Searching for and applying for a new position is often accompanied by a mixture of feelings from excitement to anticipation to anxiety. One big stressor, especially for those new to the industry, is writing a resume. Resumes need to be accurate, easy to read, and comprehensive when it comes to showcasing your strengths and experience. Resume writing is a skill gained over time, with effort and practice. However, there are a few simple strategies you can implement now to take your resume to the next level and impress hiring managers as you search for your next role. 

Review for Accuracy

Essentially, a resume tells the story of a candidate’s previous work experience and education. For hiring managers to make smart hiring decisions for their organizations, that story needs to be accurate. Ensure details like employment dates are correct and that any context given regarding job duties for each role is truthful. It may seem innocent to try and boost a resume with extra responsibilities or different job titles. However, there’s a good chance any job offer will be accompanied by reference checks. Providing inaccurate resume information to potential employers is a quick way to have any offer recused.

Also, consider the accuracy of your resume as it refers to grammar and spelling. Glaring errors in these areas indicate a lack of effort from candidates that hiring managers don’t want to see transferred to job responsibilities. Time and time again, recruiters and hiring managers state that the biggest mistake applicants make on their resumes is submitting one with spelling and grammar mistakes. One quick review candidates can do is to check that verb tenses match whether the role is a current or previous one. When providing job responsibilities of a previous position, use past tense verbs. When talking about a current role, the present tense makes the most sense.

Many grammar rules are confusing. And, not everyone has the education or skills to write with correct grammar and spelling. However, there are a number of tools and resources available to prevent anything too distracting from making it to your final drafted resume. Seek out job placement centers or workforce development organizations. Often, they employ personnel willing and able to proofread or review a resume prior to submitting it to a job opportunity.

Add a Cover Letter

Not many application processes within the hospitality industry require the submission of a cover letter along with your resume. However, including one if given the chance to do so can instantly help your chances of getting hired. Cover letters are a way to express your interest in a specific role within a specific organization. They don’t need to be long or time-consuming to write. Stick with discussing at least one reason you are applying for the role and one strength you believe you bring to the table. Ensure you use correct spelling when mentioning the job title or name of the organization. If you know for certain who the hiring manager is, the cover letter can be addressed to them. Otherwise, a general greeting is absolutely acceptable.

Focus on Formatting

One of the quickest ways to ruin your chances of securing an interview is by providing a resume that is difficult to read or follow. When it comes to formatting, being clear and simple is a great approach. Clearly define different sections with headings and other distinctive formatting. Add clarity to these headings by using a bold font or a larger font size. For lists, consider using bullet points to separate items. Ensure consistency in formatting as well. For example, if you choose to make an organization name bold in your experience section, be sure to bold ALL organization names. Similarly, keep indentations consistent and use a maximum of two fonts. Although, generally sticking with one is safest.

Once again, not everyone has the access to technology or the software needed to create documents with custom formatting. The good news is that many websites offer free templates and editing functionality which makes properly formatting a resume possible for most. 

Provide Multiple Contact Options

Listing a phone number may seem like the easiest option to provide hiring managers with a way to reach you as an applicant. However, employers have different styles of communication, as do individuals. Some prefer email, while others choose to communicate via phone. It may seem like a simple addition, but adding a secondary contact method to your resume may mean the difference between securing a job interview or ending up on the bottom of the application stack. Generally, a physical address isn’t needed on a resume, so most applicants stick with phone and email information only.

Searching for New Opportunities within the Hospitality Industry

After implementing those few simple strategies for improving your hospitality resume, the next step in making a career move is finding out what opportunities exist in your area. We take a clear and simple approach as well when it comes to providing hospitality professionals with up-to-date information about all current opportunities throughout the United States. Our database is updated daily and is easy to access and apply for opportunities. Filter by location, job function, or role type to be sure to only view opportunities that fit what you are looking for.
Equipped with a strong resume, a desire to contribute to a team, and a customer service orientation, you are sure to land your next hospitality role – discover what is out there today!