How to Write a Resume

Landing your dream job in today’s competitive job market can be incredibly tough. It can feel like a constant struggle just to get your foot in the door. Plus, writing a resume that stands out from the competition can be a daunting task.  But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

In this article, we will unlock some tips that will help you create a resume. It will not only set you apart from the rest of the applicants but also position you as the perfect fit for the job. 

Ready to land your dream job?

What is a Resume

A resume is a formal document that a job applicant creates to itemize their qualifications for a position. It gives a brief overview of your abilities and suitability for a given role. When applying for a job, a resume is usually, but not always, accompanied by a customized cover letter. The terms “resume” and “CV” are often used interchangeably; however, a CV is more comprehensive and broader in scope than a resume.

You need to be able to write a very good and error-free resume in order to increase your chances of landing a job interview with your potential employers and ultimately securing your dream job.

Tips for Crafting a Good Resume

1. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for: Make sure to mainly highlight the skills, experiences, and qualifications that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for the role of a content writer, your employer has no interest whatsoever in your cooking skills. Instead, you should place an emphasis on your writing and editing skills as well as your knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO).
2. Use a clear and professional format: For your resume, use a clean design that is easy to read. Don’t stray from the norm; use a standard structure, such as reverse chronological, where your most recent experiences and qualifications are presented first.
3. Include your contact information: Make sure to include your full name, address, phone number, and email address at the top of your resume.
4. Include a personal statement or professional summary: A personal statement or professional summary is a brief statement that highlights your qualifications, skills, and experiences. It should be displayed at the top of your resume and be customized for the particular position you are looking for.
5. Highlight your education and certifications: List out your educational qualifications and any other relevant certifications you have acquired over the years. Include the name of the institution, degree, and graduation date.
6. Include any relevant volunteer or extracurricular experience: If you have any relevant volunteer or extracurricular experience, include it on your resume. This helps to show your potential employers that you are enthusiastic and dedicated to a particular field.
7. Be specific and quantifiable: Make use of specific examples and quantify your accomplishments. Also, use powerful action verbs, like “managed,” “coordinated,” “implemented” etc., to describe your experiences and past responsibilities. For example, “I managed the marketing team of CareerBuddy, and we were able to increase our customer base by 30 percent.”
8. Keep it concise and one page: A resume should be one page long. It can be quite challenging, but it is important to limit the content on your resume to only what is essential.

9. Consider adding a portfolio: If you are in a creative field like design, photography, or writing, including a portfolio of your work with your resume will give you leverage as it gives your potential employer an insight into the quality of your work.

 

10. Proofread: Make sure to proofread your resume for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors by using online proofreading tools like QuillBot. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review it as well.
11. Consider the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Before resumes are reviewed by a human, many organizations use ATS to screen them. An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) is a software used by companies to automate and streamline recruitment process, with features like resume parsing, keyword search, and candidate tracking

Read the job description and identify keywords that are relevant to the role, such as “team player,” or “proficient in Microsoft Office.” Incorporate those keywords in your resume to beat the ATS and increase your chances of getting an interview.

BOTTOM LINE

If you follow these cv/resume writing tips, you’d create a professional resume that will help you stand out from the competition and get invited for an interview. Remember to update your resume regularly, particularly if you have gained new skills, experience, or educational qualifications.