Resume is a document that outlines a person’s educational background, work experience, and skills. It is usually the first document that an employer sees when considering a candidate for a job. Therefore, it is essential to make it as professional as possible. In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing a professional resume.
Table of Contents
1. Choose the right format
There are several formats for a resume, including chronological, functional, and combination formats. In chronological format the work experience you have is mentioned in reverse chronological order which means it states your most recent position. The functional format emphasizes your skills and abilities rather than your work history. The combination format is a mix of both the chronological and functional formats. Choose the format that best suits your background and the job you are applying for.
Start with a strong objective statement
An objective statement is a brief statement that summarizes your career goals and the value you can bring to the company. Make sure your objective statement is specific and tailored to the job you are applying for.
2. Highlight your education
Try to mention your educational qualification in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree. Include the name of the institution, the degree, and the year of graduation. If you have completed any relevant courses or training programs, include them as well.
List your work experience
Listing your work experience should be done in a way such that your most recent job comes first I e in reverse chronological order. Include the name of the company, your job title, the dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements. Use of bullet points should be applied to make it easier and faster to skim over. Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
3. Emphasize your skills
List your skills and abilities that are relevant to the job you are applying for. These may include technical skills, communication skills, and leadership skills. Use of bullet points should be applied to make it easier and faster to skim over.
Include relevant certifications and licenses
Include any relevant certifications or licenses you have obtained, such as a professional certification or a driver’s license.
4. Use action verbs
Use action verbs such as “managed,” “created,” “implemented,” and “developed” to describe your accomplishments. This makes your resume more engaging and attractive.
5. Use keywords
Use of appropriate keywords that show relevancy to the job title you are applying for. This will help your resume to pass through the applicant tracking system (ATS) and be seen by a human recruiter.
6. Keep it concise
Keep your resume to one or two pages, depending on your experience. Use a font size of 10-12 points and avoid using excessive formatting, as this can make it harder to read.
7. Proofread and edit
Proofread your resume several times and have someone else read it as well. Look for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as formatting inconsistencies. Make sure your contact information is up to date and accurate.
Additional Tips For Resume Writing
1. Make resume short and crisp.
2. Don’t mention any insignificant details or awards like some certificate you got in your middle school.
3. Originality Matters, to make your resume stand out make it as original as possible and try to refrain from completely copying someone else’s resume.
4. Highlight whatever you think is relevant to the position. Be it your skills, education, awards or extra curricular activities.
5. Demonstrate your skills while giving examples of your previous experiences or even result of your educational qualification.
6. Use text optimization to insert words that the hiring manager is looking. Most of the times AI scan these documents and it looks for those specific words. It can really improve your chances.
7. List your LinkedIn.
8. Use right words and correct spelling to stand out as spelling mistakes can give a sour taste in mouth of the hiring manager.
Additional Tips for Writing Cover Letter
1. Start with a strong opening statement: Use bullet points to highlight the key reasons why you are the ideal candidate for the job. This could include your relevant experience, qualifications, and skills.
2. Use bullet points to organize your thoughts: Break your cover letter into sections and use bullet points to highlight the most important points in each section. This will make your cover letter easier to read and help the reader quickly understand your key qualifications.
3. Use keywords from the job description: Read the job description carefully and use the same language and keywords in your bullet points. This will help you show the employer that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.
4. Be concise: Keep your bullet points short and to the point. Use action verbs and avoid unnecessary adjectives or adverbs.
5. Customize your cover letter: Tailor your bullet points to the specific job you are applying for. Show the employer how your skills and experience match their needs.
6. Close with a strong call to action: Use bullet points to summarize your key strengths and end your cover letter with a clear call to action, like you are enthusiastic about the job title and want to have an interview call .
Overall, a cover letter in bullet points can be an effective way to convey your qualifications and stand out from other applicants. Just make sure to follow these tips to ensure your cover letter is well-organized and easy to read.
In conclusion, a professional resume is an important document that can help you get the job you want. Follow the tips outlined in this article to create a resume that showcases your skills, experience, and education in the best possible light. Remember to tailor your resume to the job you are applying for and keep it concise and easy to read. Good luck!
