How To Create Good Resumes

Writing a good resume can make you stand out in the job market. Crafting a resume requires careful consideration of format, content, and presentation. Follow these guidelines to improve your resume-writing skills.

Choose the Right Format

Resumes come in various formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological format is the most common. It focuses on work history in reverse chronological order. Use this format if you have a consistent employment record.

The functional format highlights skills and experiences rather than job titles. This format is useful for people changing careers or with gaps in their work history. The combination format merges elements from both chronological and functional formats. It works for many candidates, showcasing skills and experiences along with a clear work history.

Contact Information

Place your contact information at the top of your resume. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure your email address looks professional.

Write a Strong Summary

The summary gives a quick overview of your qualifications. Write 3-4 sentences about your professional background and main strengths. This section should grab the employer’s attention.

Detail Your Work Experience

List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order. Include the company name, location, your job title, and employment dates. Under each job, add bullet points detailing your responsibilities and achievements. Use action verbs and quantify results when possible.

• Increased sales by 20% in one year by implementing new marketing strategies.
• Managed a team of five people, improving project completion rates by 15%.

Emphasize Education

List your educational background, starting with the highest level of education. Include the institution’s name, degree earned, and graduation date. Add any honors or relevant coursework if it strengthens your resume.

Include Relevant Skills

Add a skills section to highlight your technical and soft skills. Choose keywords from the job description to align your resume with the employer’s requirements. Examples of skills to include are:

• Project management
• Data analysis
• Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java)
• Leadership
• Communication

Awards and Certifications

List any awards or certifications relevant to the job. This section can differentiate you from other candidates. Include the name of the award/certification, the issuing organization, and the date received.

Professional Associations and Affiliations

Membership in professional associations shows your commitment to your field. List any associations you’re part of, including your role and involvement. This can enhance your credibility.

Proofread Carefully

Errors on your resume can leave a poor impression. Proofread your resume multiple times. Consider using tools like Grammarly to help catch mistakes. Ask a friend or mentor to review your resume for a fresh perspective.

Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use ATS to filter resumes. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes the initial screening. Avoid images or fancy formatting that might confuse the ATS.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight experiences and skills that match the job description. This shows that you’re a good fit for the position.

Keep It Concise

A resume should be one to two pages long, depending on your experience. Keep sentences short and to the point. Make sure each section adds value and isn’t repetitive.

Use Professional Fonts and Formatting

Choose a clean, readable font like Arial or Times New Roman. Use consistent formatting throughout the resume. Bold section headers and use bullet points for easy reading. Ensure plenty of white space for a clean look.

Include a Cover Letter

Always accompany your resume with a cover letter. The cover letter should introduce yourself and explain why you’re interested in the position. Use it to highlight how your background fits the job. Keep it concise and personalized.

By focusing on these key elements, you can build a compelling resume that stands out. Pay attention to detail and tailor each resume to its specific application, increasing your chances of landing an interview.