How to Write an Engaging Resume
Do you need help writing a resume? If so, this is for you! Resumes are an important document that can make or break your chances of getting a job. It’s important to put in the time and effort when creating a good one, otherwise it may come across as unprofessional or lazy.
What is a resume?
A resume is a document that outlines your professional experience, education and skills to help you apply for jobs. It should be concise, professional and easy to read with a clear objective statement at the top of the page. It should be tailored for the position you are applying for.
Components of a resume
Name and Contact Information
It should be on the top of your resume. Mention your full name, LinkedIn profile, Instagram page and website along with phone number and email address.
Personal Statement
A personal statement is your elevator pitch spotlighting the attributes and skills that make you suitable for the job you are applying for. This should not be more than a few sentences long and it should be compelling enough to make the employer read through your resume.
Key Skills and Competencies
This section includes things like communication skills, teamwork, time management, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving and decision making skills. You can use a bullet list here.
Area of Expertise
Include a section that highlights your area of expertise. Use industry-specific terminology to show that you are knowledgeable about the field (i.e. relevant to the job you are applying for). Keep it short and concise.
Professional Registrations and Memberships
If you have any professional registrations or memberships, mention them and provide the date they were obtained.
Work Experience
Include your present and previous employment history in reverse chronological order along with a timeline. Mention your responsibilities for each job, again tailoring this for the job you are applying for.
Academic Qualifications
Include your education in reverse chronological order i.e. from most recent to oldest.
Relevant Training Courses
Mention all relevant training or courses you have taken along with their dates.
Achievements
In this section, mention all your achievements including certificates, awards, and publications.
Here’s a few points to keep in mind when crafting a good resume.
- Keep it concise
The resume is where you sell yourself. What makes you unique as an applicant? Mention the accomplishments you’re proudest of first so that you don’t lose a recruiter’s attention.
2. Include all relevant information
When writing your resume, be sure to include all relevant information. This includes your education, work experience and volunteer positions you may have held. Make sure to give links to your social media and website/blog, and try to use a professional-sounding email address.
Be honest about any gaps or periods and mention the reasons for having gaps.
3. Make sure your content is formatted properly
Formatting is very important. It’s not just about using a bullet point list or creating subheadings; ensure your font size and spacing are appropriate as well.
4. Always proofread and get rid of any typos or grammatical mistakes before sending your resume off
Avoid excessive repetition of words or phrases. Use easy-to-understand language and proper sentence formation.
And there you have it! Best of luck with your endeavours, and may the Force be with you.
