Step-by-step instructions on how to write a resume

Choose your resume format

There are three types of resumes: chronological, functional, and hybrid resumes (sometimes called a combination resume). For the majority of job searchers, a hybrid resume structure that emphasises both talents and work experience is the ideal option. In certain circumstances, though, a chronological or functional resume may be more appropriate.

Resume contact information tips

Always provide a personal phone number rather than a professional phone number.
Your entire address isn’t required, but you should give your city, state, and zip code. Recruiters frequently look for prospects in their own area initially.
Use an email address that has a professional tone to it. If you’re presently using an old email provider like Hotmail or AOL for your job hunt, consider getting a free Gmail account.
Make a compelling LinkedIn profile and mention the URL on your resume.

Write a standout resume headline

A resume headline is a one-line summary of who you are as an applicant. A well-written headline can pique a recruiter’s interest and persuade them to check through your qualifications in further depth.

Your resume’s headline is a brief but impactful addition, and it’s frequently the first thing a recruiter sees. Make the most of the chance to make a good first impression. It’s also another chance to provide a specific job title or keyword that the applicant tracking system (ATS) could use to filter your resume.

Resume headline tips

Include employment-related keywords, preferably the job title.
Keep it brief.
To make the headline stand out aesthetically, use title case (capitalise the first letter of each word) and a bold or slightly bigger font.

Add a summary statement to your professional resume

A resume summary statement is a brief paragraph or section of bullet points that appears at the top of a resume and emphasises your professional talents and expertise. Your summary should elaborate on your headline and explain why you are a good match for the job to recruiters and hiring managers.

Note: Although job experts seldom advise incorporating a resume aim statement, these concise alternatives might be useful in some situations, such as when making a career move.

Resume Summary tips

Examine your job history for patterns and offer a brief summary.
Include just the abilities that are most significant and relevant to the position.
Mention your most noteworthy accomplishments. Use of statistics and details earns you extra points.

Describe your professional experience in detail

The core of your resume is the job experience section. Employers carefully examine this part to see if your work experience and previous achievements qualify you as a viable candidate.

As a result, it’s critical to include not just your current job duties but also your previous work experience. The job experience section is your opportunity to demonstrate to recruiters and hiring managers how you have provided value to other organisations.

The job titles you’ve had and the quality of firms you’ve worked for are the first things a recruiter looks for on your resume. Stick to a recognisable structure to make this material easy to discover.

In reverse-chronological order, make a list of all of your jobs. Each job should have its own subheading with the following details:

• Company
• Job location
• Your job title
• Start and end dates

How do you come up with keywords for your resume?

Check the job description to see whether any hard or soft talents are included. Anything that is necessary or specified several times in the function might be deemed particularly vital. You may also join over 1 million other job searchers and use Jobscan to compare your CV to any job posting. Jobscan assists you in optimising your resume in every manner possible, and it frequently discovers keywords that aren’t included in the job description but are likely to be relevant to recruiters.

Include your educational background, certificates, and any other pertinent information

It’s standard practise to list your education on a resume, especially if you’re seeking for a position that needs a degree. If you’re a few years into your job, the education part of your resume might be pushed to the bottom. Unless you’re searching for a profession that places a premium on schooling (such as academics, law, or medicine), most job seekers may get away with merely include the information below on their resume.

• Name of Institution
• Degree
• School Location
• Years Attended

If you recently graduated from college, your education section provides more information than your employment experience. School-acquired talents are actual, marketable abilities. Recent graduates can boost their candidacy by including relevant curriculum, societies, groups, and extracurriculars.

Make sure your grammar and formatting are in order

Resume Fonts

Use a typeface that is simple to read on screen, ATS-compatible, and widely accessible. Helvetica, Garamond, and Georgia are a few standard resume fonts to think about. Unless you’re a designer, avoid utilising script or bespoke fonts.

Pronouns and Tense

While discussing about previous jobs, use the past tense, and when talking about current work, use the present tense. Personal pronouns (I) aren’t used in traditional resume writing, so the focus is on the activity. “Led a new email marketing strategy that resulted in a 10% increase in sales.”

Action Words for a Resume

Using action verbs in your writing will help recruiters and hiring managers read your resume more easily. Replace generic verbs such as “managed” or “led” with more engaging words such as “mentored” or “accelerated” at the start of each bullet point on your resume.

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