Remote Work Preferences? ♀️ Ditch the Photo! Our July issue has ALL the resume tips you need for the post-pandemic job search.
Happy new month! The month of July is special– not just as the start of the second half of the year. But also because July’s the month of perfection! Things just always seem to align the best in this 7th month of excellence!
So, in keeping up with the theme, our first issue this July is giving you the gist on resume tips that will
- 📜Make sure your resume doesn’t end up in the “discarded” pile
- 💼Help you include remote work preferences in your resume for those work-from-home jobs
How to Include Remote Work Preferences on Your Resume
We all know how COVID-19 changed everything. It’s just how Avatar: The Last Airbender put it; everything changed when the Fire Nation attacked:
The job market has evolved dramatically as we navigate the post-pandemic world. According to Gallup, more than half (54%) of workers with remote-capable jobs now have a hybrid work model, 27% work exclusively remotely, and 20% are on-site full-time. Whether you’re looking to work from home, have a hybrid setup, or prefer the traditional on-site environment, your resume is the perfect place to communicate these preferences.
Why Your Work Preferences Matter
When crafting your resume, it’s crucial to highlight your most relevant accomplishments and integrate keywords from the job description. However, letting potential employers know your preferred work arrangement is equally important. Stefanie Fackrell, an HR consultant with experience at Google and Nvidia, emphasizes that it’s never too early to communicate your desired work model. Here’s how to do it.
Clearly State Your Preferences
Start with the basics at the top of your resume:
- Name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Location: Simply list your city and state. According to Fackrell, listing an address is very 1980s. “Don’t do it. list your full address; that’s, like, very 1980s,” says Fackrell.
Specify your work preferences directly below this information. Use a parenthetical statement such as “open to remote, hybrid, on-site, open to relocation,” or whatever suits your needs. This clarity helps employers understand your flexibility right from the get-go.
Why This Information Is Helpful
Job descriptions can be vague about work arrangements. A role listed as “remote” might mean working from specific states rather than anywhere. Clarifying your preferences can prevent misunderstandings, especially when applying for out-of-state jobs.
Including your preferred work model might not guarantee you the job, but it simplifies the process for recruiters. As Fackrell puts it, “I just think it’s helpful.” It answers a crucial question upfront, potentially speeding up hiring if you land an interview.
And so…
Communicating your work preferences on your resume is a straightforward yet effective way to align your job search with your desired work-life balance. It helps employers understand your needs and can make the hiring process smoother. Remember, clarity is key. State your preferences clearly, and you’ll be one step closer to finding that perfect job for you.
Nail Your Resume With These Expert Tips!
Ready to make your resume stand out and avoid the dreaded “no pile”? We’ve got some top tips from Stacie Haller, a resume expert with over 30 years of experience. Let’s dive in!
Big No-No: Including a Photo
If you have a picture on your resume, it’s going straight to the rejection pile. A photo can lead to ageism and snap judgments. Plus, it makes you look out of touch with modern hiring practices. Employers want to focus on your skills and experience, not your appearance. So, save the headshot for your LinkedIn profile!
What to Ditch on Your Resume:
- Objective Statement: Including an objective statement is a common mistake. It wastes valuable space and doesn’t add much value. Recruiters already know your objective is to get the job. Instead, use a professional summary that highlights your key achievements and skills. For instance, you could use, “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns and social media strategy.”
- Street Address: Listing your full address is outdated and can lead to unintended bias. Employers might make assumptions based on your neighborhood. Plus, with many remote jobs, your location is less relevant. Just Include your city and state, or mention your willingness to work remotely. For example, “Based in Lagos, Nigeria. Open to remote opportunities.”
- Outdated Email Address: An outdated email address can give the impression that you’re not tech-savvy. Using a modern email provider like Gmail shows you’re up-to-date with technology trends. If you still have an AOL or similar email, consider creating a new, professional Gmail address. For instance, “[email protected]” looks more current than “[email protected].”
Keep It Simple and Readable
When it comes to perfectly formatting your resume, simplicity is the watchword. Here are some tips:
- One-Column Layout: Use a single-column format. It’s easier to read and works better with many companies’ applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes.
- Clear Sections and Bullet Points: Use clear headings for each section (e.g., Education, Experience, Skills) and short bullet points to describe your duties and achievements. This makes your resume easy to skim quickly.
- Education vs. Experience: Recent graduates should lead with their education, especially if they lack professional experience. As you gain more experience, prioritize your work history. List jobs in reverse chronological order, focusing on accomplishments relevant to the job you’re applying for.
- Skills Section: Include a dedicated section for your technical skills and certifications. Prioritize the skills most relevant to the job. For example, list skills like SQL, Python, and data visualization tools if you’re applying for a data analyst position.
- Length Matters: If you’re early in your career, keep your resume to one page. For mid-level professionals, one to two pages is ideal. Those with 20+ years of experience can focus on the last decade of their career. Highlight significant achievements, but avoid listing every job you’ve ever had.
Tailoring Your Resume
Tailoring your resume for each job application doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Start with a strong, general template that you can easily customize. Here’s how:
- Core Template: Create a solid resume covering your key skills and experiences. This will be your go-to version for most applications.
- Customization: For each job, tweak the bullet points under your experience to align with the job description. For example, highlight your relevant project management experience if the job emphasizes project management.
- Keywords: Use the keywords from the job posting in your resume. This helps you get past ATS and shows recruiters you have the skills they’re looking for.
And that’s it! Don’t forget, your resume is your ticket to an interview. Make it clear, concise, and relevant. With these expert resume tips, you’ll be well on your way to landing your next job.
Happy job hunting!
The SimplVest Team 🚀
