How to Write a Simple Resume

How to Write a Simple Resume That Works

Getting your dream job? It all starts with a great resume. Forget fancy resumes. A simple one, done right, is way more effective. This guide will show you how to make a simple resume that really works.

Why Simple Resumes Work Best

The point of a resume? To get an interview. A simple resume is clear, concise, and easy to read. Recruiters scan resumes super fast. A messy resume? It'll get tossed. A simple one lets your skills shine through.

What to Include in Your Simple Resume

Here's what a typical simple resume needs:

1. Contact Info: Your name (big and bold!), phone number, email, and maybe your LinkedIn profile. Keep it professional. You probably don't need your address.
2. Summary/Objective (Optional): A short blurb about your skills and goals. Only include this if it helps. If your experience speaks for itself, skip it.
3. Work Experience: List your jobs, starting with the latest one. For each job:
   • Job Title:
   • Company Name:
   • Dates: (Month/Year – Month/Year)
   • What you did: Use action verbs! Show off your accomplishments. Numbers are your friend ("Increased sales by 15%," for example). Focus on results, not just tasks.
4. Education: Your degree(s), major(s), school, graduation date (or expected date), GPA (if it's above 3.5), and any awards. List this stuff in reverse chronological order.
5. Skills: List both hard skills (like software) and soft skills (like teamwork). Tailor these to the job you're applying for.

Tips for a Killer Simple Resume

Here's how to make your resume stand out:

• Choose a nice font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri are all good choices. Keep the font size between 10 and 12 points.
• Use bullet points: They make it easy to read and see your accomplishments quickly.
• Use numbers: Show how awesome you are with numbers! ("Managed a team of 10," "Increased efficiency by 20%").
• Strong action verbs: Start each bullet point with a powerful verb (managed, developed, implemented, achieved).
• Tailor it to each job: Read the job description carefully. Highlight the skills they want.
• Proofread! Typos are a big no-no. Have a friend check it over.
• Keep it concise: Aim for one page, especially if you're early in your career. Two pages are okay if you have tons of experience, but keep it focused.
• Use keywords: Use words from the job description. This helps computer systems find your resume.
• Use a simple template: Tons of free and paid templates are available online. Pick one that's clean and easy to read.
• Save as a PDF: This keeps the formatting consistent on different computers.

Example Simple Resume

Here's a sample:

Jane Doe
(123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/janedoe

Summary
Highly motivated marketing pro with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing and social media. I'm great at creating marketing campaigns that get results.

Work Experience
Marketing Manager | ABC Company | June 2018 – Present
• Created social media strategies that boosted followers by 30% and engagement by 20%.
• Managed a team of 5 marketing specialists.
• Increased website traffic by 40% using SEO and content marketing.
Marketing Coordinator | XYZ Company | January 2016 – June 2018
• Helped create marketing campaigns.
• Created social media content and managed accounts.
• Assisted the marketing team.

Education
Bachelor of Science in Marketing | University of California, Berkeley | May 2016

Skills
Social Media Marketing, SEO, Content Marketing, Email Marketing, Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Project Management, Teamwork, Communication

Going Beyond the Basics

This guide is about simple resumes, but great resume writing is more than just formatting. It's about knowing your audience (recruiters!), showing what you're good at, and explaining your achievements clearly.

• Keywords are key: Many companies use computer programs to scan resumes. Use words from the job description to get noticed.
• Tailor your resume: Don't use the same resume for every job. Change it to fit each job description.
• Use strong action verbs: Make your accomplishments sound impressive.
• Use numbers: Show your impact with data.
• Proofread carefully: Errors make a bad impression.

More Resources

There are tons of websites and tools to help you write a resume and find a job. Check them out!

Your resume is your first impression. A simple, well-written resume will dramatically improve your chances of getting an interview and advancing your career. Good luck!