PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
document . If your first section heading is in bold and has all capital letters , each section heading that follows should have the same format . Use bold , italics and underling sparingly so they do not distract from your content .
Bullets : Hiring committee members are often very busy and do not have much time to read every detail on a resume . Make it easy for them to skim . Avoid complete sentences and include bullet statements in action-verb form .
Length : Entry-level and early-career resumes should be one-page long . However , as you progress in the industry and gain more relevant experience and skills you may need to extend your resume to two pages . The keyword here is “ relevant .” You should not include information on your resume to simply add more content , but rather include relevant information that supports your qualifications . Remember , you will often be submitting a cover letter with your application , so you can always include additional details in your letter that can help reduce the need for some information on the resume itself .
5 .
Always follow the application instructions carefully . Some position descriptions are very particular in how they want to receive application materials . Check to see if they requested any of the following :
A certain file format such as
. doc or . pdf A specific way to name your file ( s ) Multiple documents such as a resume , cover letter and reference page
If multiple documents are requested , are multiple files requested or should they be in one file ?
Salary history or requirements or any additional information
BONUS TIP : If a cover letter is requested , always include one , and find out to whom the letter should be addressed . The cover letter provides you the opportunity to explain why you are interested in the particular position and organization , and how you are uniquely qualified . Each cover letter you write should be tailored to the specific position and not extend beyond one page . Draw the reader in from the very beginning by expressing your interest and providing highlights of your skills , strengths and accomplishments that directly align with what they are seeking in a top candidate . The letter should be in block format with three to four paragraphs , including an introduction , two body paragraphs , and a closing . Use the same header from your resume , as well as the same font style . As with your resume , proofread to make sure there are not any errors , and remember to provide specific details and examples that prove your value .
By adding more relevant skills , strengths and impact statements , your resume will quickly transform from a generic document that is easily overlooked to a compelling representation of your unique qualifications that will guarantee to impress any hiring committee . Always remember to match your skills , strengths and experiences as much as possible to the qualifications listed on the job description and go beyond your duties and responsibilities . By demonstrating your value to a potential employer , you will elevate your resume to the next level and land that interview . SFM
Erin Wolfram , M . S ., is a career services professional with more than 15 years of experience . She has a specialization in assisting those in the turfgrass management industry , and works with clients to help them recognize their strengths and unique qualities to rise above the competition . She works alongside individuals to make sure they are confident throughout their job search and professional growth , and believes in getting to know clients and their stories to help them reflect their best selves in their application materials and portfolios . She owns and operates Career Advantage and Career Advantage Golf ( http :// careeradvantagegolf . com ), and helps professionals throughout the world . Additionally , Wolfram is an ISSA certified trainer , and runs an online personal training and nutrition consulting business , The Fit Advantage .
Wolfram received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education from Kansas State University , as well as both a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Science in Educational Technology from The University of Kansas . She also earned a professional etiquette certificate in 2012 from The Etiquette Institute in St . Louis , Mo . She can be reached at erin @ careeradvantageresumes . com .
40 SportsField Management | February 2021 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com