Make Your Resume Unique to Stand Out
When you apply for accounting jobs, your resume has less than 10 seconds to create a positive first impression. That’s why it’s crucial that your resume be concise and easy to read.
However, in a competitive job market, the length of your resume is not the only thing that matters. The quality of the content and how it is presented is an equally important factor. In this article, we share five rules that will help your resume – and you – stand out.
The Goal Is to Impress the Hiring Manager
When you are writing a resume, the goal is to impress the hiring manager. The most important thing to keep in mind is to not write what you think they want to hear, but rather show them something to help them decide that you are the right person for the job.
Your resume should answer three questions:
- Why you want the job
- How you can contribute in it
- Why you will be successful in the role
5 Rules for a Job Resume for Accounting Professionals
A job resume for an accounting professional should be easy to read and clear about specific skills. Employers want to know that you are qualified for the position they will be interviewing you for, so it is important that any relevant experience or skill set is highlighted in your resume.
However, it’s not only what you include in your resume that will make it stand out. It’s how you include it, too. The secret is to write a great resume that is organized, clear, and concise.
1. Structure Your Resume Around Your Summary Statement
Your resume should have a summary statement at the top that includes a memorable title, your key and relevant experience, and your career objectives.
This statement is the most important part of your resume, because it will determine if the hiring manager wants to read more and, ultimately, invite you to interview.
Explain your previous work experience in one or two sentences without using any jargon or abbreviations. Show you are ambitious with the objectives you include, and that you are a continual learner.
2. Fill in Gaps Intelligently
It is natural for people to have gaps in their resume and these gaps should not be a problem. Providing the gap is not too long and that you explain it well, it may even be a positive.
The two main types of gaps that are most common on resumes are gaps in work history and gaps in educational achievement. Legitimate reasons why people may have a gap in their employment history include:
- Taking time off for family needs
- Changing career paths
- Volunteering
- Illness
- Unemployment
The important thing is to show that you were productive during your time away from work. For example, you may include brief details of courses you took. If the gap was because of illness, assure the employer that it is not recurring.
3. Always Keep Your Resume Up to Date
Keep your resume updated with all relevant information, such as education, skills, and any other experience that might be valuable for an employer to know about you. A well-written resume will show the hiring manager what you can bring to the job immediately – a persuasive reason to hire you.
4. Tailor Your Resume to Each Accounting Job
When you apply for a new job, a tailored resume will give you the edge over other applicants because they will be more specific to the position that they are applying for.
The employer will find it easier to go through a resume which is tailored to their company, rather than scanning through a generic one. This means you are more likely to get noticed as a great candidate. Employers prefer applicants who pay attention to detail and take initiative in their job application process. Tailoring your resume does exactly this.
5. Nix All Errors!
After completing your resume, it is important to proofread it. Typos and grammatical errors can easily be avoided with a careful proofread of your document before submitting it. An error-free resume also shows that you have the attention to detail that is crucial in all accounting jobs.
To Land the Perfect Accounting Job, Write the Perfect Resume
If you want to land the perfect accounting job, it is essential for you to have a well-written resume. This is usually your first impression on an employer. Make it high quality, professional, and persuasive. A resume should be tailored to each position that you apply for, and give an overview of your skills, qualifications, educational history, and career progression.
Successful resumes will show all your accomplishments and convey your personality in the best possible light. They will also highlight how you are different from other candidates applying for the same position.
Are you resume ready for the best accounting jobs? Let us help you find them. Submit your resume to 6 Degrees. We have many employers who have the perfect role for you, and we’re here to help you find it.