What To Write Resume: Crafting a Resume That Gets You Hired
So, you need to write a resume. Sounds simple, right? Well, it can be, but it’s also the single most important document standing between you and that dream job. A well-crafted resume isn’t just a list of your past experiences; it’s a strategic marketing tool designed to showcase your value and convince potential employers to invite you for an interview. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about what to write on a resume, from the initial drafting stages to the final polish.
The Foundation: Understanding the Purpose of a Resume
Before you start listing your skills and experiences, understand the core purpose of your resume: to get you an interview. It’s not a comprehensive autobiography. It’s a targeted summary of your skills, accomplishments, and experiences that directly relate to the job you’re applying for. Think of it as a carefully curated trailer for the main event – you.
Tailoring Your Resume: The Key to Standing Out
One of the biggest mistakes people make is using a generic, one-size-fits-all resume. Customization is crucial. Each job application demands a tailored resume. This means carefully reading the job description and highlighting the skills and experiences that align with the employer’s needs. Don’t be afraid to adjust your resume for each application.
Essential Resume Sections: Building Blocks of Success
Every effective resume includes core sections. Here’s a breakdown of the most important ones:
Contact Information: Making it Easy to Reach You
This section seems obvious, but it’s easy to overlook details. Include your:
- Full Name
- Phone Number (ensure voicemail is set up professionally!)
- Professional Email Address (avoid nicknames or unprofessional addresses)
- LinkedIn Profile URL (highly recommended)
- Optional: Location (city, state)
Summary/Objective: Your Elevator Pitch
This is your chance to grab the reader’s attention immediately.
- Summary: Used by experienced professionals, this section highlights your key skills and accomplishments in a concise paragraph.
- Objective: Generally used by entry-level candidates, this section states your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the role.
Choose the option that best suits your experience level.
Work Experience: Showcasing Your Accomplishments
This is the heart of your resume. For each role:
- Include the job title, company name, and dates of employment (month/year to month/year).
- Focus on accomplishments, not just duties. Use action verbs and quantify your results whenever possible. Instead of saying “Managed social media accounts,” say “Increased social media engagement by 30% in six months.”
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your bullet points.
Skills: Demonstrating Your Abilities
This section is crucial. It should be divided into two sub-sections:
- Hard Skills: Technical skills, software proficiency, and industry-specific knowledge.
- Soft Skills: Interpersonal skills, communication abilities, and leadership qualities.
Tailor this section to match the job description, and don’t exaggerate your abilities.
Education: Highlighting Your Credentials
Include your degree(s), major(s), university name, and graduation date. If you’re a recent graduate, you can also include relevant coursework, honors, and GPA (if it’s impressive).
Formatting Your Resume: Making it Visually Appealing
The format of your resume is just as important as its content.
Choosing the Right Format: Chronological, Functional, or Combination?
- Chronological: The most common format, listing your work experience in reverse chronological order. Best for candidates with a consistent work history.
- Functional: Focuses on skills rather than work history. Suitable for those with gaps in employment or career changes.
- Combination: Combines elements of both chronological and functional formats.
Choose the format that best highlights your strengths.
Font and Layout: Ensuring Readability
- Use a clean, professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
- Use ample white space to make the document easy to read.
- Avoid using overly elaborate designs or graphics that can distract from the content.
Action Verbs: Powering Your Resume
Using strong action verbs is essential for describing your accomplishments and making your resume more dynamic. Here are some examples:
- Managed: Oversaw, coordinated, directed, administered
- Developed: Created, designed, formulated, established
- Increased: Boosted, enhanced, maximized, improved
- Led: Guided, spearheaded, supervised, chaired
- Achieved: Accomplished, attained, realized, fulfilled
Quantifying Your Results: Showing, Not Just Telling
Whenever possible, quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact. Instead of saying “Improved customer satisfaction,” say “Improved customer satisfaction by 15%.” Use numbers, percentages, and metrics to illustrate your accomplishments.
Proofreading and Editing: The Final Polish
Typos and grammatical errors can instantly disqualify you. Proofread your resume meticulously before submitting it. Ask a friend or family member to review it as well. Consider using online grammar and spell-check tools.
Keeping Your Resume Updated: A Living Document
Your resume shouldn’t be a static document. Update it regularly with new skills, experiences, and accomplishments. This makes it easier to tailor your resume for each job application and ensures it always reflects your current capabilities.
Beyond the Basics: Adding Extra Sections
Depending on your field and experience, you might consider including these sections:
- Projects: Showcase personal or professional projects.
- Awards and Recognition: Highlight any awards or accolades.
- Volunteer Experience: Demonstrates your commitment and skills.
- Certifications: List any relevant certifications you hold.
- Languages: Indicate your language proficiency.
FAQs About What To Write Resume
Here are some frequently asked questions about crafting a compelling resume:
Can I use color in my resume?
While a touch of color can add visual interest, it’s best to use it sparingly and professionally. Stick to a simple color scheme and avoid anything too distracting. Focus on readability and clarity.
How long should my resume be?
Generally, your resume should be one to two pages long. For entry-level candidates, one page is usually sufficient. Experienced professionals may need two pages to showcase their accomplishments. Always prioritize the most relevant information.
Should I include references on my resume?
No, it’s generally not necessary to list references on your resume. Instead, you can write “References available upon request.” Employers will usually ask for references later in the hiring process.
How do I handle gaps in employment?
Address gaps in your employment honestly and briefly. You can explain the reason for the gap (e.g., travel, further education, family responsibilities) in your cover letter or in a brief statement at the bottom of the work experience section. Focus on what you did during the gap, such as volunteering or taking online courses to improve skills.
How do I tailor my resume for different job applications?
Carefully read the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is looking for. Then, adjust your resume to highlight those skills and experiences. You might need to rearrange sections, modify bullet points, or even omit irrelevant information. The goal is to make your resume as relevant as possible to each specific job.
Conclusion: Your Resume, Your Success
Writing a resume is a crucial step in your job search. By understanding its purpose, tailoring it to each application, using strong action verbs, quantifying your results, and proofreading carefully, you can create a resume that captures the attention of employers and secures you an interview. Remember to keep your resume updated and treat it as a living document reflecting your ongoing professional development. Good luck!