Sous Chef: Robin’s Restaurant
We are looking for a full time creative, enthusiastic, and fully qualified professional chef to assist in running our restaurant. We are a multiple award-winning restaurant and have an emphasis on oriental and seafood. Interested candidates are requested to send their resume and cover letter to robin@resto.com.
Now, you are a brilliant chef and you wish to work for Robin. You also happen to fulfil her requirements.
But, how are going to convince Robin that you are the ideal chef she has been looking for?
By endorsing your skills. For most of this hardest part, selling, marketing, positioning yourself for a job you KNOW you can do.
The resume is your FIRST place to start endorsing your skills. And like we already know first impressions count! (you can insert the other blog link here).
So let’s help you put your best foot forward, with an immaculate resume, so that you are guaranteed the sous chef position at Robin’s Restaurant.
MyConspectus brings to you an entire series on perfecting your resume to the ‘t’. In our very first blog, we’ll be talking about the 7 Foundations of Building a good resume:
1) Contact Information
It might seem like the most obvious thing, but you must, must include your contact information on your resume. Make it bold and transparent – right on top of your resume, not buried somewhere at the bottom. Include your name, email, phone number, the city/state you live in and the URL to your LinkedIn profile. (Hint, hint – if you don’t have a LinkedIn profile – create one!).
Please do not provide multiple contact numbers. You do not want to confuse your recruiters by giving them too many options.
2) Keywords from job posting
Do refrain from mass posting your resume. Each job is unique and each employer is looking for the best candidate. Improve your chances for getting in the front door, by carefully reviewing the job listing. If Robin is looking for a creative culinary expert, it’s now your job to incorporate these keywords into your resume. . Of course, you want to still be YOU! So don’t just copy-paste but make it authentic and highlight the experiences that will match best!
3) Metrics
Facts, figures and metrics speak volumes to adding authenticity and impact in your resume descriptions. Metrics might be challenging, but are certainly effective in catching a recruiter’s attention. For instance, say you have managed a catering event for about 500 people.
You could write, “Catered to a large scale event for B’s Barbeque.”
Well that’s great, but I didn’t learn anything new or impressive about you, and you just used up 10 second of my attention.
Instead, you could write, “Catered to a seafood festival at B’s Barbeque with over 500 guests within a budget of $15,000 (or Rps equivalent).”
Now, doesn’t that create a better impact? These numbers help in understanding the employer your bandwidth, your experience and ability to manage a budget. It is a great way of showcasing your capabilities which in turn helps the employer determine that you are suitable for their required position.
4) Accomplishments and achievements
Straight off the bat, your resume should highlight your key accomplishments (and like we learnt, each application should include the accomplishment that is most relevant). Place this section right below job title and executive summary. Employers need to know what you have contributed to the growth of your previous department. This is going to reinforce that you are a good fit for the position you’re applying for.
5) Certificates, credentials
If you own it, flaunt it! If you have a certification or credential that’s considered to be an asset in your field, make sure that you include it in your resume. Add these acronyms that you receive from your certification at the top of your resume, right below your name. Your valuable certifications will help you stand out from the other applicants.
6) Internships
To add or not to add internships to your resume, that is the question.
If you have less than five-year experience post-University, definitely include your internships. This can show valuable work experience and also reflects that you were focussed through college as well. , Especially if you’re applying for a job and your previous internships are relevant to the job position, you must 100% include it. This will add immediate value to your resume and show that you will be an asset to the organization.
7) Relevant URLs
Lastly, add in relevant URLs. URLs are a good way of making your standard resume seem more interesting. Had a job profile that has all of your work online, such as a content writer? Add the link to your resume. It’s going to give the recruiter a better insight into who you are as a candidate and highlights you as a brand. Also, do include the link to your LinkedIn profile in your resume.Well, now you know what you should be putting in your resume, are you ready to start the easiest tool available in the market today? Want to build the best resume and get the job? Try MyConspectus’ Resume Builder, for free! *link to MyC resume builder*
Also to learn more about avoiding common mistakes made on a resume, check out the next blog in our series.
