How Should You Write A Resume?

Writing a resume is an important task when you’re applying for a job. Your resume should effectively showcase your qualifications, experience, and skills to potential employers. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a resume:

1. Choose the Right Resume Format:

• There are several resume formats to consider, including chronological, functional, and combination (also known as hybrid). The format you choose depends on your work history and the job you’re applying for. The chronological format is the most common, listing your work experience in reverse chronological order. The functional format emphasizes skills and accomplishments, while the combination format combines elements of both.

1. Contact Information:

• Include your full name, phone number, email address, and location (city and state) at the top of the resume. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and professional.

1. Resume Summary or Objective (Optional):

• A brief statement at the beginning of your resume can summarize your career goals, skills, and what you can offer to the employer. This section is optional and can be useful if you want to highlight your career objectives.

1. Work Experience:

• List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). For each job, include the following details:
  • Job title
  • Company name and location
  • Dates of employment (month and year)
  • Key responsibilities and achievements
• Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements to describe your accomplishments. Focus on what you’ve achieved in each role.

1. Education:

• List your educational background, including the name of the institution, degree earned, major, graduation date, and any relevant academic honors or awards. If you have a lot of work experience, your education section can be concise.

1. Skills:

• Include a skills section where you highlight your relevant skills, such as technical, language, or soft skills. Be specific and provide examples of how you’ve used these skills.

1. Additional Sections (Optional):

• Depending on your career and the job you’re applying for, you can include additional sections like certifications, licenses, publications, volunteer work, professional affiliations, or relevant projects.

1. Tailor Your Resume:

• Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description to make your resume stand out to applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers.

1. Keep It Concise:

• Aim for a one-page resume for less experienced candidates and a maximum of two pages for those with extensive experience. Be concise and avoid unnecessary details.

1. Proofread and Edit:
   • Carefully proofread your resume for spelling and grammar errors. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review it for feedback. A well-organized and error-free resume is crucial.
2. Use a Professional Format:
   • Use a clean and professional format with consistent fonts, bullet points, and formatting. Avoid using decorative fonts or excessive design elements.
3. Save Your Resume:
   • Save your resume in a common file format (e.g., PDF or Word document) that is easy for employers to open and read.
4. Follow Submission Instructions:
   • When submitting your resume, follow the application instructions provided by the employer. This may include submitting it through an online portal or sending it via email.

Remember that your resume is your marketing tool, so make sure it effectively showcases your qualifications and makes a strong first impression on potential employers.