Looking for a job? Do you know the first thing you need to improve before applying to any company? Perhaps, it’s your list of prospective corporations or your interview attire. Actually, no, those are not the first thing you should work on to improve.
But, if you answered, “Improving my resume,” then you’re absolutely right. Your resume is one of the most important tools in your search for a job. Yes, it’s even more critical than your glowing personality. After all, your resume is your first and most comprehensive chance to impress your potential employer. Remember, businesses will interview a lot of times to get the perfect candidate. That means the one you submit should immediately highlight your top-notch skills and qualifications.
However, you may not know the exact kind of resume you should submit. The answer to that dilemma is simple: a minimalist resume.
What exactly is a minimalist resume, and why is it the one you need? Read on to find out.
What’s a minimalist resume?
If you think that a minimalist resume is something that is… well, minimal, then you’re right. This type is typically a one-page format. You only include the essential details needed to secure an interview. It’s your sure-fire way of getting your foot in the door.
If you are looking for a job for the first time, the minimalist resume is also a winning format. Using this type of resume is ideal for highlighting your skills without calling attention to a lack of experience. And if you’re planning to switch up your career path, a minimalist arrangement is best for showing off transferable skills.
But what if you have plenty of job experience already?
Again, you can’t go wrong with a minimalist layout. You can use this format to showcase your many years of experience in an easily readable way. Just as one would for a project manager resume, you can rely much on a minimalist resume and can still provide a lot of details. Any recruiter can immediately see your relevant abilities and background.
But, just because it’s called minimalist doesn’t mean you can’t be creative. Some use graphics to give information while saving space at the same time.
For example, you can include a rating system for your skills — five stars for Microsoft Excel, three stars for Canva, and so on. The higher your proficiency in a particular type of software, the more stars you place next to that program. This practice is especially beneficial for job roles that require a mix of various skills.
How do you write a minimalist resume?
Here are the things to consider when you start to construct your own minimalist resume.
- Keep it as relevant as possible.
Minimalism equals simplicity. Since you know the role you’re applying for, only include pertinent information to that role. Exclude anything not related to it. And that means anything and everything.
For example, you’re applying for a chief marketing officer position. It won’t matter if you write that you were the head of the Science Club back in college. Your recruiter might roll their eyes and just put your resume down when they read that detail. That’s not the result you want, is it?
- Keep it short and sweet.
Keep your resume as concise as you possibly can. Remember, hiring managers likely review countless resumes every single day. If your resume seems too lengthy or wordy, you can bet they will pass it over for more brief ones.
Therefore, be as straightforward as possible. Try to say a lot with the small but crucial information you include. Don’t rush how you write your resume. Think about it thoroughly to ensure you find ways to describe your achievements as effectively as possible.
- Use appropriate design elements.
As mentioned above, try using design elements within your minimalist resume. Think of tables, infographics, rating systems, and so on. What works best to communicate your value as an employee to your prospective employer? Remember, a well-made infographic can provide a lot of vital and easily digestible information about you.
At the same time, don’t overuse illustrations. Your resume might end up looking too cluttered with so many elements. One or two should be just fine such as making it look like a great resume too.
- Don’t forget your cover letter.
Do you feel like you’re running out of resume space to talk about yourself and your achievements? Well, don’t forget about your cover letter. Why?
Well, as mentioned, your resume tells the recruiter about your skills and the results you produced. On the other hand, your cover letter communicates why you’re perfect for the job. Each has a different purpose based on the specific position, so take advantage of that opportunity.
- Use minimalist resume templates if you’re having a hard time.
Are you still having a hard time creating your own minimalist resume? Don’t worry. There are plenty of minimalist resume templates out there. They’re easy to use and can suit anyone, no matter what kind of job you’re trying to land.
And don’t think that you’re cheating just because you use a resume blueprint. A template helps you keep facts organized, making your resume easy to read. Templates are also excellent when you plan to pursue more than one career path. You get the flexibility and ability to tailor each resume to its respective industry. So, you can spend less time thinking about getting things right and spend more time applying to jobs.
Ready to write your perfect resume? With these tips, there’s no way you can’t succeed at crafting a stellar first impression. And remember, once you submit your carefully-crafted minimalist resume, that prospective employer is well on their way to becoming your actual employer!
Be the first to comment