Easy Tips for Writing the Best Resume at Any Level
Are you ready to land your dream job? Your resume is your golden ticket to a world of professional opportunities and making it shine is the first step towards your career goals. Whether you’re fresh out of college, changing careers or aiming for that next big promotion, these resume tips can help you stand out from the crowd. These easy tips for writing the best resume at any level are a great starting point!
Plus, I’ll share my secret sauce for creating the perfect resume, along with some awesome apps to make the process a breeze.
Tips for Writing the Best Resume
Tailor Your Resume for the Job
One-size-fits-all doesn’t apply to resumes. Every job is unique, so your resume should be too. Customize your resume for each position you apply for by highlighting the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. Make sure the company can see that you’re a perfect fit for their needs.
I recommend starting with what I call a āskeleton resumeā. Have all of the important basics mapped out and formatted. Then, go in and create more strategic descriptions based on the job youāre applying for,
Use Action Words and Quantify Achievements
Boring job descriptions can turn a potential employer off. Instead of saying you were a “responsible employee,” use action words like “managed,” “developed,” or “improved.”
Don’t just list your duties; quantify your achievements with specific numbers. For instance, “Increased sales by 30% in six months” sounds much more impressive than “Improved sales.”
Keep it Clean and Concise
An often overlooked element when writing the best resume: keep it clean. Your resume should be easy to read and visually appealing. Use a clean, professional font, and make sure your layout is well-organized. Aim for a one-page resume, but if you have extensive experience, two pages are acceptable.
Remember, hiring managers often scan resumes quickly, so the more concise, the better. As much as you might want to use fun fonts and layouts, I recommend keeping it simple and professional.
Showcase Your Skills
In addition to your work history, include a section for your skills. This can be a mix of hard and soft skills, like proficiency in specific software or languages, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Highlighting your skills can provide a comprehensive view of your qualifications.
I like using a separate box or area with bullet points for these skills. Think of them as your highlights or action words. Again, these skills can be adjusted for each job you apply to. You can even make a separate document with a giant list of options. Itās a great way of showing skills that you have that are noted in the job requirements.
Proofread Thoroughly
Grammatical errors and typos are a major turn-off for employers. Writing the best resume means checking and double checking for any errors.
Before submitting your resume, proofread it carefully. I always recommending having a second set of eyes look at it. You can ask a friend or family member to do the same. Use tools like Grammarly or Microsoft Word’s spell and grammar check to catch any mistakes.
Craft a Captivating Summary
Your resume summary is like your elevator pitch. It’s your chance to make a great first impression. Craft a compelling summary that highlights your strengths, experience, and career goals. Keep it concise and engaging and make sure it reflects your personality and enthusiasm for the job.
Again, this should be written uniquely for every job you apply for!
Bonus Trick: Use Resume Building Apps
To make the resume-building process smoother and more efficient, consider using resume building apps. These handy tools can help you create a polished and professional resume in no time. Some popular options include:
- Canva: Canva offers various resume templates that you can customize to your liking. It’s user-friendly and allows you to print, share & save drafts. I like that you can create multiple copies of your resume to customize for different positions.
- LinkedIn Resume Builder: If you have a LinkedIn profile, you can use their built-in resume builder to create a professional-looking resume that’s automatically populated with your LinkedIn data. This doesnāt replace a physical resume, but is a great bonus.
- Resume.com: This free online tool provides a straightforward way to create, edit and download your resume in various formats.
- Zety: Zety offers an easy-to-use resume builder with a variety of templates. It also includes helpful content and formatting suggestions to ensure your resume is perfect.
- Google Docs: If you prefer a more DIY approach, Google Docs provides resume templates that are easy to edit and customize. You can collaborate with others and access your resume from any device. Plus, itās easy to share a link to your resume from anywhere!
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