Creating a Winning Resume: Simple Steps to Stand Out

Getting your resume just right can be tough, but it's super important for landing your dream job. This guide breaks down easy ways to make your resume pop. Let's get started!

Pick the Right Format

  • Reverse-Chronological: Most common and preferred. Lists your most recent experiences first.
  • Functional: Focuses on skills, best for career changes or gaps in work.
  • Combination: Mix of both, great for showing varied skills.

Keep It Clean and Organized

  • Stick to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience.
  • Use clear headings like Work Experience, Education, Skills.
  • Choose an easy-to-read font like Arial or Times New Roman in 11-12 pt size.

Must-Have Sections

Contact Information

  • Full Name
  • Professional Email
  • Phone Number
  • LinkedIn or online portfolio

Summary or Objective

  • Summary: Best for experienced pros. Include job title, years of experience, key achievements.
  • Objective: Ideal for entry-level or career switchers. Mention your goals and what you bring to the job.

Example:
Summary: Experienced Java Developer with 5 years of expertise in creating scalable apps. Improved system performance by 25% at XYZ Tech.
Objective: Recent graphic design grad looking to use Adobe skills at XYZ Design Studio.

Work Experience

  • Job Title, Company Name, Location, Dates Employed
  • Use bullet points to show your tasks and achievements
  • Focus on what you achieved. Don’t just list duties.
Example:
Sales Manager, ABC Corp, New York, NY
  • Exceeded sales targets by 30% for six months straight.
  • Managed a 10-person sales team, boosting performance by 15%.

Education

  • Degree, University Name, Graduation Date
  • List relevant courses if you’re a new grad.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, New York University, May 2023
  • Relevant Courses: Data Structures, Algorithms, Web Development

Skills

  • Separate into Hard Skills and Soft Skills.
  • Hard Skills: Software, languages.
  • Soft Skills: Leadership, communication.
Example:
  • Hard Skills: Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator
  • Soft Skills: Team Leadership, Communication

Tailor Your Resume

  • Customize for each job.
  • Use keywords from job descriptions.
  • Highlight relevant skills and experience.

If you need help tailoring your resume you can try out our AI powered resume tailoring.

We have written morea bout resume tailoring here

Extra Sections to Boost Your Resume

  • Certificates: PMP, Google Analytics, etc.
  • Languages: List and show proficiency.
  • Projects: Include personal or school projects.
  • Hobbies: Show interests that make you relatable.
Example:
  • Certificates: PMP Certified, July 2022
  • Languages: Fluent in Spanish, Basic French
  • Projects: Developed a mobile app that increased local business engagement by 15%

Be Applicant Tracking System (ATS) Friendly

  • Use relevant keywords.
  • Standard section headings like “Work Experience.”
  • Save in .pdf format unless otherwise noted.

Proofread Your Resume

  • Check for spelling and grammar errors.
  • Ensure formatting is consistent.

Extra Tips

  • Cover Letters: Include unless told otherwise. Tailor it, explain why you fit.
  • Stay Updated: Trends change. Keep your resume current.
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