Resume Writing 101: Tips for Creating a Resume With Examples

Introduction to Resume Writing

Resume writing is an important skill in today’s job market. Employers use resumes to quickly determine if a candidate has the necessary qualifications for a job position and whether they should be granted an interview or not. Writing an effective, attention-grabbing resume is a difficult art to master, but understanding a few key principles can help you create a professional and winning resume. Here we provide a few basic tips for constructing a great resume, as well as examples to help you stand out from the competition.

Choosing the Right Format

The first step in resume writing is choosing the correct format. Most resumes are either chronological, functional or combination formats. Chronological resumes list your work experience in reverse-chronological order, with your most recent job at the top. Functional resumes focus on a candidate’s skills, rather than a timeline of work experience. The combination resume does both, lending more emphasis to either the chronological or functional aspects depending on the particular job. Be sure to choose a format that best showcases your achievements and aligns with the credentials that the employer is looking for.

Identifying Relevant Experiences and Achievements

Once you have selected a format, it’s time to start gathering the relevant information to include in your resume. The information you list should prioritize the most prominent and relevant experiences and achievements that are most relevant to the job you are applying to. Your entries should provide evidence of the impactful experiences and objectives that you completed during your career thus far. Be specific and detailed, rather than generic or broad. For each entry, include relevant quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your value and accomplishments.

Choosing a Professional Resume Design

A great resume should not only be well-formatted and organized, but also aesthetically pleasing. You don’t want to be a resume that is improperly formatted or difficult to read. A professional design can help a job seeker stand out from the other applicants. Incorporate white space, clear font choices, section headings, and bullet points to make your resume easier to read and navigate. Consider the use of creative fonts or subtle customization to add personality to your resume without making it too difficult to parse.

Using Action Verbs

In order to communicate your accomplishments and experiences effectively, use of action verbs is key. Strong action verbs like “accomplished” or “initiated” demonstrate that you have initiated, achieved, or completed tangible results-based initiatives. They provide a vivid and impactful way to communicate your experience without going into excessive detail. Be sure to avoid platitudes like “motivated” or other words that don’t communicate a specific action that you have taken.

Proofreading and Editing Your Resume

Proofreading your resume is an essential part of the resume writing process. Typos and errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation can be an easy disqualifier for an employer. The goal is to create an error-free resume that is both concise and impactful. Consider asking a friend or professional to review your resume before submitting it to an employer. A fresh pair of eyes can help you identify any errors or areas for improvement.

Examples

We have included some example resumes to give you an idea of what a great resume looks like and how to craft your own. An example resume should serve as a guide and a source of inspiration as you start crafting your own. Be sure to draw on the successful elements of each example while also making your own resume uniquely yours.

Conclusion

Resume writing is an art that requires practice and some creative thinking. With the right approach and a few key principles, you can create an impactful resume that is both well-formatted and SEO-friendly. Best of luck out there on the job hunt!