Let’s address something upfront – writing a resume can be daunting for everyone, so don’t worry, you’re not alone. The challenge lies in figuring out what to include, what to omit, what to emphasize, and what to de-emphasize. HR professionals and hiring managers receive an overwhelming number of resumes for any given position, which means they only spend around 10-30 seconds on each one. It’s crucial to organize the information correctly to avoid missing out on interview opportunities, as this is a common mistake made by job seekers. Our website is designed to flow smoothly, so if you’ve just landed in the tips section, we recommend starting by reviewing our cover letter tips.

Below, we have compiled our resume writing tips for your reference. We must admit that we used to be skeptical about paying to have our resume written. However, our perspective has evolved, mainly due to the fact that prices for resume writing services these days are quite reasonable, ranging from $90 to $200. These professionals specialize in positioning a person’s skills effectively for a particular industry. Investing a few hundred dollars in such services can give you the competitive edge to land a job that pays several thousand more per year, making it a worthwhile cost in the job hunting process.

In conclusion, while the free resume writing tips below will certainly aid you in preparing your resume, we highly recommend considering a resume writing service from the start. Alternatively, you can opt for companies that offer a free resume critique after you’ve completed your final draft. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can explore using an online resume builder. We suggest trying out a free trial, and for a nominal fee, you can have your resume reviewed by a professional resume writer.

Once you’re done exploring these options, let’s move on to the profile writing advice…

Before you start writing your resume, it’s crucial to determine your objective. You should have a clear idea of the type of career you want, along with the qualifications and experience required for that position. Choose a temporary objective for now, which can be adjusted if you decide to change your career focus later. Your resume’s content should revolve around this objective, avoiding being too general or scattered, as it may lead your resume to be discarded. Remember, you have a very short window to catch the hiring manager’s attention, so taking the time to create a distinct and focused objective is essential before proceeding with your application.

Now that you have your goal in mind, let’s begin the resume writing process. Keep in mind that the primary and most critical objective of a resume is to secure an interview. It acts as a marketing tool to position you within the organization and in front of potential employers. Once you get the opportunity, you must pitch yourself effectively and close the deal.

When crafting your resume, avoid going into excessive detail about each achievement. The main goal is to entice prospective employers to contact you for an interview, so be concise. Put yourself in the reader’s shoes and consider what they would look for in a candidate based on the job qualifications required for the position – include those relevant details in your resume.

Use bullet points and brief sentences rather than long paragraphs in the body of your application. Resumes are read quickly (typically in 10 to 30 seconds). Having key information grouped together with bullet points helps the reader quickly identify the essential details. Don’t worry about providing all the details in the resume; you can discuss them in more depth during the interview.

Employ action words such as “prepared,” “managed,” “developed,” “monitored,” and “presented.” These words will make your resume stand out and can be picked up by computer scanners used by some companies during the hiring process. Including action keywords relevant to the position ensures that your resume is not overlooked as a “non-match.”

Quantify your achievements using numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts. Specific details like these are highly valued in a resume. Here’s an example of a work accomplishment correctly described with numbers and incorrectly described without them. Remember, being specific doesn’t mean being lengthy, as shown in the example below:

Correct: Increased sales by 25% in the first quarter, resulting in a $100,000 revenue boost.
Incorrect: Improved sales and revenue in the first quarter.

By following these tips and techniques, you can create a powerful and targeted resume that captures the attention of potential employers and increases your chances of landing that desired job opportunity.

Example
untrue: Sold advertising to 15 businesses
Right: More than$ 20 million in annual charge from closed 15 strategic accounts

Identify your strongest points and what the prospective employer will find most significant. Put in the effort to prioritize the key qualifications that best align with your career objectives, as resumes are typically reviewed in a mere 10 to 30 seconds. Place the most compelling and crucial factors at the beginning, captivating the audience and guiding them through the rest of your resume.

To tailor your resume to specific job opportunities, review employment listings online and in newspapers that interest you. Pay attention to the company’s needs and the job description provided. Incorporate the important terms from these listings and align them with bullet points on your resume.

Ensure that your resume is customized for each position, as using a unique and targeted resume can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Avoid mentioning irrelevant or negative points that may hinder your chances. Keep your graduation date off your resume if you believe it might lead to age bias. Focus solely on relevant tasks that support your job search goal and omit irrelevant personal details like your marital status, weight, and height.

Use “white space” effectively in your resume, as it is crucial for creating a visually appealing layout. The empty spaces in advertisements catch our attention, so don’t be concerned if you have trouble filling the page with text. Utilize line spacing to create sufficient white space, which can enhance the overall visual appeal.

Consider the length and style of your resume. The font size should not be less than 10 points, and your resume should ideally be between one to two pages long. If necessary, it’s acceptable to have a two-page resume, but keep it concise and impactful.

Before submitting your resume, seek feedback from a friend or utilize a resume critique service to gain an outsider’s perspective. As you may be too close to your situation, an objective review can highlight your strengths and accomplishments more clearly. Take their comments into account and revise your resume accordingly to ensure it effectively represents you.

When applying for jobs, consider positions that might be slightly above or below your current skill level. Exploring different opportunities can lead to unexpected discoveries or better understanding your abilities. Repeating the interview process will also enhance your hiring skills and lessen anxiety, improving your ability to handle challenging situations.

Still Stuck? Try a Resume Writing Service or Free Resume Builder