Resumes & Cover Letters

The mental game of resume writing

The-mental-game-of-resume-writing
Written by Guest Contributor

When starting to build up your resume from scratch, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed. Let’s face it, working on a resume, especially when you’re staring at a blank page, can be a bit daunting. The idea of having to figure out what to write and how to format it is often enough to stop people getting going in the job search. Oftentimes, taking that first step towards getting started can be the hardest part. A lot of getting work done on your resume actually comes down to the mental game. Getting in the right mindset can make it so much easier to dive in and get started. So, don’t fret, this article will give you some helpful tips to help you get your resume off the ground.

Give yourself time

Giving yourself plenty of time to work on your resume will not only make it easier for you, but it will result in a better overall end product. Trying to write your resume the night before it is due is not only stressful, but it usually leads to mistakes in the document itself. Try working on your resume well before any job application deadlines – this helps to take some of the pressure off yourself. Also, taking time with your resume will allow you multiple proofreading sessions which will help you catch any mistakes.

Check out some examples

Looking at example resumes in your field is a great way to take some of the mystery out of the resume writing process. Doing this can be a great stress reliever and allow you to get an idea of how your resume should look. It also can help you narrow down your idea of what you want your resume to look like. Choose one that is simple and appealing looking. There are plenty of resume examples online to browse.

Use a template

You’ve had a look around and you found a resume example that you like. Now it’s time to try and make it your own. If you’re not a Word guru, it can be difficult and frustrating to try and figure out how to format your resume. Thankfully, there are lots of resume template examples available online. Templates are a great way to make the resume writing process a lot easier. By being able to just plug in your info, it takes a lot of the guesswork out of resume formatting.

Figure out your brand

If you’re struggling to get started, sometimes it can be helpful to think of yourself as a brand. This change in mindset can often help give you the momentum to get going on your resume. Think about how you would sell yourself to someone else. What are your strengths? What unique experience do you have? What makes you different than everyone else? By answering these questions, you can start to get an idea of what things need to be on your resume.

Think like a boss

Another helpful aspect of the resume writing mindset is to try and think like an employer. Picture yourself as the person in charge of the job you’re applying for. What are the characteristics you would want to see in a good employee? What are things you would not want? When you start thinking like this, you can begin to figure out the ideal attributes to work into your own resume. Thinking like a boss can be a helpful exercise in tailoring your resume for specific employers.

When you are searching for a new job, resume writing is a fact of life. It can be really easy to feel underwhelmed about getting started. But remember, writing a quality resume is mostly a mental game with a few tips and tricks thrown in. Go in a with a positive mindset and it will be much easier. Best of luck!

About the Author:
Carlo Wheeler is a career expert with 5+ years of experience in the HR industry. Since 2017, he has been sharing advice in areas related to recruitment from writing winning resumes and cover letters to getting a promotion.

About the author

Guest Contributor