In today’s challenging job market, competition for any given position can be fierce, resulting in a deluge of resumes flooding employers’ inboxes.
So, how can you ensure that your resume rises to the top and captures the attention of hiring managers?
For many, seeking guidance on crafting a standout resume is a necessary step. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, describing your professional experience and skills can be daunting.
This may be particularly true if you have limited experience with resume writing. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks available to help guide you through the process of creating a professional and eye-catching resume.
In this article, we will provide practical advice on how to write a winning professional resume that highlights your unique qualifications and expertise. We will explore the essential components of a winning professional resume.
We will also discuss how to customize your professional resume for different job applications.
Continue reading,
Best Practices for Creating a Professional Resume that Gets Noticed
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Where to Find the Best Professional Resume Templates and Layouts
There are a number of ways to find quality professional resume layouts and templates that will allow you to create the perfect resume.
The best resume layout examples can be found in the following sources:
1. Google and Other Search Engines
You can search “professional resume layouts” or “resume templates” or any other similar combination until you find something you like.
2. Scribd.Com
Find samples of various professional resumes for different careers and get some great tips on creating a professional looking resume.
3. Google Images
Can provide you with a quick look at different looks for your resume.
There are more than 6 million resumes in Google Images. You’re sure to get the idea of what your resume should look like.
4. MS Word Templates: resume layouts for Microsoft word
Microsoft offers tons of different resume templates. All you need to do is place your information in the appropriate area and you’ll have a great-looking resume in no time. These templates are free and available for different versions of Word.
5. Professional Resume Writing Services
Yet another option to ensure the layout of your resume is professional and presented in the best possible manner.
These companies can create your resume for you.
Some also sell templates and a few offers free templates.
All resumes should contain:
- Name and contact information.
- Position applying for
- Summary of your relevant skills and qualifications
- Areas of expertise
- Your career history
- Professional experience
- Education, certifications, and affiliations
The Importance of Targeting Your Resume and Only Applying for Relevant Jobs
Want a professional resume format? It begins with a targeted resume.
Gone are the days of one resume for all your job applications.
It’s important to target your resume to that it highlights your relevant experience for the job you are applying for. It takes more time to create such a resume but it’s definitely worth it!
1.) How to Create a Targeted Resume
When you target your resume, you should begin by utilizing the keyword that is used in the job posting and work it through your resume.
Work with your basic resume and then customize to focus on the most relevant experience and qualifications.
2.) Only Apply for Jobs You are Qualified for
75% of applications an employer receives are not qualified for the job, and never make it to the interview stage.
Instead, put your energy into presenting the best possible resume for jobs you have the qualifications and experience for.
3.) Include Your LinkedIn Profile on Your Resume
Many recruiters utilize LinkedIn when they are searching for candidates.
Take some time to research the terminology and keywords industry recruiters are most likely to use when they search then make sure you incorporate them in your specialty section, and your summary. Make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your resume.
4.) Summary Applicable Highlights
One way to keep your resume very focused is to have a summary at the top of your resume that highlights your experiences and qualifications that are specifically relevant to the position you are applying for.
This spotlight makes it easy for the hiring manager to see at a glance you fit the necessary profile and as a result, your resume is much more likely to be looked at in detail.
18 Tips to Make Your Professional Resume Stand Out
Here are some easy tips to dramatically improve your resume layout and create a professional resume – The dos and don’ts of professional resume writing:
- Use Titles and Headings – they are an effective way of creating sections that are easy to follow.
- Highlight your Best Skills and strengths – Your resume should be organized so as to focus on your strengths.
- Resume Fonts – Choose San Serif (Modern) or Serif (Traditional) fonts for your resume depending on where you are applying.
- Qualification first – Make sure your resume is laid out in an easy-to-read manner that highlights your qualifications and relevant skills at the top using a drill down effect.
- Effectiveness- It is more important that your resume layout is effective over nice.
- Any detail counts – Pay attention to your details.
- Consistency – Be consistent and always present the information on your resume the same.
- Look and feel – Your resume should be visually appealing.
- Printing – For the highest quality print your resume on a laser printer and never photocopy.
- Leave a noticeable margin top, bottom, and on both sides.
- Use spacing between sections so that it makes it easy to differentiate between sections.
- Make sure your headings are consistent in size and font.
- You need to divide your resume into sections according to employment, skills, etc.
- Never use more than one font type.
- Don’t use fancy fonts to make your resume look original.
- One page is optimum, two pages is maximum.
- Get a friend to carefully edit your resume to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with the look of your resume.
Should you Use Professional Resume Stock Phrases?
Absolutely! Employers often search for specific resume keywords and using relevant stock phrases can help your resume get noticed.
However, simply copying and pasting whole chunks of words is not recommended. There are many synonyms in the English language that you can use to personalize stock phrases and make your resume stand out.
Effective Resume Skills and Key Phrases
Here are some examples of effective resume skills and key phrases:
- Productive and energetic: Equally enthusiastic and efficient with both individual and teamwork.
- Effective under pressure: Significant experience working with strict deadlines and urgent projects.
- Polished presentation: Proper self-presentation and excellent communication skills.
- Enthusiastic and hard-working: Always ready to exceed expectations and work around the clock if necessary. Always looking for projects that require commitment and offer a challenge.
- Computer skills: Expertise in managing databases, web tools and internet, and proficiency with MS Office.
- Computational skills: Proficiency in accounting and financial management.
- Problem solving: Ability to identify problems, provide solutions, and use reasoning abilities.
- Team player: Ability to work effectively with others towards a common goal.
- Communication skills: Excellent listening, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Management and leadership skills: Ability to inspire, supervise, and delegate tasks.
Keep in mind that using stock phrases alone will not be enough to impress a potential employer.
It’s important to weave these phrases into descriptions of your real personal characteristics, work tendencies that relate to specific professional environments, and accomplishments. This will show your experience and how it relates to the position description.
Using professional stock phrases will add volume to your resume and may even help inspire your own ideas.