How to Create a Professional Resume

How to Make a Great Resume

Landing that dream job? It all starts with a killer resume. Think of your resume as your first impression – you want it to be amazing! This guide will walk you through making one that really shines.

1. Picking the Right Resume Style

There are three main styles: chronological, functional, and combo.

• Chronological: This shows your work history in order, from most recent to oldest. Perfect if you have a steady work history.
• Functional: This highlights your skills first, then your work history. Good if you're changing careers or have gaps in your work history.
• Combination: This mixes the best of both! You get to show off your skills and your experience.

Which style is best for you? It depends on your situation. Search online for "resume examples" to see what each looks like.

2. What to Include in Your Resume

Here's what a typical resume needs:

1. Contact Info: Your name, phone number, email, and maybe your LinkedIn profile. Just your city and state are fine – keep your full address private.
2. Summary/Objective (Optional): A short overview of your skills and goals. A summary works better if you have experience, an objective if you're just starting out. Tailor this to each job you apply for.
3. Skills: List both hard skills (like using software) and soft skills (like teamwork). Use words from the job description!
4. Experience: Describe your past jobs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to show what you accomplished. Use numbers to show your impact – like, "Increased sales by 15%," instead of just "Improved sales."
5. Education: List your degrees and certifications. Include your GPA if it's above 3.5. If you have lots of experience, you can put this section after your work experience.
6. Awards and Honors (Optional): Any awards or recognition you've received.
7. Projects (Optional): Include personal projects that showcase your skills. Link to your GitHub or online portfolio if you have one.

3. Making Your Resume Persuasive

Writing a resume isn't just about listing what you did. It's about selling yourself! Here's how:

• Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong verb. Think "managed," "developed," "achieved," etc. There are tons of lists online to help.
• Quantify Your Successes: Use numbers! Show the impact of your work with data.
• Customize Your Resume: Don't send the same resume to every job. Read the job description and highlight the skills and experience they're looking for.
• Use Keywords: Use words from the job description in your resume. This helps computers find your resume.
• Proofread! Typos are a big no-no. Ask a friend to check it over.
• Choose a Nice Font: Use a simple, easy-to-read font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri.
• Keep it Short: Aim for one page, especially if you don't have much experience.

4. Making Your Resume Computer-Friendly

Many companies use software to screen resumes. Here's how to make sure yours gets through:

• Simple Format: Avoid fancy formatting – keep it clean.
• Use Keywords: Use words from the job description, but don't overdo it!
• Save it Right: Save as a PDF (best) or a Word document.

5. Review and Revise

Once you're done, ask yourself:

• Is it easy to read?
• Did I highlight my best stuff?
• Did I use action verbs and numbers?
• Did I tailor it to the job?
• Is it error-free?

Get feedback from a friend or mentor!

6. Looking at Examples

Looking at resume examples online is a great idea! They'll give you ideas, but don't just copy them. Use them as inspiration to create your own unique resume.

7. Keep it Updated

Your resume isn't a "set it and forget it" thing. Update it as your career grows. Keep learning about the best resume practices and adjust as needed. The job market changes, so your resume should too.

By following these steps, you'll create a resume that shows off your skills and helps you get that job interview. Good luck!