Resume Tips for Northpoint BYU-I Housing Students

College is the perfect time for you to take steps towards your future. While you work your way through courses, build relationships, and learn important life skills, you will also want to invest time in the process of pursuing your career.

As you begin applying for jobs during your time as a Northpoint BYU-I housing student, it is imperative that you craft a resume that stands out. This can increase your chances of landing interviews and eventually lead you to your desired job. There are several key elements that your resume should have to set it apart from the competition. 

Describe Your Relevant Skills

One of the most important elements of your resume is the skills section. This is your chance to show employers what you can bring to the table and why they should hire you. You should highlight the skills you have that are going to be suitable for the specific job you are applying for, instead of simply listing all of your skills.

When describing experience, always remember that your recent experience is the most important. Try to lead with more recent examples and work your way backwards. Additionally, it is not always necessary to include every single position you have ever held. You will want to be strategic with how far back you go and how you relate the jobs you include to your desired position.

For example, imagine that you are applying for a position as a marketing manager, and that you have previously held positions as a junior marketing coordinator, a server, a retail employee, and a fast food worker. You will want the most attention to go toward your relevant marketing experience, but you can also emphasize skills from jobs that are not directly related to your field. You might highlight people skills, sales experience, and other skills that relate to both jobs.

Mention Your Awards And Accomplishments

Listing your awards and accomplishments demonstrates the extent of your hard work over the years and helps to show that you are someone whom an employer could trust to be a reliable employee.

Some notable awards and accomplishments you can list include:

• Academic achievements, such as graduating with honors, earning a scholarship, or being named valedictorian 
• Awards concerning athletics, performance, community, military, or professional matters
• Titles earned, such as an employee of the month title at a previous position 

Keep It Well Polished Throughout

To keep your resume polished and easy to read, you should stick with a consistent format. Three popular formats include chronological, functional, or a combination of the two.

Chronological resumes show the progression of your career, whereas functional resumes focus on your skills. It is often beneficial to include both of these things on your resume, but it ultimately depends on the position you are seeking.

In addition to the format, you should consider the accuracy and presentation of the content. Having no errors is crucial because it demonstrates to the employer that you are thorough, careful, and reliable. Errors are a major red flag and can lead to your resume being quickly dismissed. 

You will want to proofread for:

• Consistency
• Conciseness
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Punctuation
• Strong writing, such as using the active voice

Make It Visually Appealing

You will also want to ensure that you are creating a resume that looks fantastic, stands out visually, and appears professional. Consider researching some of the best fonts for resumes and selecting one that is easy to read. 

Simplicity goes a long way. Employers are not looking for fluff or a resume they have to decipher, especially because they may have a large number of applicants to sort through. Using bullet points is a great strategy, as it helps you organize content more effectively and present it in a simplified, appealing manner. 

Although your resume should feel formal, it can also be beneficial to include pops of color or a subtle color theme when appropriate. Even something as simple as blue lines between sections on a black-and-white resume can be a nice touch.

Tailor It To The Job You’re Applying For

It takes time to create different versions of your resume, but tailoring it to the job that you are applying for helps take it to the next level. It shows that you pay attention to details and that you are willing to go the extra mile for the job.

One way to do this is research the company so you can understand the kind of person they are looking for. If you resonate with certain values they emphasize on their website, try to incorporate those into the content. Additionally, you can study the job description and rework your resume to demonstrate how you are qualified for that specific position. 

Using keywords from the job listing throughout your resume will also help it gain traction. Pay attention to the specific phrasing that is used and the places where those phrases fit in various sections of your resume. 

Secure Your Northpoint BYU-I Housing Spot

Before you take steps toward your career, it is important that you have a supportive environment where you can accomplish your goals. Securing your housing spot as soon as possible can help give you a head start on your future.

We are here to help enhance your housing experience as you pursue the life and career that you want. Contact us today so we can answer any questions you have or help you get a tour set up.