How To Write a Convincing Resume

Select a resume format that fits your experience level. The three common formats are chronological, functional, and combination. Chronological lists your work history in order; functional focuses on skills and experience; and combination mixes both approaches.

Create a clear header at the top of your resume that includes your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Make sure your name is in a larger font so it stands out.

Craft a brief objective or summary statement, 2-3 sentences long, that highlights your career goals and key strengths. Tailor it to the job you are applying for to grab the employer’s attention.

List your relevant work experience in reverse chronological order. For each position, include your job title, company name, location, and employment dates. Bullet point your responsibilities and achievements, using action verbs to demonstrate your contributions.

Create a skills section where you list specific skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Use both hard skills (like software proficiency) and soft skills (like communication abilities).

Include your educational background, listing degrees or certifications you’ve earned. Include the name of the institution, location, and graduation date (or expected date). If you're a recent graduate, you can also add relevant coursework or honors.

Think about adding additional sections such as certifications, volunteer work, languages, or awards that may enhance your qualifications for the job.

Customize your resume for each job application, aligning your experience and skills with the job description. Highlight keywords that are frequently used in the job posting.

Maintain a professional tone throughout your resume. Avoid using slang or overly casual language. Be concise and direct in your descriptions.

Carefully proofread your resume for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it and provide feedback.

Ensure your resume has a clean, professional layout. Use consistent fonts and spacing, and don’t overload it with information. Keep it to one or two pages maximum.

Save your resume in a PDF format to maintain formatting and easily share it via email or upload it to job sites.