How To Write A Resume

A well-written resume is essential to landing your dream job. It is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers, so it’s important to get it right.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about creating a standout resume, from formatting and structure to content and language.

Understanding the Purpose of a Resume

Firstly, you need to understand what a resume is. A resume is a formal document that outlines your professional experience, education, skills, and achievements.

It is typically the first point of contact between you and a potential employer and serves as a marketing tool to showcase your qualifications and convince the employer that you’re the best fit for the job.

Formatting And Structure

Formatting and structure are just as important as content. A well-formatted resume is easy to read, visually appealing, and organized in a logical and coherent manner.

1. Contact Information

Start with your contact information, prominently displayed at the top of your resume, which should include your name, phone number, email address, and physical address.

2. Summary or Objective Statement

Follow with a summary or objective statement, a brief, concise statement that highlights your most relevant qualifications and professional goals.

3. Work Experience

Next, list your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each position, include the job title, name of the company, dates of employment, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.

4. Education

List your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or certification. For each degree, include the name of the institution, the degree or certification earned, and the dates of attendance.

5. Skills

Finally, list your skills in a separate section and include both technical and soft skills that are relevant to the position.

Content and Language

Content and language are also critical to writing an effective resume. Here are some tips on how to make the content and language more compelling.

Use of Action Verbs: Use action verbs at the beginning of each bullet point to describe your responsibilities and achievements, such as “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” “achieved,” and “increased.”

Quantifying Achievements: Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements and provide concrete examples of your contributions to previous employers.

Customizing Your Resume: Customize your resume to the specific job you’re applying for by highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.

Use of Industry-Specific Terminology: Use industry-specific terminology and keywords to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field.

Including a Professional Portfolio

To make your resume more compelling, include a professional portfolio. A portfolio can include samples of your work, such as writing samples, presentations, or design projects.

This can help you showcase your skills and experience in a more visual and engaging way and can be a great addition to your resume.

Proofreading and Editing

Before submitting your resume, proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and make sure the formatting is consistent throughout. Remember, your resume should be concise and focused, with no more than two pages in length.

Keep in mind that the employer is likely reviewing many resumes, so you want to make sure yours stands out.