Job hunting can be daunting, especially if you don’t have a professional resume. Your resume is your first chance to make a good impression on a potential employer, so it is important to ensure it is a well-written and error-free document. If you are unsure how to create a resume that will impress potential employers, follow this step-by-step guide. You will learn how to craft each section of your resume, from the summary statement to your work history and skills. By the end, you will have a polished and professional document to help you get the job you want.

Choose a layout that conveys professionalism.

Content is important, but your resume’s layout and color scheme will be the first things that may attract recruiters. In choosing a layout, we recommend a clean one so that it will be easier to read. Choose a color that is not high contrast too vibrant. Remember, recruiters go through many resumes in a day, so if your resume looks cluttered or the color you use is too strong, then it might not leave a good impression as it will be an eye sore. However, if you are applying for a Graphic Design position, it is best to demonstrate your skills in your layout. Also, remember that your layout should allow for the structure of your resume.

Canva has lots of excellent designs available. You can access it for free or sign up for a free trial.

Create a structure for your resume.

Your resume should have a clear structure that should be easier for the recruiter and the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to go through. Resumes should ideally be 500 words at max. So, you have to really think about the structure very well.

What is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)? 

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is a software application that helps recruiters and hiring managers track, sort, and grade job applicants. An ATS can be used to post job openings on a company website or job board; screen resumes, contact applicants about open positions, and track candidates’ progress through the hiring process. Most ATSs include features such as resume parsing, candidate scoring, interview scheduling, and email integration. Some systems offer additional features such as social media integration, performance tracking, and onboarding tools.

Your structure should have a logical flow. No one size fits all when it comes to resumes. Your structure and the parts of your resume will always depend on the job post you are applying for, and the years you work. For example, if you are a fresh graduate, then having a dedicated section for academic achievements would be helpful. However, it is very important to indicate your internship. For those with around five to seven years of work experience, the educational details might not be as important; what matters more is your work experience. But in general, you would need to include the details we listed below.

Write Your Resume: What to Include in a Professional Resume

When creating your resume, be sure to include the following:

1. Your name and contact information. Include your email address and phone number so potential employers can easily reach you. If you are posting on job boards, we recommend not including your complete address; the town and region would suffice. This is for your safety. Ensure that the email address that you indicate in your resume sounds professional.

2. A professional summary. This should be a brief description of your skills and experience. Write two to three sentences with keywords highlighting what you can offer to address the company’s needs.  You can write three main skills that you have below your name and profession and then write the summary below this. Tailor-fit the keywords based on what is being sought in the job post; this way, the ATS can detect your resume better.

3. A list of your work experience. Include the names of companies you have worked for, your job titles, and dates of employment. Ideally, this should be in chronological order. For this section, you should clearly and concisely describe the impact of your work on the company’s business. Use metrics to describe your contribution. For example, ‘launched an email campaign that generated $10 million in sales, making up 30% of the annual company’s annual sales. Metrics will help recruiters understand your capacity better than merely saying you launched three email campaigns. Again, emphasize the overall impact of your work on your team or your company. Use verbs that clearly depict what you did.

4. Your education history. Include the names of your schools and any degrees or certificates you earned. However, if your GPA is not as impressive, we recommend that you leave it out. Your major and the school would suffice. And as we mentioned earlier, there are times that you need not include this section, especially if you are a seasoned/ experienced professional in a certain field. Allocate that space for work experience and impact instead. But, again, if the degree is mentioned in the job requirements, then include it on your resume.  

5. Any relevant skills or keywords that will help you get noticed by potential employers. Examples might include “project management,” “customer service,” or “Adobe Photoshop.” Moreover, do not skip on the soft skills but be more specific on which context you have used them. The keyword is relevant. So, if you think that MS Office is a given already, do not include it anymore. Instead, highlight those that would help you stand out. For example, if the work requires some degree of project management, then highlight the project management software you know how to use. Use an adjective that can describe the level of your skills in using a particular software. For example, MS Excel Expert or Basic skills in Adobe InDesign,

6. Additional information, such as volunteer work or languages that are spoken fluently, could set you apart from other candidates. Include this section if it would add value to your resume. Remember that your resume is like your advertising material.  

7. Awards and Memberships. This can be added to your section if it helps you improve your credibility. There are industries that this is a must; for example, in the medical field and the academe. Fellowship programs and scholarships are always a factor in selecting staff.

8. Include References. References will help you boost your credibility. People you put in your references can attest to your capacity. They are the ones you have worked with or who were your mentors. Ask permission before you include their names and contact information in your resume. Otherwise, they might be shocked that someone is contacting them. Also, inform them when an HR personnel will likely call them. 

How to Format a Professional Resume

When you are creating a resume, there are a few different ways to format it. You can use a chronological format, which lists your work history in order from most recent to oldest, or a functional format, which highlights your skills and accomplishments.

If you have a lot of work experience, the chronological format is the best way to go. If you are just starting out or if you have had some gaps in your employment history, the functional format may be more effective.

Whichever way you choose to format your resume, make sure it is easy to read and that it highlights your most relevant qualifications for the job you are applying for.

Parts of a Cover Letter

When creating a cover letter, be sure to include the following:

1. Your contact information

2. The date

3. The company’s contact information

4. A salutation (e.g., “Dear Hiring Manager”)

5. An opening paragraph states why you are writing, what position you are applying for, and where you learned about the job post.

6. A second paragraph that elaborates on your qualifications for the role. If you have a website that contains your portfolio, do not forget to provide the link.

7. A third paragraph describes your interest in the company and/or the role. Research the company and why you think you would fit in with its goals or its vision and mission.

8. A closing paragraph that thanks the reader for their time and includes your contact information again

9. A professional signature

Other Tips for Creating a Professional Resume

• Ensure to include only the most relevant information and avoid superfluous details.
• Use a professional font and layout for your resume. This will help to ensure that it is easy to read and looks polished. Do not use fonts that look cartoonish or fonts that are script font styles.  
•  Use strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments and skills. This will help to make your resume more compelling.
• Be sure to proofread your resume carefully before sending it off. Even small errors can make you look unprofessional.
• Consider having someone else review your resume before you send it out. They may be able to catch errors or suggest improvements that you hadn’t thought of.
• Create an optimized LinkedIn profile. Recruiters/ hob hunters are now mainly scouting on LinkedIn. Ensure that the information in your resume is consistent with your LinkedIn profile. 

•  Be truthful. Never indicate a skill or accolade that you are not capable of doing or did not achieve. It will definitely show in your output, and it will not only harm your credibility and reputation but also cause trouble with the company.
• Check out our tips on how to attract potential clients.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to create your own professional resume, it is time to start exploring job boards and sending them out. Remember to keep your resume concise and clear and focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and experience. With a little effort, you’ll be sure to land the job you want in no time. Good luck!