How To Write a Resume That Stands Out

A resume serves as a marketing tool to showcase your skills, experiences, and qualifications to potential employers. It is your first impression and must communicate your value effectively.

Select a resume format that best suits your background: chronological, functional, or combination. Chronological is ideal for those with a solid work history, while functional focuses on skills and might benefit those with gaps in employment.

Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Ensure this information is easy to read and stands out at the top of your resume.

An objective or summary should be a brief, impactful statement that highlights your career goals and what you bring to the table. Customize this for each position you apply for to ensure relevance.

List your work experience in reverse chronological order. For each job, include your title, the company’s name, location, and dates of employment. Use bullet points to detail your responsibilities and accomplishments using action verbs.

Create a dedicated skills section highlighting relevant skills to the job you are applying for. Include both hard skills (specific technical abilities) and soft skills (interpersonal abilities) to give a well-rounded view of your capabilities.

List your educational background with degrees, institutions, and graduation dates. Add any relevant certifications or licenses that enhance your qualifications, including details on the issuing organization and date obtained.

Consider including additional sections such as volunteer work, projects, languages, or publications if they are relevant to the position and demonstrate your qualifications further.

Adjust your resume for each job application by incorporating keywords and phrases from the job description. This not only makes your resume more relevant but also helps in passing through applicant tracking systems.

Limit your resume to one or two pages, depending on your experience level. Use clear headings, consistent formatting, and ample white space to enhance readability.

Review your resume several times to catch any grammatical errors, typos, or formatting inconsistencies. It may also be helpful to have someone else read it to provide feedback.

When saving your resume, use a universally accepted format such as PDF to preserve the layout. Use a clear file name, typically 'YourName_Resume.pdf', when sending to employers.