your resume unless you’ve just finished schooling or have an estimated graduate date approaching.
• Include your name, location, email address, and phone number at the top of your resume.
• Skills are important, highlight what you have experience in and what could set you apart from other candidates.
• Create a professional email – sorry, fashionluvr89@instantmessenger.com probably isn’t the best idea. Try sticking to a variation of your first and last name.
• Be sure you’re using reverse-chronological order.
• Choose a clear, easy-to-read font.
• Use a proofreading tool – a second look never hurt anyone!
• Be TRUTHFUL!

PRO TIP: Have your resume saved as both a Word Document and a PDF! More often than not, you will be using a PDF to share/attach to job applications, but there is the chance that a recruiter or hiring manager may ask you for a Word document!

If you’re looking for a new opportunity, reach out to one of our recruiters or check out our job board and apply to any open positions that are applicable and relevant to your experiences (include your fancy new resume!) Plus, when you work with a JBC recruiter, we take the time to help craft your resume to be perfect for the company and position we are submitting you for.