How to Write a Great Resume for a Job in Human Resources

How to Write an HR Resume That Gets Interviews

Want to land that dream HR job? You need a resume that really shines. This guide will help you craft one that grabs attention and gets you interviews. We'll cover everything – from choosing the right format to showing off your awesome accomplishments.

Before You Start Writing: Know the HR World

First things first: research! Check out the jobs you're aiming for. What skills do they want? What words do they use? Your resume needs to be tailored to each job. A generic resume? Forget about it! You've got unique skills – show them off!

The Best Resume Format for You

For most HR pros, a chronological resume works best. It shows your career growth. But, if you've had some career changes or gaps, a functional resume might be better. It highlights your skills. Or, combine the best of both worlds with a combination resume! It's all about what fits you best.

Make a Great First Impression: Your Summary or Objective

This section is crucial. A strong summary quickly highlights your best stuff. If you're just starting out, an objective statement outlining your goals works well. Keep it short and sweet! Use action verbs. Instead of "Managed employee relations," try "Successfully resolved over 90% of employee disputes, boosting employee satisfaction by 15%." See the difference?

Show, Don't Tell: Your Experience Section

This is where you really shine. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to show, not just tell. For example, I once used the STAR method to describe how I streamlined a hiring process, saving the company tons of time and money. It worked like a charm! Always quantify your success whenever possible. Include keywords like:

• Recruitment: Sourcing candidates, interviewing, onboarding
• Employee Relations: Handling grievances, conflict resolution, building a positive workplace
• Training & Development: Designing training programs, boosting employee performance
• Compensation & Benefits: Administering payroll, managing benefits
• Performance Management: Conducting reviews, setting goals, giving feedback
• HRIS: Workday, BambooHR, ADP – you name it!
• Talent Acquisition: Developing talent acquisition strategies

Education and Certifications: Show Your Expertise

List your degrees, certifications (like SHRM-CP or PHR – highlight those!), and relevant coursework. A GPA above 3.5? Include it! Any awards? Mention them. This shows your commitment to the field.

Skills Section: A Quick Snapshot of Your Abilities

A skills section lets recruiters quickly see what you bring to the table. List both hard skills (like specific software) and soft skills (communication, teamwork). Keep it concise and use keywords from the job descriptions.

Beating the ATS: Applicant Tracking Systems

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems look for keywords. Use the keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume. Avoid fancy formatting that could confuse the ATS. Keep it simple!

Tailor Your Resume: One Size Doesn't Fit All

Don't use the same resume for every job. Each resume should be tailored to the specific job description. Find those keywords and highlight your relevant experience. Show them you understand their needs!

Proofread and Get Feedback: The Final Touches

Proofread carefully for typos and grammar errors. Then, ask a friend or family member to take a look. A fresh pair of eyes can catch things you might miss. Considering using a professional resume service if you need help.

Keywords to Use: A Quick Reference

Here are some helpful keywords. Use them naturally, not just as a checklist:

• Recruitment & Talent Acquisition: recruiting, sourcing, interviewing, onboarding, talent acquisition, diversity & inclusion
• Employee Relations: employee relations, conflict resolution, employee engagement, mediation
• Compensation & Benefits: compensation, benefits administration, payroll, salary administration
• Training & Development: training and development, employee training, performance management
• HRIS & Technology: HRIS, Workday, BambooHR, ADP, data analysis
• Compliance & Legal: employment law, HR compliance, OSHA, EEOC, ADA, FMLA

Conclusion: Make Your Resume Count!

Your resume is your marketing tool. Make it amazing! By following these tips, you’ll create a resume that gets you noticed. Remember, it’s a living document. Update it as your career grows!