What To Write In Resume: Crafting a Resume That Gets You Hired

Landing your dream job starts long before the interview. It begins with a stellar resume. But what, exactly, should you write in your resume to grab a recruiter’s attention and secure that crucial first call? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from crafting a compelling summary to showcasing your accomplishments. Forget the generic templates; we’ll help you build a resume that truly represents you.

1. The Foundation: Choosing the Right Resume Format

Before you even start typing, consider the format. The right format can make or break your application. There are three main types:

  • Chronological: This is the most common format, ideal if you have a consistent work history. It lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, highlighting your career progression.
  • Functional: This format focuses on your skills rather than your work history. It’s a good choice if you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers.
  • Combination: This format blends chronological and functional elements, showcasing both your skills and experience.

Choose the format that best reflects your background and the requirements of the job you’re applying for. Think about what you want to highlight most.

2. The Resume Summary: Your Elevator Pitch in Words

The resume summary, or objective (though the summary is generally preferred), is your chance to make a strong first impression. It’s a brief statement, typically 3-4 sentences, summarizing your skills, experience, and career goals.

  • Focus on Value: Don’t just list your skills; explain how you can contribute to the company.
  • Tailor It: Customize the summary for each job application, highlighting the most relevant skills and experience.
  • Use Keywords: Incorporate keywords from the job description to ensure your resume gets noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
  • Quantify Your Accomplishments: Whenever possible, use numbers and data to demonstrate your impact. For instance, instead of saying “Increased sales,” say “Increased sales by 15% in Q2.”

3. Detailing Your Work Experience: Action Verbs and Quantifiable Results

This is the meat of your resume. Here’s how to make it shine:

  • Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb (e.g., managed, developed, implemented, led, achieved).
  • Focus on Accomplishments, Not Just Responsibilities: Don’t just list what you did; describe what you achieved.
  • Quantify Your Results: Use numbers to demonstrate your impact. This is crucial. For example, instead of “Improved customer satisfaction,” write “Improved customer satisfaction scores by 20% through implementation of a new feedback system.”
  • Tailor to the Job: Highlight the experience most relevant to the specific job you’re applying for.

4. Skills Section: Showcasing Your Expertise

The skills section is where you showcase your abilities. Separate your skills into categories, such as:

  • Technical Skills: Programming languages, software proficiency, etc.
  • Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, etc.
  • Industry-Specific Skills: Knowledge of specific tools, processes, or regulations.

Be honest and accurate. Don’t inflate your skills, as you’ll likely be tested on them during the interview.

5. Education and Certifications: Providing Your Academic Credentials

Include your education, degrees, and certifications. List the institution, degree, graduation date (or expected graduation date), and any honors or awards you received.

  • Keep it Relevant: If you have significant work experience, you can keep the education section brief.
  • Highlight Relevant Coursework: If your coursework aligns with the job requirements, mention it.
  • List Certifications: Include any relevant certifications, such as project management, software certifications, or industry-specific credentials.

6. Adding Additional Sections: Volunteering, Projects, and Other Relevant Information

Don’t be afraid to include sections that add depth to your resume, particularly if you lack extensive work experience.

  • Volunteer Experience: Showcases your commitment and skills.
  • Projects: Highlight relevant personal or academic projects.
  • Awards and Recognition: Demonstrates your achievements.
  • Languages: List any languages you speak and your proficiency level.
  • Interests: Consider adding a brief section if your interests are relevant to the job or company culture. Keep it brief and professional.

7. Keywords: Optimizing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Most companies use ATS to scan resumes. To ensure your resume isn’t overlooked, you need to include relevant keywords.

  • Review the Job Description: Carefully read the job description and identify key skills, requirements, and buzzwords.
  • Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Don’t stuff keywords; integrate them naturally into your summary, skills section, and work experience descriptions.
  • Use Variations: Use synonyms and related terms to broaden your reach.
  • Proofread Carefully: Ensure your resume is free of errors, which can negatively affect your chances.

8. Formatting Your Resume: Making it Readable and Visually Appealing

The format matters. A well-formatted resume is easier to read and makes a better impression.

  • Choose a Clean Font: Use a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
  • Use White Space: Leave ample white space to avoid a cluttered look.
  • Use Bullet Points: Make it easy to scan your information.
  • Be Consistent: Maintain a consistent format throughout your resume.
  • Save as a PDF: Unless specifically requested otherwise, save your resume as a PDF to preserve the formatting.

9. Proofreading and Editing: The Final Polish

Before you submit your resume, proofread it meticulously.

  • Check for Grammar and Spelling Errors: Run a spell check and grammar check.
  • Read it Out Loud: Reading your resume out loud helps you catch errors you might miss when reading silently.
  • Get a Second Opinion: Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to review your resume for errors and clarity.
  • Tailor to Each Application: Ensure the resume has no typos or grammatical errors.

10. Resume Examples: Analyzing Strong and Weak Points

Looking at resume examples can provide invaluable insights. Search online for resume templates and examples related to your field. Pay attention to:

  • Format: How is the information organized?
  • Language: What action verbs are used?
  • Content: What accomplishments are highlighted?
  • Keywords: Are relevant keywords included?

Analyze both strong and weak examples to learn what works and what to avoid.

5 FAQs About Resume Writing

Here are some frequently asked questions about resume writing:

What if I have no work experience?

Focus on your education, volunteer experience, projects, and skills. Create a strong skills section and highlight transferable skills from other experiences. Consider including a compelling objective statement.

How long should my resume be?

Generally, aim for one page for entry-level candidates or those with less than 10 years of experience. Experienced professionals may have two pages, but keep it concise and relevant.

Can I use a resume template?

Yes, templates can be a great starting point. However, customize the template to reflect your unique skills and experience. Avoid using generic templates that lack personalization.

Is it okay to include a photo on my resume?

In the United States, it’s generally not recommended to include a photo due to potential discrimination. However, some industries or countries may have different norms. Research the best practices for your specific situation.

How often should I update my resume?

Update your resume regularly, especially after completing a project, learning a new skill, or receiving a promotion. Keep it current so you can quickly apply for opportunities.

Conclusion: Crafting Your Path to Success

Writing a compelling resume is an investment in your future. By choosing the right format, crafting a strong summary, highlighting your accomplishments, showcasing your skills, and optimizing for ATS, you’ll significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember to proofread carefully, tailor your resume to each job, and always be authentic. With the right approach, your resume will open doors and lead you closer to your career goals. Good luck!