How to Create Your B.E.S.T. Resume

Before we delve into today's topic, I'd like to introduce my new mini course, which can help you create a modern resume in just one hour. With the help of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, you can easily generate multiple resumes. Click the link in the show notes for more details.

https://www.camilleattell.com/onehourresume

Now, let's get started with the third installment of our resume series. If you missed the previous episodes, I recommend starting with episode 58, where I discuss the development of my new mini course, followed by episode 59, which focuses on job searching in the digital age. Today, we'll dive deeper into creating your best resume.

Next week, I'll wrap up the series by explaining how to leverage artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, in streamlining the entire process. But for now, let's focus on the acronym I've designed to help you create your best resume: B-E-S-T.

B stands for bold. This doesn't refer to bolding text on your resume, but rather using impactful language. Don't shy away from showcasing your achievements and even indulging in a bit of bragging. Your resume is the perfect platform to highlight your strengths and accomplishments.

E stands for easy. When it comes to formatting, simplicity is key. Avoid fancy and colorful templates found online, as they may not be optimized for artificial intelligence or applicant tracking systems. Opt for easy-to-read fonts and strike a balance between content and white space. Remember, your resume should ideally be no longer than two pages.

S stands for strategic. In the modern day, keywords are crucial for resume success. Make sure to include relevant keywords and phrases that resonate with the job description. Connect the dots for the reader, telling a coherent story that showcases how your experiences align with the job requirements.

T stands for tailored. Customize your resume for each job application by aligning it with the specific job description. Analyze the requirements and ensure that your resume addresses them directly. This tailored approach increases your chances of standing out among other applicants.

Before we continue, I want to briefly touch upon the four core ingredients of a resume, which I cover in-depth in my mini course. These ingredients are the identity section, including your name, title, skills, and summary; the work history section, where you list your previous jobs and dates; the education section, which speaks for itself; and the spice section, where you can add personal touches such as volunteer work, awards, certifications, and other interests.

While these core ingredients are crucial, today I want to focus on the proprietary BEST framework, as you can find information on the core ingredients elsewhere. Let me provide you with some practical examples of how to apply the BEST framework to your resume.

Let's start with the identity section. Suppose you're interested in becoming a virtual assistant but have worked in administrative roles in the past. You can still add the title of virtual assistant to your resume, showcasing your adaptability and desire to work remotely. This demonstrates boldness while tailoring your resume to match relevant job descriptions.

In the work experience section, it's essential to be bold and highlight your accomplishments. Use impactful statements that showcase the value you brought to previous roles. Quantify your achievements whenever possible, such as by mentioning cost savings, time efficiency, or customer satisfaction rates. Be strategic by including keywords related to remote work and specific tools mentioned in the job description.

Moving on to the education section, strategic thinking becomes crucial. Consider the relevance of your formal education to the desired job and the time that has passed since then. If your education aligns well and isn't too dated, include it. Otherwise, you may want to explore relevant certifications or courses you've taken. Tailor this section strategically to showcase your qualifications.

Lastly, the spice section is where you can add a personal touch to your resume. Think about unique experiences or hobbies that could enhance your storyline and connect with the job. Volunteer work or interesting personal accomplishments can provide additional flavor to your resume, demonstrating character traits and skills that make you stand out.

To recap, BEST stands for bold, easy, strategic, and tailored. By incorporating these principles, you can create a powerful resume that catches the attention of employers. Remember, it's essential to have a different resume for each job application, and in the next episode, I'll discuss how to leverage artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, to expedite this process.

If you enjoyed this episode or need to tackle your resume, I encourage you to check out my one-hour resume workshop. It's a fun and efficient way to get your resume done. Thank you for joining me today, and I look forward to sharing more insights in the next episode.