How to Create a Resume That Gets Results

Want to land your dream job? It all starts with a great resume. These days, just having a resume isn't enough. You need one that grabs attention. It needs to shout out your skills and prove you're the perfect fit.

Why Your Resume Matters

Think of your resume as your first impression. It's how you market yourself. It shows off your skills, what you've done, and what you can do. A good resume can open doors. A bad one? Missed chances.

Your resume tells a story. Make it engaging! Keep it short. And always tailor it to the job. Employers only glance at resumes for a few seconds. Make those seconds count.

Read Also: How to Build a Successful Career in the Creative Industry

Key Parts of a Winning Resume

Let's break down what makes a resume really work. Each part is key to showing off what you've got.

1. Your Contact Info

Seems simple, right? But get it right! Make sure to include:

Full Name: Make it stand out. Use a slightly bigger, easy-to-read font.
Phone Number: One where you'll actually answer.
Email Address: Keep it professional. Think [email protected]. No nicknames!
LinkedIn URL: Got a LinkedIn? Link it! And make sure it matches your resume.
Optional: Got a website or portfolio? If it fits the job, add it!

2. Summary or Objective

This is your quick pitch. What makes you, you? Choose summary or objective based on your experience:

Resume Summary: If you've got experience, use this. Highlight your best skills and what you can do for the company. Example: "Marketing pro with 8+ years in digital. I've grown brands and driven sales. Looking for a challenging role where I can make a real impact."
Resume Objective: Just starting out? Use this. Focus on what you want to learn and how the job fits your goals. Example: "Recent Computer Science grad. Eager to learn and contribute to software development. Looking to use my skills on innovative projects."

3. Your Skills

Show off what you can do! List both hard and soft skills. Tailor this section to each job. What skills are they looking for? Highlight those!

Some tips:

List both hard and soft skills: Hard skills are technical. Soft skills are people skills.
Use keywords from the job ad: This helps you get past the robots (ATS).
Group skills into categories: Makes it easier to read. Think "Technical Skills," "Software," "Languages," and "Soft Skills."
Show, don't just tell: Instead of "Good at Excel," try "Proficient in Excel: pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis."

Examples of skills:

Technical Skills: Python, Java, SQL, Data Analysis, Cloud Computing, SEO
Software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, Salesforce, Google Analytics
Languages: English (Native), Spanish (Fluent), French (Conversational)
Soft Skills: Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Leadership, Time Management

4. Work Experience

The meat of your resume. This shows your history and what you've accomplished. Here's how to make it count:

Go backward: Start with your most recent job.
Include: Job title, company, dates, location.
Use action words: Start each bullet with words like "managed," "led," "developed."
Use numbers: Show the impact of your work. "Increased sales by 15%" is better than "Increased sales."
Tailor it: Focus on what's relevant to this job.
STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. It helps tell a story.

Example:

Marketing Manager | ABC Company | New York, NY | June 2018 – Present

Increased brand awareness by 30% with new marketing strategies.
Led a team of 5 marketing specialists.
Boosted website traffic by 25% through SEO and content.
Cut marketing costs by 10% with better budgeting.

5. Education

List your degrees. Start with the latest.

Degree Name: (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Computer Science)
Major: (e.g., Computer Science)
University Name: (e.g., University of California, Berkeley)
Graduation Date: (or Expected Graduation Date)
GPA: (Optional, if it's good!)
Relevant Coursework: (If it matters to the job)
Honors and Awards: (Dean's List, etc.)

6. Extra Sections (Optional)

Want to add more? Consider these:

Projects: Show off what you've built.
Certifications: PMP, Google Analytics, etc.
Volunteer Work: Shows you care.
Publications: Articles you've written.
Languages: Speak another language? List it!
Interests: (Optional) A little personal touch.

Resume Writing Tips

Here are some key tips to make your resume stand out:

Tailor, Tailor, Tailor! Don't send the same resume to everyone. Change it for each job.
Use Keywords: Robots scan resumes. Use the same words the job ad uses.
Focus on What You Did: Not just what you were supposed to do. Show your impact!
Action Words: Start bullets with strong verbs.
Keep it Short: One page is best, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience.
Proofread! Mistakes look bad. Ask someone else to read it, too.
Good Font and Layout: Easy to read and looks professional.
Save as PDF: Keeps the formatting the same.
Use a Template: If you need help with design.
Get Feedback: Ask for advice!