Whether you’re just starting out in your career or pivoting into a new field, here’s what you need to know about crafting a strong resume.
1. Start With a Clear Structure
Think of your resume as a story about your professional journey. A strong resume template usually has these core sections:
- Contact Information: Your full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure it’s easy for recruiters to get in touch.
- Summary (or Objective): A quick intro that says who you are and what you bring to the table. Keep it genuine and targeted to the job.
- Experience: Include job titles, company names, dates, and a few impactful bullet points describing what you accomplished.
- Education: Your degrees, schools attended, and any honors. List the highest degree first.
- Skills: Mention the skills that align with the job description.
Pro Tip: Avoid cramming too much into one section. Clear headings and white space can make all the difference for readability!
2. Tailor It for Each Job
This might seem like extra work, but small tweaks can help you stand out. Study the job description and reflect it in your resume where it makes sense. If they mention “project management” multiple times, and you have experience in it, make sure it’s prominently displayed on your resume.
3. Showcase Your Accomplishments, Not Just Duties
Employers want to know what impact you made, not just what you were assigned to do. Think about times you went above and beyond and list any measurable achievements. For example:
- Instead of “Managed a team,” try “Led a team of 5 to deliver projects 20% ahead of schedule.”
4. Use Keywords Wisely
Today, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that scan resumes for specific keywords. These keywords are often the skills or job requirements listed in the job posting. Find ways to naturally incorporate these words into your experience and skills sections without “keyword stuffing.”
5. Keep It Simple and Easy to Read
Design matters. Use a legible font (no Comic Sans, please!), and make sure it’s not cluttered. Bullet points are your friend—they make reading faster and help you keep things concise. Try to keep your resume to one page unless you have over a decade of experience.
6. Proofread Like a Hawk
Nothing says “I’m in a rush” like a resume full of typos. Even small errors can make a negative impression. Use spell check and then go over it yourself, or have a friend take a look.
7. Use Online Tools and Templates for a Polished Look
There are some amazing tools out there to make your resume look great. Here are a few worth checking out:
- Canva: It’s simple to use, with plenty of free templates that make your resume look polished and modern.
- Zety: Offers a guided experience that helps you choose the best structure based on your experience level.
- Indeed’s Resume Builder: Quick and easy, plus it can directly apply to jobs on their platform.
Each of these tools has its own set of designs, so feel free to pick one that feels right for you.
8. Don’t Forget Soft Skills
Hard skills are great, but employers also look for qualities like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These can sometimes fit well into your summary or be sprinkled through your accomplishments.