A resume is a document used to summarize your education and work experiences. Employers evaluate your resume against job openings to determine whether you will be a perfect fit.
For most job-seekers, a superior resume will make you stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of the hiring manager. However, if your resume is weak, you might end up waiting a long time before you get a single response.
Therefore, if you’ve been wondering how do you create a resume that will get you the job, here is the guide:
Choose a Clean Resume Format
Before you start typing, you have to decide the general outlook of your resume. Next, select one of the standard resume typefaces and formats. Resume templates can be helpful at this point. They organize your basic information and eliminate most of the legwork. This allows you to edit, correct, and re-edit the resume format quickly to fit your specific needs.
Generally, you’re expected to include the following important sections in your resume:
- Work experience
- Non-work involvements, including volunteer programs
- Education
- Skills and interests
When it comes to formatting your resume, the best option is to arrange your experiences in chronological order from the most recent to the least recent. Work experience should appear above your education. Your current position should appear above the previous roles you’ve held.
Keep Your Formatting Consistent
Professional resumes require consistent formatting. If you use bullets to highlight key achievements and responsibilities in one section, use bullets in other positions. Ensure standard formatting of the bullet points throughout the document. Avoid alternating circular bullet points in one position, with diamond bullet points in another. Use consistent font, font style, and font size.
Keep Your Resume Brief and Relevant
It is important to make your resume short and to the point. It should focus specifically on the attributes and skills that qualify you for the specific job. Highlight relevant recent experience instead of stuffing in full details of your career history.
Pro tip: Include relevant keywords from the job description in your resume. This will help HR managers filter your resume to match the job description. For example, if the job description uses the key phrase ‘budget management’, try to include that in your resume copy.
Lastly, it is advisable to carry printed copies of your resume when you attend an interview. Ensure it is proofread, well-formatted, and it’s similar to the version you submitted. For a much better impression, use high-quality copy paper instead of regular paper.
Conclusion
How do you create a resume? Employers often search your resume for particular skills that are relevant to the job. Therefore, it is crucial to consider what the employer is looking for in relation to your skills as a potential candidate. Showcase your individuality and personal strengths and back them up with a brief explanation. Always proofread your resume for any inconsistencies. Ok, now how do I get my resume noticed?