In today’s competitive job market, having a well-written resume is essential. A resume is your chance to showcase your skills and experience to potential employers, and it can often be the deciding factor in whether or not you get an interview. But what makes a good resume? And how can you create a resume that will get you noticed?
1. Choose the Right Template
One of the first steps in creating a resume is choosing the right template. There are many different resume templates available, so it’s important to choose one that is professional and appropriate for your industry and career level. You can find free resume templates online or through resume writing services like ResumeGemini. When choosing a template, keep the following in mind:
- Use a professional font. Stick to classic fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid using fancy or decorative fonts that can be difficult to read.
- Keep it simple. A cluttered resume can be overwhelming and difficult to read. Choose a template with a clean and simple design that allows your content to stand out.
- Make it ATS-friendly. An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software program that many employers use to screen resumes. ATS systems scan resumes for keywords and other formatting elements, so it’s important to choose a template that is ATS-friendly.
2. Highlight Your Most Relevant Skills
The next step is to highlight your most relevant skills. Employers want to know what you can do for them, so make sure to list your skills in a way that is clear and concise. Use strong action verbs and quantify your accomplishments whenever possible.
For example, instead of saying “I managed a team of 10 people,” you could say “Led a team of 10 people to increase sales by 15% in one year.”
3. Quantify Your Accomplishments
Whenever possible, quantify your accomplishments. This means using numbers to show how you have made a difference in your previous roles. For example, instead of saying “I increased sales,” you could say “Increased sales by 15% in one year.”
Quantifying your accomplishments will make your resume more specific and credible. It will also allow employers to see the impact that you have had in your previous roles.
4. Use Strong Action Verbs
When writing your resume, use strong action verbs that convey your skills and experience. Avoid using passive language or vague terms. For example, instead of saying “I was responsible for,” you could say “Managed” or “Led.”
Here is a list of strong action verbs that you can use in your resume:
- Achieved
- Collaborated
- Developed
- Exceeded
- Facilitated
- Improved
- Managed
- Organized
- Presented
- Solved
5. Proofread Carefully
Once you have finished writing your resume, proofread it carefully for any errors. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues. You can also ask a friend or family member to review your resume for you.
A well-proofread resume will show employers that you are professional and detail-oriented.
6. Format for ATS
As we mentioned earlier, many employers use ATS systems to screen resumes. ATS systems scan resumes for keywords and other formatting elements, so it’s important to format your resume in a way that is ATS-friendly.
Here are a few tips for formatting your resume for ATS:
- Use a standard font. ATS systems can have difficulty reading certain fonts, so it’s best to stick to a standard font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
- Use a simple layout. ATS systems prefer resumes that are easy to read and scan. Avoid using complex layouts or graphics.
- Use keywords. Include relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in your skills section and work experience section.
7. Use Keywords
When writing your resume, it’s important to use keywords that are relevant to the jobs you are applying for. Keywords are the words and phrases that employers use to search for resumes. By including relevant keywords in your resume, you can increase the chances that your resume will be found by employers.
To find relevant keywords, start by researching the job descriptions for the jobs you are interested in. Make a list of the skills and experience that employers are looking for. Then, incorporate those keywords into your resume.
8. Tailor to Each Job
Don’t make the mistake of sending the same resume to every job you apply for. Take the time to tailor your resume to each job. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you are applying for.
To tailor your resume, read the job description carefully and identify the skills and experience that employers are looking for. Then, make sure to highlight those skills and experience in your resume.
9. Consider a Resume Builder
If you’re not confident in your resume writing skills, consider using a resume builder. A resume builder can help you create a professional and ATS-friendly resume.
There are many different resume builders available online. Some popular resume builders include ResumeGemini. When choosing a resume builder, look for one that is easy to use and offers a variety of templates and features.
10. Get Feedback
Once you have finished writing your resume, get feedback from a friend, family member, or career counselor. They can provide you with valuable feedback on your resume’s content, formatting, and overall impact.
Getting feedback on your resume is a great way to improve your chances of getting noticed by employers.
Career Expert Tips:
- Select the ideal resume template to showcase your professional experience effectively.
- Master the art of resume writing to highlight your unique qualifications and achievements.
- Checkout the resume writing tips for guidance and best practices.
- Make your 2025 brighter with a new job. Build a powerful resume with ResumeGemini and save big, enjoy exclusive discounts on premium templates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How do I make my resume stand out?
It's all about creating a visually appealing, compelling document. Here are some expert tips:
- Choose a sleek, modern template.
- Customize your resume's appearance to align with the target industry.
- Quantify your accomplishments with numbers whenever possible.
- Highlight relevant keywords throughout your resume.
- Avoid overused phrases and generic descriptions.
What are the most important things to include in a resume?
Ensure your resume stands above the rest by including the following vital elements:
- Contact information (name, email, phone number)
- Summary statement (a concise overview of your skills and experience)
- Work experience (in reverse chronological order)
- Education (degrees, certifications)
- Skills (both hard and soft)
- Additional sections (awards, languages, references) as needed
How do I format my resume for ATS?
Hiring managers often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Follow these ATS-friendly formatting guidelines:
- Use a clean, simple font like Arial or Calibri.
- Choose a standard font size (11-12pt).
- Use black or dark blue text.
- Save your resume in a commonly accepted format like PDF or Word.
- Avoid using graphics, images, or tables.
How can I improve my resume writing skills?
Enhance your resume writing abilities with these proven techniques:
- Research industry-specific keywords.
- Use strong action verbs that highlight your achievements.
- Proofread your resume carefully for any errors.
- Practice writing resumes for different roles.
- Get feedback from a trusted source like a friend, family member, or career counselor.
Should I use a resume builder?
Using a resume builder offers numerous advantages:
- Provides professional templates tailored to various industries.
- Offers pre-written content examples to inspire your writing.
- Allows for easy customization to match your personal brand.
- Reduces the time and effort required in resume writing.
- Ensures your resume is ATS-friendly and optimized for job applications.
How do I get feedback on my resume?
Seek constructive criticism to refine your resume's effectiveness:
- Ask a friend or family member to review your resume for clarity and impact.
- Connect with a career counselor or resume writing service for professional feedback.
- Utilize online resume critique tools for automated feedback.
- Join resume critique communities or forums to receive insights from peers.
- Attend resume workshops or webinars to learn from industry experts.
Next Step:
Take a proactive step towards career success with ResumeGemini. Our comprehensive resume builder empowers you to create a powerful resume that stands out and captures the attention of potential employers. Get started today and unlock your professional potential.
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