A great resume is the first step towards landing your dream job. It’s a reflection of your professional experience, skills, and achievements. A well-written resume can help you stand out from other candidates and make a positive impression on hiring managers. However, writing a great resume can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. In this article, we’ll provide you with some tips and examples that will help you write a great resume that showcases your strengths and accomplishments.
- Choose the Right Format
There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological format is the most common and is ideal for candidates with a solid work history. The functional format is best for candidates with little work experience or who are changing careers. The combination format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats and is ideal for candidates who have both relevant work experience and skills.
- Use a Professional Font and Layout
Your resume should be easy to read and visually appealing. Use a professional font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri and a font size of 10 to 12 points. Use headings, bullet points, and white space to make your resume easy to scan.
- Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application
Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for by including relevant keywords and phrases from the job description. Highlight your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job. Customize your resume for each job application to maximize your chances of getting an interview.
- Start with a Strong Objective or Summary Statement
Your objective or summary statement should be a brief, compelling statement that highlights your skills and experience. It should be tailored to the job you’re applying for and should grab the attention of the hiring manager. Here’s an example:
Objective: To obtain a marketing position at ABC Company where I can use my experience in digital marketing to increase brand awareness and drive revenue growth.
Summary Statement: Results-driven marketing professional with 5 years of experience in digital marketing. Skilled in developing and executing successful marketing campaigns that drive revenue growth and increase brand awareness.
- Highlight Your Accomplishments
Rather than simply listing your job duties, highlight your accomplishments and how you added value to your previous employers. Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements. Here’s an example:
Achievement: Increased sales revenue by 25% through the development and implementation of a successful email marketing campaign.
- Use Action Verbs
Use strong action verbs to describe your skills and accomplishments. This makes your resume more dynamic and engaging. Here are some examples:
- Developed and implemented
- Managed and supervised
- Increased and improved
- Analyzed and evaluated
- Coordinated and collaborated
- Created and designed
- Trained and mentored
- Include Relevant Education and Certifications
Include your highest level of education and any relevant certifications or training. List the name of the institution, the degree or certification, and the date of graduation or completion.
- Proofread and Edit
Your resume should be error-free and well-written. Proofread your resume several times and ask a friend or family member to review it as well. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as formatting issues.
Here’s an example of a great resume:
John Smith 123 Main Street Anytown, USA 12345 (123) 456-7890 [email protected]
Objective: To obtain a sales position at XYZ Company where I can use my experience in B2B sales to drive revenue growth and exceed sales targets.
Summary Statement:
Sales professional with 7 years of experience in B2B sales. Skilled in developing and maintaining client relationships, identifying new business opportunities, and exceeding sales targets.
Professional Experience:
Sales Representative, ABC Company
- Responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies that increased revenue by 20% in the first year.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key clients, resulting in a 30% increase in repeat business.
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities, resulting in a 25% increase in new business.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns that supported sales efforts.
- Trained and mentored new sales representatives, resulting in an increase in overall sales productivity.
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration, XYZ University Graduated May 20XX
Certifications:
Certified Sales Professional, Sales Association Completed June 20XX
Skills:
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Skilled in sales forecasting and budgeting
- Proficient in Salesforce and Microsoft Office
- Experienced in B2B sales
This resume is well-organized, easy to read, and highlights the candidate’s skills and accomplishments. It’s tailored to the job they’re applying for and includes relevant keywords and phrases from the job description. The objective and summary statement are strong and grab the attention of the hiring manager. The professional experience section includes quantifiable achievements and uses strong action verbs. The education and certifications sections are concise but provide important information about the candidate’s qualifications. Finally, the skills section provides a quick overview of the candidate’s key skills and abilities.
In summary, writing a great resume takes time and effort, but it’s an essential step in landing your dream job. Use these tips and examples to create a well-written, tailored resume that showcases your strengths and accomplishments. Don’t be afraid to seek feedback and make revisions until you’re confident that your resume is the best it can be. With a great resume, you’ll be one step closer to achieving your career goals.