Writing a resume focused on the university you're studying can help you get the attention of the admissions office and earn a spot on the admissions list. Once you have completed your course or begin to approach completion, you can use the same resume to apply for an internship and find a job.
As always, the most important part of student questionnaires is the beginning: getting started is the hardest part. The article offers 12 proven tips for international students on how to prepare a resume correctly.
Fit into the page
It is a misconception that the longer the resume, the higher the chance of getting a job. The trick is different: write briefly but comprehensively, presenting information and avoiding extremes. Practice shows that the ideal size of a resume is a page, and recruiters are willing to work with it. This may be due to the time limit required to review the CVs of all applicants.
It is also useful for the applicant: a short resume will push you to the correct prioritization, you will leave your strengths and significant information in the questionnaire.
Do not forget about the main thing
The hardest part of the test or writing work requires concentration and attention. Sometimes we forget to add information: first or last name, which should not be.
Therefore, spelling a name becomes the first step in the resume creation process. The name should be written in larger bold type. Also, do not forget the contact information - you should make sure that everything is correct. Regardless of the format chosen, the full name, along with contacts - phone number, email address and postal address - appear in the resume header.
Prioritize the important
While this one seems similar to the one mentioned above, the focus here is on the general order of information to be placed on a resume. The most important information is at the top. You start with your contact details, work experience, relevant skills and education. When talking about skills, try to list the most important ones first.
Use effective keywords and headlines
Nowadays, many companies use electronic databases to search for candidates. This means that HR professionals will perform searches based on certain keywords. By rejecting keywords, you run the risk of getting lost among other job seekers. If you don't know the keywords, take a look at the job descriptions to see who has the best chances.
Be careful with headings. Try to describe your competencies and qualities in as much detail as possible - they should attract the attention of the recruiter and the admissions committee.
Avoid jargon and slang
One thing we do know for sure: slang is not used in a resume. As well as technical, legal or medical jargon - you should not assume that the person in the educational part knows what you are talking about. Most often, in foreign universities, senior students or contract workers who are not related to your chosen type of activity are sitting in such positions.
Match what is written
It sounds trite, but in fact, the relevance is high - people often lie in their resumes. If you think about it - fight temptation! Most universities conduct background checks even before you arrive in the country for exams. You don't want to lose trust forever, do you?
Pay attention to typography
When you write, you must write it with the people in mind who will read it. Not everyone has the same vision. This is why you need to make sure that the fonts you are using are large enough. The optimal font size you can use is twelfth. In terms of font style, you can choose whichever one you like, but the most comfortable options are Arial and Times New Roman.
And one more thing to keep in mind: DO NOT USE CAPS! It interferes with the normal perception of the semantic load of the text and lowers its visual quality.
Throw out irrelevant information
Irrelevant information is information that is not considered when a student is enrolled in a higher education institution. Political affiliation, social ideas, religion, gender attribution and sexual preference will not all increase, but rather decrease, the chances of being enrolled.
Use lists
Given the large number of resumes received daily, it is reasonable to assume that the admissions office does not have time to read large texts without markup. Lists will come to the rescue - numbered and bulleted. By combining lists with short sentences, you describe education, experience, and goals without exhausting future teachers.
Use action verbs
Standard advice for students is to use action verbs. Action verbs are those verbs that will focus on the next word as they describe mental or physical action. It is a compelling language tool to keep you concise and actionable.
Don't use pictures unless it's asked to do so
Without a photo, the resume seems "blind", incomplete. This is a mistake: you should not attach a photo to your resume, unless you are applying for training in a fashion academy or another field where physical characteristics are basic and defining.
Ask to read the text
After all the time and effort that went into writing a resume, it is clear that we can feel that we have done the impossible and the document is perfect in our eyes. However, this is not always the case. This is why you need to get a second or third opinion before sending it out. When we spend a lot of time writing, we stop noticing mistakes, but a fresh eye will notice what needs to be improved and suggest ways to make improvements.
