What does a good resume include? A good resume depends on a number of factors, including the quality and relevance of the information provided and the layout and format of the resume.

Gathering your work history, job-related skills, relevant coursework, and educational experience is just the beginning. This guide will help you with each step of the process – from choosing the best resume format to what you should include when you sit down to craft your resume.

Key Takeaways

• Gather all professional information needed to make a resume, including work history, education, transferable skills, and certifications.
• Choose the right format for your resume (chronological, functional, or hybrid) to effectively showcase your qualifications and career trajectory.
• Tailor your resume sections—summary, work experience, and skills—to align with the job description for better visibility and impact.

Collect Your Professional Information

Before you write a resume, begin by gathering all your professional information, including any relevant work history, education, skills, and certifications. This preparation ensures a smooth writing process and prevents you from missing important details.

Document your career history, including job titles, responsibilities, and achievements. Record your academic qualifications and relevant training or certifications. This information will form the foundation of your resume, ensuring no critical information is overlooked.

An effective resume is thorough yet concise. Collecting all your professional details upfront ensures your resume is detailed and streamlined, making it easier for hiring managers to quickly see your qualifications.

Choose the Right Resume Format

When you’re preparing to write a resume, it’s important to select the appropriate resume format. The format you select is determined based on your employment history and the type of job you’re applying for. The main formats to consider are chronological, functional, and hybrid.

Choosing the right format helps present your professional history and skills effectively. Once you’ve chosen a format that works for you, you can look up a pre-made resume template or use a resume builder to streamline the process and ensure a polished final product.

Before you make a resume, look up a resume example of the format of your choice to give you an idea of how the final document should look. Let’s take a look at each format to help you decide which one suits your needs best.

Reverse Chronological Resume Format

The reverse chronological resume format is the most popular. This format lists jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. It is ideal for job seekers with extensive relevant experience and a solid work history.

This format effectively demonstrates career progression and growth. For instance, consistent work in the same field and career advancements are clearly shown, making it easy for hiring managers at a particular company to see your career trajectory.

Functional Resume Format

The functional resume format emphasizes skills over chronological work history, useful for career changers or those with employment gaps. It highlights any applicable skills and training, ideal for beginners with little to no experience.

In a functional resume, a skill set and education section are highlighted to demonstrate qualifications, downplaying lack of specific field experience and focusing on abilities and knowledge.

Hybrid Resume Format

The hybrid resume format combines chronological and functional elements, showcasing both work history and significant skills, ideal for those with a diverse range of experience.

This format suits job seekers with over ten years of experience or those seeking career advancement. It highlights skills and achievements, as well as employment history.

Add Contact Information

Accurate and professional contact information is vital for a successful first impression. Display your contact details clearly at the top of your resume to ensure hiring managers can easily find them.

Include your full name, professional email address, phone number and, if applicable, your personal website or LinkedIn profile. Avoid irrelevant personal details or any offensive content.

A clear and professional presentation of your contact information sets the tone for the rest of your resume.

Write a Resume Summary or Objective

The resume summary or objective attracts the hiring manager’s attention and provides a snapshot of your professional goals and what you can offer, specifically related to the job title you’re applying for.

Given hiring managers typically spend about seven seconds scanning a resume, a compelling introduction can significantly increase your chances of being selected from a plethora of other applicants.

A strong resume summary or objective clearly articulates your career goals and highlights key qualifications. Tailor this section based on your career stage: a resume summary for experienced professionals and a resume objective for those starting out or changing careers.

Resume Summary

A resume summary (also known as a resume headline) highlights career achievements and qualifications in two to three sentences, emphasizing significant accomplishments. It is ideal for experienced professionals.

Include keywords from the job ad to help pass Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) and consider using a resume template.

For instance, a summary for a seasoned digital marketing professional might read something like: “Dynamic marketing manager with over 10 years of experience in digital marketing and brand management. Proven track record of driving growth and increasing brand awareness through innovative strategies.”

This concise summary captures key qualifications and achievements, making it easier for a hiring manager to quickly see your value when scanning through multiple resumes.

Resume Objective

A resume objective outlines career goals and highlights how you can add value to the company. This is beneficial for recent graduates and individuals looking to change careers. It should be two to four sentences long, highlighting applicable and transferrable skills and achievements.

For example, a job resume objective for a recent graduate might read: “Recent college graduate with a degree in Business Administration seeking an entry-level job title in marketing. Eager to apply strong organizational and analytical skills to help drive company growth.”

This objective clearly states the candidate’s desired job, essential skills, and potential contributions to the company.

Highlight Your Work Experience

The work experience section outlines your qualifications. List jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. Focus on specific accomplishments rather than daily tasks to demonstrate impact.

If relevant work experience is lacking, emphasize applicable skills from volunteer activities or internships. Showcase your job history and the value you bring to a prospective employer.

Let’s break down how to make this section stand out by using action verbs, quantifying achievements, and tailoring it to the job description.

Use Action Verbs

When resume writing, begin accomplishment statements with strong action verbs to effectively convey contributions. Words like “developed,” “managed,” and “implemented” make your resume dynamic and highlight your proactive role in achieving results.

Quantify Achievements

Show specific results instead of vague descriptions to make achievements stand out on your resume. For example, instead of “improved sales,” say “increased sales by 20% within six months.” This provides concrete evidence of your contributions.

A lack of quantifiable results can be a deal breaker for 34% of hiring managers. Demonstrating soft skills like leadership and teamwork, along with quantifiable results, sets you apart from other candidates with similar technical qualifications.

Tailor to Job Description

Tailoring your resume to the job description will help you stand out and impressive potential employers. Thoroughly read the job description to understand key qualifications and types of experience the company is looking for. Use specific keywords and phrases from the job ad to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly and catches the hiring manager’s attention.

Highlight how your technical skills and relevant experiences align with the job description. Mention specific tools or software the job requires to make your resume more appealing. Tailoring your resume for each application enhances your chances of passing ATS and demonstrates your fit for the role.

Create a Skills Section

Creating a skills section is vital for an impressive resume. Refer to the job description to list relevant skills required for the role, including both hard (technical and job-related) and soft (interpersonal and organizational) skills.

Format the skills section using bullet points or columns for better readability. Including language skills can also be beneficial and should be honestly represented using frameworks like CEFRL or ACTFL.

Let’s explore how to list hard and soft skills effectively when you make a resume.

List Hard Skills

Hard skills are specific, technical skills that can be defined and measured. Match the wording of your skills to the job description to make your resume more relevant. Mention proficiency levels for context.

Common hard skills include software like Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator. Avoid lying about your skill level; misrepresentations can lead to trust issues with employers.

List Soft Skills

Soft skills refer to interpersonal and organizational abilities that are essential in the workplace. These skills are often harder to measure but are just as important as hard skills.

Some relevant soft skills would be handling tough customer accounts, critical thinking in high stress situations, demonstrating important interpersonal abilities, and effectively conveying ideas. In a customer service resume, this might look like including hobbies and interests to show your personality, or highlighting support skills like teamwork and collaboration.

Detail Your Education

The education section is vital, especially for recent graduates or those with an impressive academic career. Include degrees, institutions, and graduation dates, listing educational experiences in reverse chronological order.

Add any relevant awards or classes to enhance your education section. For students and recent graduates, include completed coursework or significant achievements to provide a clearer picture of your academic background and qualifications.

Highlighting educational experience can impress your future employer and demonstrate your commitment to excellence. This section should be concise yet comprehensive, showcasing achievements without overwhelming the reader.

Include Certifications and Training

Certifications and training can enhance your resume by proving your qualifications and specialized skills. Tailor these credentials to the job responsibilities, demonstrating relevant expertise. List certifications in a separate section, preferably below work experience or along the side.

When listing certifications, include the full name, issuing body, and date obtained for clarity. For example, clearly mention a Beauty Operator License or a Registered Nurse License. This information adds credibility to your application and sets you apart from other candidates.

Optional Sections to Enhance Your Resume

Optional sections can add depth to your resume, showcasing different aspects of your personality and experience. Consider including sections like volunteer experience, awards, and hobbies based on their relevance to the job.

These can make your resume stand out and provide a more comprehensive view of your capabilities. Employers often prioritize reviewing experiences, including internships and volunteer work.

Selecting optional sections strategically can enhance your resume and make it more appealing to recruiters. Next we’ll explore how you can effectively incorporate volunteer experience, awards, and hobbies into your resume.

Volunteer Experience

Including volunteer work in your resume can be particularly valuable for those without extensive professional experience. Volunteer work showcases passion, organizational and managerial skills, creativity, and customer service skills. Format volunteer experience (like work history) with a clear heading and bullet points.

Consider including relevant student organizations and activities under your Leadership & Activities section. Highlighting significant contributions or leadership positions can also add value to your resume and help you stand out to a hiring manager. This information can demonstrate your commitment and ability to contribute positively to an organization.

Awards and Recognitions

Awards and recognitions highlight your significant achievements and can set you apart from other candidates. Make sure any recognitions you include are directly related to your field to add credibility to your application.

Listing these accolades can provide talent acquisition managers with a clearer picture of your capabilities and accomplishments. Some examples of awards and recognitions you may include are a Leadership Award, Advertising Award, Employee of the Month/Year, or Top Salesperson Award.

Hobbies and Interests

Including hobbies and interests can add a personal touch to your resume and may resonate with potential employers by showcasing your passions. This section is an opportunity to showcase some of your personality and demonstrate skills like teamwork and collaboration gained outside of a professional setting.

However, ensure that the hobbies and interests you list are relevant and appropriate for the job you are applying for. For example, sharing your love for soccer highlights that you are a team player or highlighting your love for Lego building competitions shows you are a great problem-solver.

Effective Formatting Tips

Proper formatting is essential for crafting a resume that really stands out in a saturated job market. A well-formatted resume makes it easy for hiring managers to find information and helps Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) read the resume. The resume should ideally be one page long to maintain brevity and clarity.

Utilize bullet points or concise statements to enhance readability and convey information efficiently. Consistency in punctuation and easy-to-read fonts are crucial for a professional appearance. Using bold, italics, and underlining can help emphasize key sections and improve document navigation.

Including relevant keywords from the job description is essential for ensuring your resume is visible in ATS. By following these formatting tips, you can create a polished and professional resume that stands out.

Proofread and Finalize Your Resume

Proofreading is a critical step in finalizing your resume. Review your resume multiple times to catch errors and improve it before submission.

Common mistakes in resume writing include typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues. These errors can turn off hiring managers and reduce your chances of securing an interview.

Utilize spell-checking tools and have trusted individuals review your resume for spelling, grammar, and formatting issues. Asking for technical revisions and feedback on writing, organization, and effectiveness can help perfect your resume builder.

A well-polished resume demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

How to Match Your Cover Letter to Your Resume

It is essential to match your cover letter with your resume. This alignment is crucial for submitting a comprehensive job application.

A cover letter should expand on the details from your resume in a simple, clear, and readable format. Customizing your cover letter and resume to the job description helps demonstrate your suitability for the role.

A compelling cover letter can help explain employment gaps or career changes in your job application. It gives you an advantage over other candidates by providing a more personal touch to your application.

Summary

Creating a perfect resume involves several key steps, from collecting your professional information to choosing the right format and adding contact details. Writing a compelling summary or objective, highlighting your work experience, and listing relevant skills are also crucial.

Don’t forget to detail your education and include any certifications and training that can enhance your resume! Optional sections like volunteer experience, awards, and hobbies can provide a more comprehensive view of your personality and capabilities.

Effective formatting and thorough proofreading are essential for creating a polished and professional resume. And finally, by matching your cover letter to your resume, you can create a cohesive and compelling job application package.

Now, it’s time to put these tips into practice and craft a resume that will open doors to your dream job!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important part of a resume?

The work experience section is the most important part of your resume, as it highlights your qualifications and showcases your accomplishments. Make it stand out to demonstrate your value to prospective employers!

How can I tailor my resume to a specific job?

To maximize your chances of landing the job, closely analyze the description of the job and incorporate specific keywords and relevant experiences from it into your resume. This focused approach will help you stand out as a perfect fit for the role!

Should I include hobbies and interests on my resume?

Absolutely, including relevant hobbies and interests can make your resume stand out and reflect your personality. Just be sure they align with the position you’re targeting!

How long should my resume be?

Your resume should ideally be one page long to ensure clarity and ease of review for employers. Keeping it concise maximizes your chances of making a great impression!

What common mistakes should I avoid when learning how to write a resume?

To create a standout resume, avoid typos, grammatical errors, and poor formatting. Take the time to proofread thoroughly, and you’ll make a great first impression!

Can I hire someone to help me with my resume?

You definitely can! Start by setting up a free consultation call with us to discuss your overall goals and desires when it comes to your current job search. A member of our team will connect you with a career coach who is the perfect fit for you.