How to Write a Resume That Will Get You Noticed, 101
Your resume is your first chance to make a good impression on potential employers. It's important to write a resume that is clear, concise, and tailored to the specific job you are applying for. Here are some tips to help you write a resume that will get you noticed:
Choose the right resume format. There are two main resume formats: chronological and functional. The chronological format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. The functional format focuses on your skills and accomplishments, rather than your work history. The chronological format is a good choice if you have a lot of relevant experience. The functional format may be a better option if you are changing careers or have limited experience.
Here is a resume building site that I really like: www.resume-now.com
Use strong action verbs and specific examples. When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs to highlight your accomplishments. For example, instead of saying "Responsible for managing social media accounts," say "Managed social media accounts for a team of 10,000 followers, increasing engagement by 20%."
Quantify your results whenever possible. Numbers are more powerful than words, so use them to quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. For example, instead of saying "Increased sales," say "Increased sales by 15% in one year." For this, I usually use the PAR (Problem, Action, Result) method.
Indeed has a really good article on how to write your resume in PAR method so that it makes it easier for your to interview in PAR method. Make it easier on yourself.
Proofread carefully. Typos and grammatical errors can make you look unprofessional, so be sure to proofread your resume carefully before submitting it. You can do all the best writing but very simple slip ups can be a killer.
Here are some additional tips for writing a strong resume:
Keep your resume concise. Aim for one page, unless you have a lot of relevant experience.
Use a professional font and format.
Use white space to make your resume easy to read.
Avoid using jargon, acronyms or clichés.
Get feedback from others. Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to review your resume and give you feedback.
Following these tips, while general, you can write a resume to help you stand out from the competition and land your dream job. I will be back to write more advanced articles about resume building, including why you should update your resume even when you’re not job searching.
