A standout resume is your ticket to landing that dream job. But with hiring managers spending an average of just seven seconds reviewing each resume, it’s crucial to make a lasting impression quickly. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an old one, these tips will help you craft a resume that gets noticed.
1. Start with a Strong Header
Your header should include:
- Full Name: Use the name you prefer professionally.
- Contact Information: Include your phone number, professional email address, and LinkedIn profile link (if relevant).
- Optional Additions: You can include your location (city and state) or a link to a personal portfolio/website.
Also see: How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself” (Without Sounding Like a Walking LinkedIn Profile)
Example:
Jane Doe
jane.doe@email.com | (123) 456-7890 | linkedin.com/in/janedoe | janedoeportfolio.com
2. Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective
The summary or objective section is your elevator pitch. Use it to highlight your key skills and what makes you a great fit for the role.
- Summary Example: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital strategy and brand management. Proven track record of increasing engagement by 40%. Seeking to leverage expertise to drive growth at [Company Name].”
- Objective Example: “Recent graduate with a degree in Computer Science, passionate about developing innovative solutions. Eager to contribute to [Company Name]’s cutting-edge projects.”
3. Highlight Your Work Experience
This is the heart of your resume. Structure it effectively:
- Job Title and Employer: Include your title, the company name, and dates of employment.
- Key Achievements: Use bullet points to showcase your accomplishments. Start with strong action verbs (e.g., “led,” “implemented,” “increased”) and quantify your impact whenever possible.
Example:
Marketing Manager | XYZ Corporation | Jan 2020 – Present
- Developed and executed a social media campaign that boosted engagement by 50%.
- Managed a $100K annual marketing budget, achieving a 20% cost reduction through strategic vendor negotiations.
- Trained and supervised a team of 5 junior marketers.
4. Tailor Your Skills Section
Focus on skills that align with the job description. Group them into categories if it makes sense (e.g., Technical Skills, Leadership Skills). Use a mix of hard and soft skills, but be specific.
Example:
- Technical Skills: Python, Adobe Photoshop, Google Analytics
- Soft Skills: Team Leadership, Problem-Solving, Communication
5. Include Relevant Education
List your highest level of education first. Include:
- Degree: e.g., Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- School Name: e.g., University of Nowhere
- Graduation Date: e.g., May 2022
- Honors or GPA (if above 3.5): Optional
Example:
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | Creative Arts University | May 2021
- Graduated summa cum laude (GPA: 3.9)
6. Add Certifications and Awards
If you have certifications or awards relevant to the job, include them in a separate section. Examples:
- Google Analytics Certification
- Certified Scrum Master
- Employee of the Year, 2022
7. Keep Formatting Clean and Professional
Your resume should be visually appealing and easy to read:
- Use a standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (size 10-12).
- Stick to a consistent format for headers and bullet points.
- Use plenty of white space to avoid overcrowding.
- Save your resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
8. Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Typos and Errors: Proofread multiple times, or ask someone else to review it.
- Too Much Information: Keep it concise—one page for most professionals, two if you have extensive experience.
- Generic Content: Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing the most relevant skills and experiences.
9. Consider Adding a “Projects” Section
If you have completed significant projects (e.g., freelance work, open-source contributions, or academic projects), include them to demonstrate your expertise.
Example:
Personal Finance App Development | Jan 2023 – Mar 2023
- Designed and developed a mobile app that tracks expenses and generates monthly budgets.
- Integrated machine learning algorithms to provide personalized financial advice.
10. Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To get past these filters, incorporate keywords from the job description naturally into your resume.
Final Thoughts
A standout resume is clear, concise, and tailored to the job you’re applying for. By focusing on your achievements, using professional formatting, and customizing for each application, you’ll boost your chances of landing that coveted interview. Remember, your resume is a reflection of your professional brand—make it shine!
