As a lot of our students are close to entering the workforce, or are about to begin their professional careers, their resumes will be important tools in their lives. A resume is the first impression most potential employers will have of a student. Here at MathClinic-plus, we have put together a few resume tips for students looking for work!

A strong resume is essential if students wish to stand out to their potential employers. In this blog, we will take a look at what aspects of a student’s job application can be leveraged to help them land their ideal job!

1. Make Sure to Tailor Your Resume for Every Job Application
   
   A common mistake some students make is creating a single resume and using it to apply to various opportunities. Don’t do this! If you are looking to stand out from other students, your resume will need to be tailored to ensure it is relevant to each specific job you are applying for. Make sure to thoroughly read the job posting and ensure your resume covers as many key words or points to ensure the experience you are showing employers is relevant to what they are looking for. Don’t be afraid to omit certain parts of your educational or professional experience if it is not relevant to the job at hand. As most resumes will go through a company’s ATS or Applicant Tracking System, it is important that you are tailoring your resume for each job application. If students choose not to do this, there is a chance their resume will never see human eyes!
   
   
2. Highlight Your Soft Skills
   
   Soft skills are important to include on your resume. Your soft skills can relate to your interpersonal or communication skills, emotional intelligence or even critical thinking abilities. Job listings will often list some of these skills, outlining what kind of candidate they are looking for. If these skills appear in a job listing, be sure to utilize them when tailoring your resume to increase your chances of an employer reviewing your application!
   
   
3. Remember to Proofread Your Resume
   
   Once your resume is completed, make sure you review it thoroughly. You resume should use consistent verb tense and be error free. Grammatical and spelling errors in a resume may deter a potential employer from scheduling an interview with you. Your resume is often your first impression with a potential employer – make sure it is a strong one!
   
   
4. If Applicable, Include a Cover Letter
   
   A cover letter is often an optional portion of a job application submitted with your resume. While it is not always mandatory, it is advised that you write a cover letter tailored to the job opportunity you are pursing. A cover letter will allow you to communicate aspects of your experience you find relevant to the job at hand that you resume is unable to cover in detail. It is a good opportunity to “pitch” yourself to a potential employer. Additionally, tailoring your cover letter to match the job listing will help you get past any ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)!