7 Tips to Help Improve Your Resume

Your resume, also known as your CV or curriculum vitae in Latin, is a written summary of your past employment history, education, and other pertinent information. Most of the time, a resume is required when applying for a job. Your resume tells the story of your professional career to future employers. It helps tell them what you have done in the past, what you are doing currently, and where exactly you are heading with your career.

Resumes are used to make a favorable impression on a prospective employer and are the first impression a potential employer has of you. For this reason, it is one of the most crucial steps taken during a job search. Here are 7 tips to help improve your resume:

1. Avoid Embarrassing Formatting Mistakes

• Use a Resume Template: Using a resume template can help ensure your resume is well-organized and easy to read. Customize the template to suit your needs, no matter what type of job you are seeking.
• Check for Consistency: Ensure fonts, bullet points, and spacing are consistent throughout the document to give a polished and professional appearance.

2. Start with a Strong Headline

• Career Focus: Create a headline that clearly communicates your career focus and what you want to do. This helps the reader quickly understand your professional goals.

3. Draft a Compelling Introductory Section

• Highlight Skills and Abilities: Write a short but compelling introductory section that highlights your key skills and abilities. This section should complement the headline and provide a quick snapshot of what you bring to the table.

4. Write a Core Competency Section

• Use Keywords: Identify the key skills and competencies required for the job you’re applying for and list them in this section. Use industry-specific keywords to ensure your resume gets noticed by automated tracking systems (ATS) and human recruiters alike.

5. Tailor Your Resume to Your Goals

• Focus on Objectives: Consider what you are trying to achieve when writing your resume. Are you transitioning to a new career or staying in the same field? Tailor your resume to reflect your specific goals and the requirements of the job you’re applying for.

6. Self-Promote Confidently

• Showcase Your Achievements: Do not be afraid to self-promote. Present yourself in a way that helps employers see that you are capable of doing the job. Highlight your achievements and contributions in previous roles without overstating information.
• Quantify Accomplishments: Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements. For example, “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a team of 10 employees.”

7. Include Standout Elements

• Highlight Unique Qualities: Include things that help you stand out against the crowd, such as volunteer work, board positions, language proficiency, and more. Make sure to also reference any certifications and licenses you hold as they help differentiate you from other candidates.
• Showcase Professional Development: Mention any relevant training or professional development courses you have completed.

Conclusion

Writing your own resume can be a real challenge. When writing your resume, it is important to share information accurately and correctly to ensure employers do not lose interest when they read it, which can be tricky for a lot of people. This is why so many people turn to a professional resume writer to help tell their story correctly. Using these 7 tips, you can help improve your resume and work towards a better job.