Boost your job search with these surefire resume tips

Submitting endless applications with no fruitful response can make you doubt yourself fast. Maybe it really isn’t you, it’s your resume. Whether you’re starting new or seeking opportunities for career growth, try these resume tips and interview tricks to help you clinch the job — and keep it.

Sprucing up your resume

A resume gets your foot in the door — be sure it’s polished.

Resume formatting tips

You want your resume to stand out among the others, but for most professions, it’s wise to avoid gimmicky methods. Multiple call-out boxes? Graphics? Bubble writing? Better to pass on those templates and stick with a straightforward option. And, of course, stick with an easy-to-read, sans serif font such as Arial, Calibri or Helvetica.

The details matter too. Make sure all your spacing and indentations are consistent and that all the dates are formatted the same. If you can, send a PDF resume so the formatting won’t be altered.

Your resume is more likely to be read if it is easily digestible.

Make your resume a quick read

If you want your resume to be considered, focus on making it easy for a hiring manager to digest. Depending on your experience, you may want to use a chronological or a functional format, or even a combination. 

A functional resume works well if you are new to the workforce. Recent graduates, for example, can divide the resume into achievements such as academic work, apprenticeships and volunteer activities.

If you’re moving positions after years of experience, a chronological resume is a good option. List your different jobs to show your career growth, from increased responsibilities to gained knowledge.

Tailor your resume to the job descriptions

While many of the jobs you’re applying for may be similar, it’s still important to tailor each resume to the job description. For example, if your resume says you’ve been an office manager but the job is for an executive assistant, switch up your title to match.

Look at other words in the job description to determine the specific qualifications the employer wants, then use those words to describe your experience.

In addition, you may need to rearrange your resume. Be sure the qualifications that best match the job description will be read first.

Pro tip: Instead of simply listing job duties, mention your accomplishments in the role and the impact they made on the company.

Browse current job openings on KSL Jobs

Use words from the job description when explaining your skills.

Highlight your transferrable skills

Refine your skills section based on the job requirements. Be sure to include specific skills the employer is asking for, using the same terms. Omit any skills that are irrelevant to the job or too basic. Yes, you know how to use Microsoft Word. So does everyone else.

Avoid these common mistakes on your resume

Because your resume is your introduction to an employer, don’t risk a poor first impression. Avoid these five common mistakes:

• Poor layout: Keep it clean and easy to read at a glance

• Typos: Have a friend or family member read your resume to check for grammatical and spelling errors.

• No professional summary: At the top of your resume, concisely summarize how your qualifications and unique skills will help the company.

• Listing duties only: Include your past responsibilities, but also give examples of what you did and what the results were.

• Too long: One page is plenty.

Be prepared for the job interview by rehearsing some stories about your successful projects.

Nailing the job interview

You were invited to an interview — congrats! Don’t waste your hard-earned win by blowing the next big step. Do some prep work so you can present yourself as the best candidate, helping you secure the job.

How to present yourself confidently

The job interview is a bit like a sales pitch — you need to convince the hiring manager that you are the one they should pick. Acting confident is key, even if you don’t feel as if you are. 

As you greet your interviewer, make eye contact and smile. It will help you appear engaged and comfortable. It should help boost your confidence too.

During the interview, have good posture and maintain eye contact to show your interest. Be enthusiastic, but only appropriately so. No need to be a cheerleader, just a team player.

Answering tough interview questions

Remember, interviews are not just about what your answers are, but how you think. They want to know how you might approach solving a problem, for example, or how you deal with hard situations.

Before the job interview, practice responses to possible questions out loud. This helps you clearly form your thoughts so you’re less likely to become tongue-tied. Plan stories you might tell to highlight your abilities or what you’ve learned.

A good rule of thumb for any question: Keep your answers positive. And remember to focus on what you can do for the company, not what the company can do for you. 

In your interview, focus on what experience and skills you'll bring to the company.

Virtual vs. in-person interview best practices

Depending on the job, you may have both virtual and in-person interviews. There are some unique considerations for each type.

For a virtual interview, test your setup before it starts. To prepare: 

• Check your internet connection.

• Clean your camera.

• Turn on your microphone.

• Be sure there will be light on your face. 

• Position yourself so your head is in the center of the screen.

• When speaking, look directly into the camera to mimic direct eye contact.

For an in-person interview:

• Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to find parking and the interviewer’s office. And maybe take a quick trip to the restroom for one final check of your appearance. No pet hair on your lapel, please!

• Pay extra attention to your posture. This is no time for slouching. 

• Avoid nervous habits such as hand wringing and knuckle cracking.

• Bring a notepad and pen.

Search Utah jobs available on KSL Jobs

In your first months on the job, focus on listening, learning and sharing responsibilities.

How to make a good impression on your first days on the job

Success goes beyond the offer letter. The energy you put into your job search can now be applied to keeping it.

Leaving a good impression within the first months of your employment can set you up for promotions and other long-term career growth. Your efforts will go a long way in your own career satisfaction too.

What to do during your first 30, 60 and 90 days on the job

The first 30 days on the job are all about learning: what your role entails, how team members communicate and how the organization works. Every job is different, so feel free to ask questions you can’t find the answer to on your own.

Regularly let your manager know what you’re working on and if you’re running into road blocks. In meetings, do more listening than speaking. 

By your second month, you should be contributing insights, collaborating with team members and taking on independent tasks. Continue to work on building relationships not only with people on your immediate team, but also with others you may work with in the organization. 

By 90 days, be ready to take on more responsibility. If you can deliver a real solution to a problem, lead a project or show you are trustworthy, you’ll be on the right track. Share credit with others to show you’re a team player. 

In a formal review or an informal conversation, ask your manager for feedback to see how you’re faring.

Start paving your way to a promotion early by working well with teammates and meeting deadlines.

Set yourself up for promotions/growth

Because earning a promotion is not a singular event, start laying the groundwork long before you ask for one. Throughout the year:

• Meet deadlines

• Take on new responsibilities

• Learn new skills

• Ask your manager what skills or experiences you need to advance

• Keep a record of your accomplishments

Apply for jobs on KSL

You can take control of your job search, no matter the market. First, stand out with a sharp resume, making sure your words match the job description. When you secure an interview, be prepared — and boost your confidence — by practicing possible questions.

Once you’ve secured the job, quickly make yourself a valuable team member. Get yourself up to speed by asking questions, building relationships and taking on responsibility.

Whether you’re just browsing or actively exploring employment opportunities, KSL Jobs connects you with opportunities here in Utah and beyond. For many openings, you can apply for jobs right from the listing using the Quick Apply for Jobs feature.

Search for jobs in Utah now