How To Write A Resume - Part 1
Unlock the Secrets to Crafting a Resume That Grabs Attention and Opens Doors
For most job-seekers, a solid resume is the difference between landing a dream job and being stuck with a less-than-ideal option.
Nail your resume, and youโll find yourself hearing back from companies left and right.
But if your resume isnโt up to scratch? You could be waiting for weeksโmaybe even monthsโbefore you get a single response.
So, how do you craft a resume that practically guarantees an interview?
Well, youโre in the right place to learn how to do just that!
Step 1: Gather Your Professional Information
Preparation is everything when it comes to crafting a resume that grabs attention. Before you start writing, itโs crucial to gather all the necessary information to ensure youโre presenting yourself in the best light. This upfront effort can save you time and give you a competitive edge.
Hereโs what you need to collect before you begin:
Measurable Achievements: Think about the results youโve delivered in previous roles. Were you able to increase sales, improve processes, or save your company money? These achievements should be backed up with data wherever possible to make them more impactful.
Skills Inventory: Make a comprehensive list of your skills. Separate them into:
Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, etc.
Hard Skills: Specific industry knowledge or software youโre proficient in.
Technical Skills: Tools, programming languages, or machinery youโre familiar with.
Work History Details: For each previous role, include:
Employer name, location, and employment dates.
Your job title and a summary of your responsibilities.
Notable projects or achievements during your tenure.
Education and Credentials: List your degrees, certifications, and any other relevant qualifications. If youโve completed industry-specific training or earned licenses, include those as well.
Volunteer Experience: Even unpaid roles can be valuable if youโve gained relevant skills or experience. Highlight any volunteer work that supports your application.
Awards and Honors: Donโt forget to mention any recognition youโve received for exceptional performance or contributions. These accolades can help validate your qualifications.
Now, review this information in light of the job description for the role youโre applying for.
Make sure to match up your skills and accomplishments with the requirements listed. Tailoring your resume to each specific role is a great way to show employers youโre genuinely interested in their position, not just any job.
Pro Tip from CJ Johnson, a seasoned hiring manager: Use the exact language of the job posting in your resume. This helps ensure your application gets past automated systems and shows the hiring manager youโve put thought into your application. Customizing your resume is your first step toward securing that interview!
By organizing your qualifications in this way, youโre not just telling potential employers youโre qualifiedโyouโre showing them in a way that stands out.
Step 2: Pick the Best Resume Format for Your Needs
Now that youโve gathered your professional information, itโs time to choose the best resume format to present it. The right format can make all the difference in how your qualifications are received.
There are three primary resume formats, each designed to highlight your strengths in different ways. The goal is to choose one that aligns with your experience and the job you're aiming for.
1. Chronological Resume Format
The chronological format is the most common and widely accepted. It emphasizes your work experience and presents it in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). This format works best if you have a consistent employment history without significant gaps.
Who it's for: Job seekers with a solid and continuous work history.
Why it's effective: It clearly shows your career progression and highlights your experience in the field. Hiring managers can easily see where youโve worked, for how long, and what responsibilities you held.
Pro Tip: If youโve been in the workforce for several years, this format helps show your career growth and stability, making it easier for employers to understand your journey.
2. Functional Resume Format
The functional format is all about your skills and abilities. Rather than focusing on the timeline of your employment, it organizes your qualifications by skill sets, making it ideal for those who are changing careers, have employment gaps, or have less traditional work experience.
Who it's for: Career changers, those re-entering the workforce after a break, or entry-level applicants.
Why it's effective: It highlights the skills and competencies you bring to the table, rather than drawing attention to gaps in your work history. This is especially beneficial for those with limited experience or those transitioning to a new field.
Pro Tip: When using this format, focus on transferable skillsโlike communication, leadership, or problem-solvingโthat are valuable in any job or industry.
3. Combination Resume Format
The combination format is a blend of both chronological and functional formats. It starts with a section that highlights your skills and qualifications, followed by a detailed work history. This format is a great choice if you want to emphasize both your experience and your relevant skills.
Who it's for: Experienced professionals with over 10 years of experience or those looking to move into higher positions.
Why it's effective: It allows you to showcase your skills at the top of the resume while also providing a detailed history of your work experience. This format is perfect for candidates who want to show both their expertise and their career progression.
Pro Tip: This format is particularly useful if youโre aiming for a managerial or senior role, as it allows you to demonstrate leadership and technical skills while also showing youโve gained valuable experience over the years.
Step 3: Add Your Contact Information
The contact information section of your resume may seem simple, but it plays a crucial role in ensuring employers can easily reach you. Making sure this information is clearly presented and easy to find is key to making a great first impression.
Here's what to include in your resume contact information section:
Your Full Name: This should be the first thing on your resume, and it should stand out. Use a larger font for your name to ensure it catches the reader's attention.
Phone Number: Choose a phone number you answer regularly, and make sure your voicemail is professional in case an employer needs to leave a message.
Professional Email Address: Avoid using casual email addresses (like those created in high school). Ideally, your email should be simple and professionalโyour first and last name works best.
Location: Include your city, state, and ZIP code, but you don't need to list your full street address for privacy reasons.
Professional Online Presence: If you have a LinkedIn profile, personal website, or online portfolio, be sure to include a link. These can help showcase your work and add extra context to your qualifications.
Hereโs an example of a well-formatted resume header:
Kathy Backer
555-555-5555 | Milwaukee, WI 53209
example@example.com | LinkedIn Profile
Formatting Tips:
Place this section at the very top of your resume, as it needs to be the first thing a hiring manager sees.
Ensure that all information is accurate and up-to-date.
If you donโt have a professional online presence, itโs okay to leave it out. However, having a LinkedIn profile or portfolio is a great addition to stand out.
Including these key details in a clear, professional manner is a simple yet powerful way to make sure hiring managers can get in touch with you effortlessly.
Step 4: Write a Compelling Resume Summary
A well-crafted resume summary serves as your first impression to hiring managers, so it needs to be sharp, concise, and powerful. It should be a compelling snapshot of your qualifications, skills, and career trajectoryโdesigned to grab the reader's attention right away.
According to Simon Murray, co-founder of Cameramatics, the key to a great resume is crafting a captivating professional summary.
"A good summary hooks the reader and entices them to continue reading your resume," he advises. This should be far from generic. Avoid buzzwords and clichรฉs, and instead focus on what sets you apart from other candidates. Hereโs how to nail it:
Key Elements of a Great Resume Summary:
Highlight Your Value: Focus on what makes you an asset to the company. Whether itโs your skills, experiences, or achievements, emphasize what you bring to the table.
Be Specific: Avoid vague statements. Instead, mention measurable results, such as how you increased revenue or improved efficiency.
Tailor to the Job: Customize your summary for the specific role youโre applying for. Use the language and keywords from the job description to ensure it resonates with both hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Example of a Compelling Resume Summary:
โEfficient, accuracy-driven executive assistant with 8+ years of experience supporting C-level executives. Proven ability to streamline operations, handle complex schedules, and improve team productivity. Expertise in project management, conflict resolution, and fostering team collaboration. Committed to providing exceptional support in a fast-paced corporate environment.โ
Pro Tips:
Keep it brief: Aim for 3-4 sentences. A long-winded summary can lose the readerโs interest.
Show, donโt just tell: Use specific examples or achievements that highlight your impact in past roles.
Avoid generic clichรฉs: Phrases like "hardworking" or "team player" are overused. Instead, show through examples how these qualities have helped you succeed.
By making your resume summary compelling and unique, you'll stand out from the crowd and keep hiring managers reading your resume with interest. Remember, this is your chance to hook them, so make it count!
If you're a first-time job seeker, changing careers, or returning to work after a long break, you might consider including a resume objective instead of a summary. While the trend in modern resume writing leans toward a professional summary, a well-crafted objective can still serve as an effective introductionโespecially if you're transitioning into a new field or looking for your first job.
Unlike a resume summary that highlights your achievements and qualifications, a resume objective focuses on your career goals and how they align with the employerโs needs. It demonstrates that youโve carefully considered how your background and aspirations fit the companyโs mission.
Key Tips for Writing a Resume Objective:
Focus on the Employer's Needs: Your objective should focus on how your skills will benefit the company, not just what you hope to gain from the role.
Be Clear and Concise: A good resume objective is short, clear, and direct. Avoid vague language and highlight the value you can bring to the employer.
Customize for Each Job: Tailor your objective to the specific position youโre applying for, emphasizing the skills and experiences that make you the best candidate.
Example of a Resume Objective:
"As a medical assistant wanting to transition into a project manager role, my career objective is to leverage my strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively to lead projects from conception to completion effectively. I seek a dynamic environment where I can apply my experience in healthcare administration and project management to achieve organizational goals and drive success."
The Bottom Line:
Whether you choose to use a resume summary or a resume objective, the most important factor is making it compelling, concise, and clear. Tailor it to the job you're applying for, highlight your strengths, and convey your enthusiasm for the role. A well-crafted summary or objective sets the tone for the rest of your resume and can increase your chances of catching the hiring manager's attention.
STEP 5: Craft a Standout Resume Work History Section
Your work history is one of the most critical sections of your resume. Employers use it to gauge your experience, impact, and potential contributions. A well-structured and compelling work history can set you apart from other candidates, making this section a dealmaker (or breaker) for hiring managers.
Why It Matters
A survey by CareerBuilder revealed that 34% of hiring managers consider a lack of quantifiable achievements on resumes a significant drawback. Including measurable results not only showcases your accomplishments but also demonstrates your value in a tangible way.
How to Structure Your Work History
1. Reverse Chronological Order:
Always list your jobs starting with the most recent position. This keeps the focus on your current skills and relevance to the role.
2. Include Essential Details:
For each position, include:
Job Title
Company Name and Location
Employment Dates (month and year)
3-5 bullet points highlighting your key responsibilities and accomplishments
3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties:
Hiring managers want to see how youโve made an impact, not just a list of what you were responsible for. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements whenever possible.
How to Write Effective Bullet Points
Follow this formula for each bullet:
Action Verb + Task + Result/Impact
Example: Increased monthly sales revenue by 20% through strategic upselling and customer retention strategies.
Sample Work History Entry
Secretary | BCforward - Milwaukee, WI | 08/2015 - Current
Conducted in-depth research to assist professional staff with routine and special projects, enhancing project efficiency by 15%.
Provided clerical support to 200+ employees, ensuring seamless daily operations through effective document management.
Spearheaded office reorganization project, producing a 20% increase in productivity by updating filing systems and implementing digital solutions.
To Be Continued...
Weโve covered the foundational steps to crafting a stellar resume, but thereโs so much more to learn!
Stay tuned for the next blog in this series, where weโll dive into advanced resume techniques, cover formatting secrets, and explore ways to tackle common challenges like employment gaps or career changes.
Your dream job is within reachโletโs ensure your resume gets you there. Donโt miss out on the next installment!
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