What a Blue Collar Resume Can Do for You
Knowing which skills to highlight in your blue collar resume will make a world of difference. |
It’s true that a lot of blue collar positions require some classroom education, but a lot of it can be done through apprenticeships or hands-on training. So while it’s important to include what education you do have, there two main things you want to highlight in your resume: experience and skills.
Experience is important to highlight because it shows your proficiency in the field and means that you may require less training. You may want to include some references to verify that you were exceptional in the previous positions you’ve held. Choose former employers who will be able to give knowledgeable and positive feedback about your work.
Doubtless you have accumulated a reservoir of skills that will prove valuable for the position you’re applying for. You want you potential employer to absorb from your resume what you’re capable of at a glance. This may be done effectively by using bullet points to list your strongest skills. They help make things eye-catching and easy to identify.
Being detailed is important, but make sure all of your relevant information can fit onto one page. You can include a second page if necessary to go into greater detail or to provide references, but most likely your potential employer will only be interested in what’s on the first page. This is because he or she will be going through a lot of resumes and won’t have much time to focus on each one. Therefore, be efficient and include everything necessary on the first page so your prospective employer can see what he or she needs to see without having to flip through and look at a second page.
By knowing what to highlight and showing your competency in the field, you will be able to gain an advantage over other applicants, even those more credentialed than you. A little preparation and organization can go a long way when preparing a resume for a blue collar job. You’ll know it’s worth it when you find the job opportunity that’s perfect for you.