8 Resume Tips for Applying to Startups

Guest post by Jane Hurst, https://www.lifehack.org/author/jane-hurst & https://blog.getresponse.com/author/jane-hurst

 

When you are in the market for a new job, it is likely that you are going to have several different resumes, especially if you are applying for different types of jobs. After all, you need to tailor your resume to the job you are seeking. For instance, if you are applying to a startup, you may do things a bit differently than you would if you were applying to a company that is better established. Startups have different objectives, and you need to craft a resume that is going to show them that you can help them meet those objectives. Here are eight tips for crafting a resume that is going to help you get a job with a startup.

1)      Highlight Yourself – You need to them that you have the experience needed to help take their startup to the next level. Don’t forget to mention accomplishments on your resume. For example, if you have worked with other startups, make sure that your resume includes your accomplishments with startups. This is going to show that you have the ideas, and skills, to help a new business succeed.

2)      Show Your Experience – Many startup owners want to see that potential employees have worked for bigger companies, and that they have done so successfully. Not only will they know that you have what it takes to get the job done, they will also have bragging rights, because they can tell others that their new employee worked for so-and-so.

3)      Use the Right Keywords – Before you create your resume, research the companies you are applying to. Find out what their missions are, and then use the keywords that are going to get you noticed, because they relate to what the companies are all about. This is going to show potential employers that you are exactly what they are looking for.

4)      Keep it Simple – A resume should be simple and to the point. No potential employer wants to have to wade through a bunch of gobbledygook in order to get to what they really want to see. If they can’t find what they are looking for within a few seconds, your resume will likely not be considered. Keep things simple and to the point.

5)      Use the Right Fonts – It is very important that you stick with simple fonts that are easy to read. Common resume fonts include Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman. Try to stick with just a couple of fonts. The more you use, the more cluttered your resume is going to look. Fonts for headings should be different from the body font, and should also be larger, and bold.

6)      Create an Online Presence – These days, most employers, including startup owners, are doing a lot, if not most of their hiring online. So, you need to make sure that you have a good online presence. You need more than a resume, and what you do online can add to your credibility. Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with your peers, get involved in conversations, create an online resume and portfolio, etc.

7)      Show Your Passion – It is not enough to just show that you have the right skills for the job. You also need to be able to show that you have the knowledge and the passion to want to take the startup to the next level. For instance, if you are in competition with another applicant who has the same skills, it is your passion for the industry that is going to get noticed.

8)      List Your Hobbies – You may not realize it, but your hobbies may play an important role in your being hired with a new startup. They want to know that you do indeed have a life outside of the workplace. This gives you things to talk about in the workplace other than work, and your hobbies may involve skills that can translate to your job.