Looking for a new job? Whether you’re planning on updating your resume for a new job opportunity or writing a resume for the first time, we’ve got a few tips and tricks to help you secure your next job role. Let’s take a look

1. DO: List relevant honors and degrees/certifications

If you graduated with amazing honors say that! If you have a degree in a specific area of study be sure to include it with your qualifications, these details are often one of the most important points for hiring managers.

2. DON’T: Include accomplishments that aren’t professional

If you won a medal in high school, that’s great but it shouldn’t be listed as a professional accomplishment.

3. DO: Save additional information for the actual interview

Save any detailed experiences or content for your actual interview, and share something unique about yourself. By saving this information for in-person conversation, you save your resume from coming off as directionless.

4. DON’T: Include your full Ministry Philosophy

If you are seeking a ministry position, then your ministry philosophy may be several paragraphs, or even several pages and should not be part of your resume.

5. DO: Indicate that your references are available

While you won’t send the information for your references at first, you’ll want to have them ready to go for when a potential employer needs them. Be sure to state that your references are available “upon request”.

6. DON’T: List irrelevant education or experience

Once you enter college, there’s no need to state where you went to high school. Make sure any education details or experience are pertinent before adding it to your resume.

7. DO: Keep your content up to date

As time goes on, you may acquire lots of education and experience. Things that used to be important will become less so, eventually. Be sure to edit what you have and update to add any new information before putting your resume back in circulation.

8. DON’T: List redundant information/give unnecessary detail

If you have had several jobs that are similar to each other, then find a way to list the experience that you gained that is well summarized.

9. DO: Let your experience speak for itself

If you list in your experience that you have worked in accounting, it’s okay to let your experience imply a skill like “excellent using Microsoft Office”

10. DON’T: Forget to update information from other applications

If you have put information in your resume that is specific to a certain company/ministry or job opportunity, then don’t forget to change it before you apply to the next job.