What Should Be Included in Your Resume?

• Career Objective: If you want to include your career objective in your resume, it should be expressed very clearly and within defined boundaries. This prevents employers from placing you in a position other than the one you desire. Remember that a well-written cover letter can enhance your chances of your application being considered.
• Name, Email, Phone, Address: Keep in mind that the people you send your resume to have no other way to contact you besides the address and contact numbers you provide. Having reachable email and phone numbers is one of the most vital pieces of information in your resume. Typically, this information is placed at the top left or top center of the page. You can write your name in capital letters at the top left or center as well.
• Photo: If a photo is required, make sure to include a passport-sized photo that is as natural as possible.
• Education: If you are a recent graduate or a student, it is beneficial to keep this section as detailed as possible and place it before your work experience. You can list courses relevant to the position you are applying for. If you have work experience, it's more appropriate to place the education section after work experience. When writing about your education, include the following details:

• Graduation year
• Degree obtained
• Field of study and institution
• Additionally, you can include special projects, courses taken, training or seminars attended, and technical skills relevant to the position you are applying for.

• Work Experience: If you have work experience, remember that this section is one of the most important parts of your resume. The reviewer will evaluate your previous experiences, achievements, and what you can contribute to their company. Companies may have various criteria for evaluating applications, but factors like sales increases and improved efficiency are often among the most considered. Highlight any such achievements in your resume. This section should include the names of the companies you worked for, your position titles, and the starting and ending dates of your employment.
• Languages: If you do not know any foreign languages, do not include this section in your resume. If you know one or more foreign languages, list them with a proficiency rating. Be mindful of how you rate your language skills to avoid potential difficulties during interviews or assessments.
• Activities and Hobbies: Do not try to present yourself as someone you are not. People often list activities they have no genuine interest in or knowledge about in this section. Only include hobbies and activities that you actually engage in.
• References: References are individuals who can provide accurate information about your personality or work style. Generally, three references are sufficient. Make sure to include their names, titles/positions, addresses, and phone numbers where they can be reached during business hours.

Tips for Preparing Your Resume

• Length of Resume: Your resume should neither be too long nor too short. For recent graduates or those with 1-2 years of experience, one page is ideal. For more experienced individuals, a maximum of two pages is appropriate. The third page should only be used for lists of published works, training sessions, conferences, etc.
• Avoid Unnecessary Personal Information: Refrain from including irrelevant personal details. Use memorable keywords.
• Use a Computer for Clarity: We recommend using a computer to create a clear and effective resume, allowing for easy modifications when needed.
• Font Selection: You can use various fonts available on the computer, but remember to keep the entire resume in one font style. Ideal fonts include Helvetica, Arial, and Times New Roman. Use 11 or 12 point size for good readability.
• Use Numbers Effectively: Numbers are striking and memorable. A number can sometimes convey more than ten words. For example, instead of saying "I contributed to increasing sales," say "I was responsible for a 45% increase in sales."

Cover Letter

• Length: Cover letters should not exceed one page. Like any good piece of writing, a cover letter should have a beginning, middle, and end. Start by explaining who you are and why you are writing the CV. Then briefly describe what you can bring to the company without exaggerating. In the closing section, thank the reader and include your contact information.
• Planning Your Letter: Don’t jump straight into the topic. Gather your thoughts and plan what to write. Answering the questions below can help you start: a. Identify Company Needs: Consider the needs of the company you’re applying to. Determine what skills, knowledge, and experiences are required to fill the position. b. Think of Your Unique Qualities: Identify a few strengths you can bring to the company, aligning them with the job requirements. If the job listing does not specify qualities, envision the role and describe your relevant skills and experiences. c. Why This Company? Make sure to convey why you chose to apply to this specific company. What attracted you? Was it their products, services, company philosophy, mission, corporate culture, or goals?

Cover Letter Preparation Tips

• Tailor Your Letter: Customize your cover letter for the specific target reader and industry.
• Focus on Contributions: Discuss what you can contribute to the company rather than what they can provide you.
• Career Goals: Stay focused on your career goals. Even if you're open to any position, don’t let that be apparent.
• Avoid Negativity: Don’t mention negative experiences from past workplaces or your life.
• Be Concise: Stay on topic and keep it short and straightforward.
• Length Limit: Keep your letter to one page.
• Proofread: Revisit the letter two or three times for corrections.
• Seek Feedback: Have friends read your cover letter and resume to gather their opinions.
• Keep Copies: Save copies of your cover letter and resume in accessible places (in letter, fax, and email formats) and keep records of where and when you sent them.

Strengthening Weak Points in Your Resume

• Youth Factor: If you are young, showcase it as an advantage. You may be more dynamic and eager to work compared to older employees.
• Lack of Experience: If you are a recent graduate, think of your education as work experience. Discuss relevant courses, projects, and the skills you gained, demonstrating your potential to apply them in the job.
• Unclear Career Goals: You don't have to include long-term goals. Start with short-term goals that align with the position you’re applying for. You can vary your goals based on different applications.
• Overqualification: If you possess more qualifications than required, avoid stating this in your resume. Instead, frame your extensive experience as an asset in the interview, emphasizing how it can benefit the role.
• Job Terminations: You don’t need to explain why you left previous jobs in your resume. Highlight your achievements and strengths instead. Remember that terminations are often due to interpersonal issues rather than performance.
• Gaps in Employment: If you have gaps in your employment history for valid reasons, such as returning to school, feel free to explain these in your resume.