Is it time for you to write a resume, but you don’t know where to start? Don’t worry – you aren’t alone. People from all walks of life find themselves at a loss. While it's only a page or two in length, a resume is one of the most important parts of a job application and getting that invitation to an interview. Your resume is your most powerful tool in telling the story of your professional history and highlights your most relevant qualifications for the job to potential employers.
To get noticed, your resume needs to be consistent, concise, clear and easy to read. Read below for tips on how to write a resume that will help you get invited for that job interview:
Choose a Resume Type
There are several basic types of resumes that one can use to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, a functional, a combination, or a targeted resume. A chronological resume (in reverse chronological order) is the simplest format to use, but there may be circumstances where you want to focus on your key accomplishments and skills rather than your employment history. Taking the time to choose the best type of resume for your situation is well worth the effort.
Review Resume Examples
Read through samples that fit a variety of employment situations. These sample resumes will provide you with examples of resume formats that will work for almost every type of job seeker. They also help you see what kind of information to include.
However, whenever you use a resume example, be sure to customize your resume so it reflects your skills and abilities, and the jobs you are applying for.
Use a Resume Template
Along with resume examples, you can use a resume template as a starting point for creating your own resume. Add your information to the resume template, then tweak and edit it to personalize your resume so that it highlights your own unique skills and abilities.
Use the appropriate font style and be consistent
It's important to choose a font and font size that is legible and leaves enough white space on the page. You also want to keep style features (such as italics, underlining, bold, and the use of bullets) to a minimum; reserving the use of boldface for section headings and for quantifiable achievements that you would like to have “pop” on the page (Example: “Secured and fulfilled $2.5M contract”). Ensure that the particular style you use is applied consistently.
Use Resume Keywords
Most companies use recruiting management software to screen candidates for job openings. In order to get noticed, your resume needs to contain keywords that align with the jobs you are interested in. Spend some time matching your qualifications to the job to ensure you're including the appropriate keywords and skills. In addition to helping your resume get selected, it will also help the hiring manager see how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for the specific job. It is also worth spending some time to review the descriptions that you have written for each job and make sure that they are impressive enough to grab that extra attention from the hiring manager.
Get Resume Advice
Writing a resume takes some efforts so it’s often a good idea to get help before you send it to employers. You can find resume writing advice and resume writing tips online. You might also consider using a professional resume service.
Proofread Your Resume
Be sure to thoroughly edit your resume before sending it. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as any style inconsistencies. Consider asking a friend or family member, or even a career counselor, to read over your cover letter.
