A resume is often the first impression made on a hiring manager. It should be clear and concise and highlight qualifications for the job.
A well-crafted resume can make the difference in securing an interview. This article outlines what a resume is and provides key tips to create one that stands out.
What is a Resume?
A resume is a document that highlights a candidate’s qualifications for a job, including education, experience, skills, and achievements. It’s a key tool for showing potential value to a company.
A polished resume helps candidates stand out from the crowd. Tailoring the resume to the industry and hiring company can make it more relevant and impactful.
Expert Insights
“There’s nothing quick or easy about crafting an effective resume,” says Jane Heifetz, resume expert and founder of Right Resumes.
Don’t expect to complete it in an hour. “Carefully consider what to say and how to say it so the hiring manager thinks, ‘This person can do what I need done,’” she explains.
Your resume’s audience isn’t limited to hiring managers; it could also be shared with your network for introductions. “In a competitive job market, your resume has to make you memorable and recommendable,” he adds. Here's how to write a resume that grabs attention.
Steps to Create a Professional Resume
Follow these steps to draft a resume that will make an impact in your next job application.
1. Select the Right Format
Choose the format that best suits your experience and career goals. There are three common resume formats:
- Chronological: Lists professional history first. Ideal if you have a solid work history with no gaps in employment.
- Functional: Focuses on skills. Best for career changers or those with gaps in work history.
- Combination: Balances both skills and work history. Suitable for those with some professional experience.
2. Include Your Name and Contact Information
Start your resume by clearly displaying your name and contact details. This should include a professional email address and phone number. Including a mailing address is optional.
Your name should stand out at the top, using a slightly larger or bolder font (but no larger than 14-point size) to ensure visibility. If relevant, you may also add a link to your online portfolio or professional website.
3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Position
Customizing your resume for each job you apply to is essential. Update the keywords in your skills section to align with the employer is needs.
Adjust the emphasis on your professional history and educational experiences to match the job description. This will show the employer that your resume is specifically crafted for the role and demonstrate how your qualifications meet their needs.
4. Add a Resume Summary or Objective
After your contact information, decide whether to include a resume summary or an objective statement.
An objective statement is brief and explains your career goals. It’s particularly useful for those with limited professional experience, such as recent graduates.
On the other hand, a resume summary highlights your relevant work experience, skills, and accomplishments in a few lines using active language. This helps showcase what you bring to the table right from the start.
5. List Your Soft and Hard Skills
Take time to identify which skills make you a strong candidate for the job. Review the job description carefully and note keywords that align with your past experiences.
Include both hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities), as well as any transferable skills, especially if you’re shifting careers or industries. Create a skills section that includes the most relevant keywords for the employer.
If certifications or licenses are required for the position, list them first. Tailor this section for each job application to reflect what the employer specifically seeks.
6. Detail Your Professional History
List your professional experience chronologically, starting with your most recent job.
For each position, include the company name, your job title, the dates you worked there, and key achievements. You can also mention accomplishments or responsibilities that are directly related to the role.
Keep the following best practices in mind when detailing your professional history:
- Use numbers to measure impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible to show your potential value. For example, “Developed new process for requesting supplies, reducing fulfillment time by 10%.”
- Incorporate keywords from the job description: Just like in your skills section, align your professional history with keywords from the job description. For example, if the job mentions meeting sales quotas, include examples such as “Achieved 250% of annual sales quota, winning sales MVP two quarters in a row.”
- Be concise: Hiring managers only spend seconds reviewing resumes. Keep your descriptions short and to the point. Remove filler words and only include details that relate to key achievements.
- Use action verbs: Strengthen your statements by starting with action verbs like “developed,” “saved,” “managed,” and “led.”
- Apply the same approach to other experiences: If your professional history is limited, include internships and volunteer work using the same format, focusing on achievements and relevant skills.
7. Include an Education Section
An education section is valuable, especially if you have limited work experience, such as being a recent graduate or shifting to a new industry. Include details like:
- Relevant coursework
- Grade point average (if above 3.5)
- Involvement in relevant clubs or organizations
- Leadership positions held
- Awards, achievements, or certifications
In this section, include the institution's name, dates of attendance, and your degree or area of study. For mid or senior-level positions, you may remove all but the school name and dates of attendance to make space for more professional experience.
If you hold certifications or licenses relevant to the position, list them here as well. Only include certifications directly related to the job, leaving off any that are not applicable.
8. Consider Adding Optional Sections
Consider adding sections like achievements or interests if your resume has significant white space.
These sections can help complete a shorter resume, especially if your work and educational experience are limited. Be sure that what you list supports your career goals and is relevant to potential employers.
9. Proofread Your Resume
Thoroughly review your resume for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. A helpful tip is to read your resume backward to spot mistakes by seeing the words in a new order.
Ask trusted friends, colleagues, or family members to review it. Fresh eyes can catch things you might have missed.
If your resume exceeds one page, consider shortening sections by removing filler words or unnecessary details. Two pages are acceptable for higher-level positions or specialized industries like healthcare or academia.
Conclusion
A well-crafted resume is your chance to make a strong first impression and stand out in a competitive job market.
Proofreading your resume and ensuring it reflects your achievements accurately can also make a significant impact. Creating a polished resume can be the key to opening doors and securing that next opportunity.
Last updated on March 14th, 2025 at 01:02 pm
