Crafting a standout resume is essential for Gen Z jobseekers looking to land their dream roles. With hiring managers inundated with applications, your resume needs to grab attention and showcase your unique skills and experiences effectively. In this article, we share six essential resume building tips for those in Generation Z.
6 Resume Tips for Gen Z Jobseekers
Here are six resume tips for Gen Z that you can use to improve your resume for your next job search:
1. Showcase your digital skills:
As digital natives, Gen Z jobseekers often have a wealth of digital skills that can set them apart in the job market. Whether it’s proficiency in social media marketing, coding languages, or graphic design software, be sure to showcase these skills prominently on your resume. Highlight specific projects or accomplishments that demonstrate your digital prowess. Don’t be afraid to show off a little in order to differentiate yourself from the pool of talented applicants, but always be honest when describing your skills.
2. Save the aesthetic for your portfolio:
Your resume should be clean, easy-to-scan, and professional. Though you may be tempted to make it visually appealing, ATS systems often struggle to scan and analyze resumes with too many visual elements or inconsistent style choices. Choose a standard professional font, use plenty of white space to make your resume easy to read – the content should always take precedence over design. When creating a portoflio, on the other hand, be sure to add your personal flair and aesthetic.
3. Tailor your resume to each application:
One-size-fits-all resumes are a thing of the past. Instead, tailor your resume to each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. Take the time to research the company and understand the role you’re applying for, then customize your resume accordingly. This shows hiring managers that you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity and have taken the time to craft a targeted application.
4. Include relevant extracurricular activities and volunteer work:
Gen Z jobseekers are often involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities and volunteer work outside of their formal education. Don’t overlook these experiences – they can provide valuable insights into your character, skills, and interests. Include relevant extracurricular activities and volunteer work on your resume, highlighting any leadership roles or significant accomplishments.
5. Don’t forget soft skills:
While technical skills are essential, don’t underestimate the importance of soft skills in the workplace. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability are just a few examples of valuable soft skills that employers look for. Make sure to highlight these skills on your resume, providing specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in previous roles or experiences.
6. Quantify your achievements:
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers, percentages, or other measurable data. This helps to provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments and the impact you’ve had in previous roles.
For example, instead of simply stating that you “increased sales,” specify by how much – “increased sales by 30% in the first quarter.” If you aren’t sure of specifics, reach out to your previous employer to get some concrete (and authentic) data on your achievements.