How to Write a Professional Resume
When it comes to writing a resume, there are a few golden rules that everyone can benefit from following. First and foremost, keep it concise. A resume should be a snapshot of your professional career, not a novel. Second, be sure to use the right keywords. Keywords are the words and phrases that hiring managers use to search for candidates. By using the right keywords, you can ensure that your resume comes up in the search results. Finally, be sure to tailored your resume to the job you want. Tailoring means customizing your resume to highlight the particular skills and experience that make you a perfect fit for the job you’re applying for.
By following these simple tips, you can be sure that your resume will stand out from the rest and help you land the job you want.
Start with a Header
The header of your resume should include your name, address, phone number, and email address. This is the basic contact information that potential employers will need in order to get in touch with you.
Write a Compelling Objective or Summary Statement
The next section of your resume should be an objective or summary statement. This is your chance to sell yourself to the employer in one or two sentences. Be sure to mention your key skills and experience, as well as what you hope to achieve in your new position.
List Your Relevant Work Experience & Key Achievements
The bulk of your resume should be dedicated to listing your relevant work experience and key achievements. Start with your most recent job and work your way backwards. Include the name and location of each employer, your job title, and dates of employment. Bullet point your key responsibilities and accomplishments for each position. Be sure to use action-oriented language that emphasizes what you did and what you achieved.
Use the Right Keywords
As mentioned before, keywords are essential to helping your resume be found in a search. Be sure to include industry-specific keywords as well as skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Highlight Your Skills
In addition to listing your work experience and achievements, be sure to highlight your skills in a separate section. This is where you can really sell yourself to the employer by letting them know what makes you the best candidate for the job. Include both hard and soft skills, as well as any relevant certificates or licenses you may have.
Comprehensive but Concise
A well-written resume is both comprehensive and concise. That means including all the relevant information without going into too much detail. Stick to the facts and be sure to use plenty of white space to make your resume easy to scan.
Easy to scan
As mentioned before, it’s important to make your resume easy to scan. That means using headings and subheadings to organize your information, as well as using bullet points. By using these simple techniques, you can ensure that potential employers will be able to quickly find the information they’re looking for.
Tailor it to the job you want
Finally, be sure to tailor your resume to the particular job you’re applying for. This means customizing your resume to highlight the particular skills and experience that make you a perfect fit for the job. Tailoring your resume shows potential employers that you’re serious about the job and that you’ve done your homework. It’s a surefire way to make your resume stand out from the rest.
