How to Write a Great Resume

So, you're looking for a new job? Awesome! A great resume is key. It's like your personal ad to employers. It tells them why you're the best. Want to know how to write a great resume? Keep reading for the best resume writing tips!

Why Bother with a Great Resume?

Think of your resume as your first handshake. It can make or break your chances. A bad one? It might get tossed. A good one? You're in the running!

• First looks matter: Recruiters glance at resumes. A good one grabs them.
• Show off your skills: Tell them what you can DO.
• Get that interview: A strong resume = interview time.
• Value, value, value: Show what you bring to the table.
• Your job search HQ: It guides everything you do next.

The Must-Have Resume Parts

Want to learn how to write a great resume? Each section matters. Let's break it down:

1. Contact Info

Easy, right? But get it right! You need:

• Your name: Make it a bit bigger.
• Phone: One you actually answer.
• Email: Keep it pro. [email protected] is perfect.
• LinkedIn: If it's up-to-date, add it!
• Maybe: City and state are okay, but skip the full address.

2. Summary or Objective?

Which one should you use?

• Summary: You've been around the block. Highlight your wins.
  Example: "Marketing whiz with 5+ years in social media. Increased brand awareness and boosted sales."
• Objective: Just starting out? Tell them your goals.
  Example: "Fresh grad with a CS degree. Seeking an entry-level software job to use my coding skills."

3. Skills, Skills, Skills

List what you're good at. Both hard and soft skills.

• Hard: Coding, data stuff, software.
• Soft: Talking, teamwork, leading.

Tip: Look at the job description. What skills do they want?

4. Work History

List your jobs. Start with the newest one.

• Job Title: What you were actually called.
• Company: Full name, please.
• Dates: Month and year are good.
• What you did: Use action words! Show what you achieved.

Example:

Marketing Manager
ABC Company | January 2020 – Present

• Got brand awareness up 30%.
• Social media drove 25% more leads.
• Led a team of 5.

5. Education

Your degrees and such. Newest first.

• Degree: The whole thing. Like "Bachelor of Science in..."
• Major/Minor: If you had one.
• School: The full name.
• Graduation: Month and year.
• GPA: Only if it's good (over 3.5).
• Classes: If you're new to the job world.

6. Awards (Optional)

Brag a little! Show off those achievements.

7. Volunteering (Optional)

Show you care. List your volunteer work.

8. Projects (Optional)

New grad? Show off those cool school projects!

Winning Resume Tips

Now, let's talk tips for resume writing! You want a resume that gets you noticed.

1. Tailor, tailor, tailor: One size does NOT fit all. Change it for each job.
2. Action!: Start with strong verbs. "Managed," "Created," "Led."
3. Numbers talk: "Increased sales by 20%." Much better than "Increased sales."
4. Keep it short: One page if you can. Two max.
5. Easy to read: Use a normal font. Keep it clean.
6. Proofread!: No typos! Get a friend to help.
7. Keywords: Use words from the job ad.
8. Transferable skills: Changing careers? Show how your old skills help.
9. Wins, not just work: Show what you did, not just what you were supposed to do.
10. Get feedback: Ask for help!

Resume Don'ts

What to avoid when thinking about how to write a great resume:

• Typos: Big no-no.
• Generic stuff: Make it specific!
• Too much: Keep it relevant.
• No numbers: Show your impact!
• Bad email: Get a professional one.
• Lies: Don't do it!
• Ugly formatting: Keep it clean.
• Whining: No bad-mouthing old jobs.
• Photos: Usually not needed.
• No LinkedIn: If you have one, link it!

Don't Forget the Cover Letter!

While this is about how to write a great resume... don't forget the cover letter! Tell them why you want the job.

Stay Up-to-Date

Things change! Keep up with the newest job search and career development advice and resume writing tips.

• Skills-first: Show what you can DO.
• Action words: Make it sound like you get things done!
• ATS: Know how those systems work.
• Visuals: If you're in a creative field, show it off!

Wrapping Up: You Got This!

Learning how to write a great resume is a must. Follow these resume writing tips, and you'll be on your way to landing that dream job! Good luck with your job search!