14 Steps to Write a Powerful Resume

What is the most important section of a resume?

The most important section of your resume is the Summary or Objective statement, as this is what hiring managers and recruiters will read first. It should be a concise, attention-grabbing description of who you are and what you seek in a job. In two to three sentences, highlight your unique skills, experience and career goals. The main key to writing a strong resume statement is to tailor it to each job you are applying for. Research the company and position to identify the essential keywords and qualifications and incorporate them into your statement.

For example, a recent graduate with a marketing degree and experience in social media marketing might write the following objective statement:
“Recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and experience in social media marketing seeks a position as a Social Media Marketing Manager at [Company name]. I am passionate about creating engaging content and managing social media campaigns to drive brand awareness and generate leads.”

• Keep it short and sweet: Your Objective Statement should be around 2-3 sentences long.
• Tailor it to each job you apply for: Take the time to customize your Objective Statement for each job you apply for.
• Highlight your unique skills and experience: Showcase your unique skills, experience, and qualifications in your Objective Statement.
• Use strong action verbs: Use strong action verbs to make your Objective Statement more impactful.
• Proofread carefully: Make sure to proofread your Objective Statement carefully before submitting it with your resume

How long should a resume be?

The ideal length for a resume is one page, unless you have a very extensive professional history. Most recruiters and hiring managers spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so it’s important to make sure that yours is concise and easy to read. If you have more than 10 years of experience, then you may consider creating a two-page resume, but be sure to use a clear and concise writing style.

Here are some tips for keeping your resume to one page:

• Use a concise and easy-to-read font.
• Use bullet points to list your skills and experience.
• Avoid using jargon or technical terms.
• Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.

Should I use a resume builder?

Yes, using a resume builder can be a great way to save time and create a professional-looking resume. There are many different resume builders available online, both free and paid. Some popular resume builders include ResumeGemini, Resume.com, and Canva.

When choosing a resume builder, it’s important to consider your needs and budget. If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-use resume builder, then a free option may be sufficient. However, if you need more advanced features, such as the ability to create custom templates or import your data from LinkedIn, then you may want to consider a paid resume builder.

Here are some of the benefits of using a resume builder:

• Saves you time: Resume builders can save you a lot of time by providing you with pre-written templates and content.
• Creates a professional-looking resume: Resume builders can help you create a resume that looks polished and professional.
• Easy to use: Resume builders are typically very easy to use, even for beginners.
• Helps you avoid common mistakes: Resume builders can help you avoid common resume mistakes, such as using the wrong font or including irrelevant information.

What are the most common resume mistakes?

Some of the most common resume mistakes include:

• Using a generic template: Don’t use a generic resume template that everyone else is using.
• Including irrelevant information: Only include information on your resume that is relevant to the job you are applying for.
• Using too much jargon: Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the hiring manager may not understand.
• Making it too long: Keep your resume to one page, unless you have a very extensive professional history.
• Not proofreading carefully: Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it.

To correct these errors, you should use a professional resume template that is designed specifically for your industry and experience level. The best templates are ATS-friendly and will help your resume get noticed by recruiters. Utilizing a clean and consistent font throughout your resume is essential for readability. Sans-serif fonts, such as Arial and Calibri, are commonly used in professional settings. Remove any unnecessary personal information, such as marital status, age, or religious affiliation. The focus should be on your professional qualifications.

How can I make my resume stand out?

There are a few things you can do to make your resume stand out from the crowd:

• Use a unique and creative design: Don’t be afraid to use a unique and creative design for your resume.
• Highlight your accomplishments: Use specific examples and numbers to highlight your accomplishments.
• Tailor your resume to each job you apply for: Take the time to customize your resume for each job you apply for.
• Get feedback from others: Ask a friend, family member, or career counselor to review your resume and provide feedback.

In addition to the tips above, you can also use a resume builder to create a professional-looking resume. Resume builders offer a variety of templates and features that can help you create a resume that stands out from the crowd.

What is the best font to use on a resume?

The best font to use on a resume is a sans-serif font, such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Sans-serif fonts are easy to read and look professional. Avoid using decorative fonts or fonts that are too small or too large.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

Including a photo on your resume is optional. In the United States, it is not common to include a photo on your resume. However, in some other countries, it is more common to include a photo. If you do decide to include a photo, make sure that it is a professional headshot.

What are ATS and how do I optimize my resume for them?

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System. ATS is a software that is used by many companies to screen resumes. To optimize your resume for ATS, you should use keywords from the job description and use a standard resume format. You should also avoid using fancy fonts or graphics.