So how do you write a perfect, yet unique resume? We’ll give you few steps to follow.
Choose the Right Type of Resume
Depending on your preferences and your circumstances as a job applicant, you may write a chronological, functional, combination, or targeted resume. Most people opt for the chronological resume, but it’s not the right choice if you don’t have much work history to showcase. If you’re applying for an entry position, the functional resume might be a better choice, since it focuses on your skills.
The combination resume is a combination of the chronological and the functional one. It focuses on both skills and work experience. The targeted format is specifically focused on a particular position you want. This is the most challenging type of resume to write, but it’s also the most relevant one.
Maybe you’ll want to experiment with an infographic resume? That’s a smart choice if you’re applying for a job in a creative industry.
Whatever the case is, you have to make your choice before you start planning and writing the resume.
Plan How You’ll Write It
Without a plan, you’ll end up writing a long, irrelevant resume. You have to keep it brief and up to the point. These are the sections your resume needs to include:
- Summary
- References
- Work history
- Career objective
- Education and training
Now, the career objective part is a matter of discussion. Some career experts will tell you it’s better to leave it out. When you write an impressive career objective, however, you’ll certainly benefit from having it in your resume. If you’re wondering whether to include it or not, then don’t.
Plan what information you’ll include in all these sections. When you have this outline, it will be much easier for you to round up that information in a logical, attractive resume.
Be Careful with the Contact Information
Most job candidates rush through this section, since it’s very straightforward. However, you have to be careful and double-check the details you include. Include a professional email address that’s based around your name. Please, please don’t include an address that makes you look unserious!
Make sure your phone number and contact address are correct.
Craft the Resume In a Way that Supports a Professional Goal
Your resume should be specifically tailored for the position you’re applying for. When you’re providing descriptions for your previous jobs, for example, they should be relevant to this job you want to get now.
Speaking of job descriptions, you should definitely focus on the one published about this job you’re applying for. The hiring manager highlighted the skills and experience needed for that position. Focus on showing that you meet those requirements. If, for example, they are looking for someone who’s fluent in Spanish, you should highlight that part of your resume.
Make It Readable!
The font and its size are important. Your resume must be easy to read, so opt for one of the standards fonts, such as Calibri, Times New Roman, Arial, Cambria, or Verdana.
Keep the underlining, italics, and bold to a minimum. You can use bold to highlight the section headings and the numbers you include in the resume. If, for example, you’re including information that you were involved in a project worth $2.5 million dollars, you can bold that amount.
Hire an Expert
If you’re struggling to write your resume, it means you’ll have to invest in it. Following a template is not an option, since it will end up with a generic application document that doesn’t stand out. You can hire a professional writer from top resume writing services. They will take all your information and deliver a resume that’s worthy of attention.
If you have an older resume and you want to get it improved, you can opt for editing services. That’s a more affordable option.
Mind Your Online Reputation
Hiring managers from all organizations are heavily engaged in online recruitment. That’s why your LinkedIn profile and everything else you do online matters so much. The perfect resume won’t be enough. It has to be accompanied with flawless online reputation.
- Work on your LinkedIn profile and start making connections.
- Remove all inappropriate photos, comments, shares, and likes from social media.
- Start a blog. It’s the best way to show yourself as an expert when someone searches your name on Google.
So what happens when you have the perfect resume and great online reputation? It’s clear: you’ll get an interview. Get ready to answer the most commonly asked questions during interviews. Wear something nice and do your best to make a positive impression through your speech and body language.
About the Author
Stephanie Proper is a writer and career strategist. She runs her website Properresumes where she shares her thoughts about resume writing. You always can get in touch with her on Twitter.