What to Write on a Resume: Crafting a Winning Application

Your resume is your first impression. It’s your chance to showcase your skills, experience, and potential to a prospective employer. Knowing what to write on a resume is the key to unlocking this opportunity. This guide will walk you through the process of building a compelling resume that gets you noticed and, ultimately, lands you the job. We’ll cover everything from formatting to content, ensuring your application stands out from the crowd.

The Foundation: Understanding Resume Structure

Before you even start writing, understanding the basic structure of a resume is crucial. A well-organized resume is easy to read and allows hiring managers to quickly grasp your qualifications. The standard sections include:

  • Contact Information: Your name, phone number, email address, and optionally, your LinkedIn profile URL. Keep it clean and professional.
  • Summary/Objective (Optional): A brief statement highlighting your key skills and career goals.
  • Skills Section: A concise list of your technical and soft skills.
  • Experience Section: Your work history, detailing your responsibilities and accomplishments.
  • Education Section: Your degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.

We’ll delve into each of these sections in detail, providing guidance on what content to include and how to present it effectively.

Crafting a Compelling Summary or Objective

The summary or objective is your resume’s elevator pitch. It’s your opportunity to immediately grab the reader’s attention. While the trend leans toward a summary, an objective can still be effective, particularly for entry-level candidates or those changing careers.

  • Summary: Focuses on your key strengths and accomplishments. It should be tailored to the specific job you’re applying for, highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the role.
  • Objective: Clearly states your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the position.

Key takeaway: Whether you choose a summary or objective, make it concise, impactful, and tailored to the job description. Avoid generic statements and focus on what makes you unique.

Showcasing Your Skills: The Heart of Your Resume

The skills section is where you highlight your core competencies. It’s essential to categorize your skills for clarity. Consider these categories:

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

Pro Tip: Always tailor your skills section to match the requirements of the job description. Use keywords from the job posting to ensure your resume is seen by applicant tracking systems (ATS). Don’t just list skills; consider including a brief description of how you’ve used them.

Detailing Your Experience: The Power of Accomplishments

The experience section is arguably the most critical part of your resume. It’s where you demonstrate your ability to perform the job. Instead of simply listing your job duties, focus on your achievements and the results you delivered. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points:

  • Situation: Briefly describe the context.
  • Task: Explain the task you were assigned.
  • Action: Detail the actions you took.
  • Result: Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.

Example:

  • “Increased sales by 15% in Q4 2022 by implementing a new customer outreach strategy (Situation: Faced declining sales; Task: Develop a new outreach plan; Action: Researched customer needs, implemented targeted email campaigns; Result: Increased sales by 15%).”

Education and Certifications: Building Your Credibility

The education section provides essential information about your academic background. Include:

  • Your degree(s)
  • The name of the institution
  • Graduation date (or expected graduation date)
  • Any relevant coursework or honors

If you have certifications, list them separately or include them within the education section. Make sure to specify the certification’s name and the issuing organization.

Resume Formatting Best Practices: Making It Readable

A well-formatted resume is easy to read and visually appealing. Consider these formatting best practices:

  • Choose a clean, professional font: Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman are safe choices.
  • Use consistent formatting: Maintain consistency in font size, spacing, and bullet point styles.
  • Use white space effectively: Don’t overcrowd your resume. Leave enough white space to make it easy on the eyes.
  • Keep it concise: Aim for a one-page resume, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience.
  • Proofread meticulously: Errors and typos can be detrimental.

Tailoring Your Resume: The Key to Relevance

Never submit a generic resume. Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Carefully review the job description and identify the keywords, skills, and experiences the employer is seeking. Then, strategically incorporate those elements into your resume. This is vital for getting past applicant tracking systems (ATS) and making a positive impression on the hiring manager.

Action Verbs: Bringing Your Resume to Life

Using strong action verbs is essential for making your resume dynamic and engaging. Start each bullet point in your experience section with a powerful action verb that accurately describes your accomplishments.

Examples:

  • Managed
  • Developed
  • Implemented
  • Led
  • Achieved
  • Increased
  • Reduced
  • Improved
  • Created
  • Collaborated

Quantifying Your Achievements: Showing, Not Just Telling

Numbers speak volumes. Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments to demonstrate your impact. Instead of saying “Improved customer satisfaction,” say “Improved customer satisfaction by 20%.” Use metrics to showcase your value and provide concrete evidence of your abilities.

Avoiding Common Resume Mistakes

Certain mistakes can sabotage your application. Avoid these common pitfalls:

  • Typos and grammatical errors: Always proofread carefully.
  • Generic language: Avoid clichés and vague statements.
  • Irrelevant information: Only include information that is relevant to the job.
  • Unprofessional email address: Use a professional-sounding email address.
  • Lack of a cover letter: Always include a tailored cover letter unless the job posting specifically states otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions: Addressing Common Concerns

Here are some frequently asked questions about crafting a standout resume.

What if I have gaps in my employment history?

Address employment gaps honestly. Briefly explain the reason for the gap (e.g., career break, travel, education) and highlight any relevant skills or experiences gained during that time. You can use a “career break” section.

Is it necessary to include a photo on my resume?

In most Western countries, it’s not standard practice to include a photo on your resume. Unless specifically requested by the employer, it’s best to leave it out.

How long should my resume be?

Generally, aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience. For more experienced professionals, a two-page resume is acceptable. Always prioritize the most relevant information.

What if I have limited work experience?

Focus on your skills, education, volunteer experience, and any relevant projects or internships. Tailor your resume to highlight the skills and experiences you do have that align with the job requirements.

How do I handle salary expectations on my resume?

Unless specifically requested, it’s generally best to avoid including salary expectations on your resume. This information is usually discussed later in the interview process.

Conclusion: Your Resume, Your Success Story

Knowing what to write on a resume is the first step toward landing your dream job. By understanding the essential sections, crafting compelling content, and following these best practices, you can create a resume that showcases your skills, experience, and potential. Remember to tailor your resume to each job application, quantify your achievements, and proofread meticulously. With a well-crafted resume, you’ll be well on your way to making a positive first impression and securing that all-important interview. Good luck!