Crafting a resume that stands out from the crowd is a crucial step in landing your dream job. In today’s competitive job market, it’s not just about listing your experiences and education; it’s about presenting them in a way that makes you irresistible to employers. The following 36 resume tips are designed to help you do just that—get you hired.
1. Tailor Your Resume for the Job
Customize your resume for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job description. This demonstrates to the employer that you’ve read the job posting carefully and understand what they’re looking for.
2. Use a Professional Format
Choose a clean, professional layout. Stick to easy-to-read fonts and ensure that your layout is visually appealing and organized. A cluttered resume can make it difficult for employers to find important information.
3. Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To ensure your resume gets through these systems, use relevant keywords from the job description and avoid using images or complex formatting.
4. Start with a Compelling Summary
Begin your resume with a brief summary that highlights your most relevant qualifications, skills, and achievements. This section should capture the employer’s attention and make them want to read more.
5. Highlight Your Achievements
Rather than simply listing job duties, focus on your accomplishments in each position. Use specific examples and quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact.
6. Use Action Words
Start bullet points with action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” or “increased” to make your resume more dynamic and impactful.
7. Include Relevant Keywords
Scan the job description for important skills and keywords, and incorporate them into your resume. This makes your application more relevant to both ATS and the hiring manager.
8. Focus on Relevant Experience
Only include experiences that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Irrelevant positions can distract from your qualifications for the role.
9. Keep It Concise
Limit your resume to one or two pages. Be concise and focus on the information that is most relevant and impressive.
10. Proofread Thoroughly
Grammatical errors or typos can make a bad impression. Proofread your resume several times and consider having someone else review it as well.
11. Use Numbers to Demonstrate Impact
Wherever possible, quantify your achievements with numbers. This could include percentages, dollar amounts, or other figures that demonstrate the impact of your work.
12. Include a Skills Section
Create a separate skills section to highlight relevant skills. This can include both technical skills and soft skills that are pertinent to the job.
13. Highlight Education and Certifications
List your educational background and any certifications that are relevant to the job. If you have a degree related to the position, make sure it’s prominently displayed.
14. Use Bullet Points for Clarity
Organize your experiences into bullet points rather than paragraphs. This makes your resume easier to scan and helps key information stand out.
15. Show Career Progression
If you’ve been promoted or taken on more responsibilities in your roles, make sure this is clear on your resume. It demonstrates your growth and capability.
16. Include Volunteer Work
If you have volunteer experiences relevant to the job, include them. This can demonstrate your commitment to the community and additional skills.
17. Customize Your LinkedIn Profile
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and aligns with your resume. Many employers check LinkedIn as part of the hiring process.
18. Use Professional Contact Information
Use a professional email address and ensure your contact information is correct and up-to-date.
19. Avoid Using First Person Pronouns
Avoid using “I,” “me,” or “my” in your resume. It’s more professional to eliminate these pronouns and start sentences with action verbs.
20. Include Professional Associations
Membership in professional associations can demonstrate your commitment to your career and your ongoing learning.
21. List Relevant Courses
If you’ve taken courses that are directly relevant to the job, list them in your education section.
22. Use a Cover Letter to Tell Your Story
A cover letter gives you the opportunity to explain your experiences and qualifications in more detail and show why you’re the best candidate for the job.
23. Address Employment Gaps
If you have gaps in your employment, be prepared to explain them in a positive way, focusing on how you used the time productively.
24. Highlight Technical Proficiency
For jobs that require technical skills, make sure your proficiency in relevant software or tools is clearly listed.
25. Show You’re a Cultural Fit
Research the company’s culture and values, and highlight experiences or qualities that show you’re a good fit.
26. Be Honest
Never lie on your resume. It’s important to be honest about your experiences and qualifications.
27. Use a PDF Format
Submit your resume in PDF format to ensure that the formatting remains consistent across different computers.
28. Prioritize Important Information
Put the most important and relevant information toward the top of your resume, where it’s more likely to be seen.
29. Use a Professional Email Address
If your current email address is informal or outdated, create a new one that uses your first and last name.
30. Avoid Clichés
Steer clear of overused phrases like “hard worker” or “team player.” Instead, demonstrate these qualities through specific examples.
31. Explain Transitions Between Fields
If you’re changing fields, highlight transferable skills and explain how your previous experiences are relevant to the new role.
32. Include Internships
If you’re early in your career, include internships that are relevant to the job. They can demonstrate your commitment and experience.
33. Highlight Language Skills
If you’re fluent in languages other than English, include this information. Language skills can be a significant asset in many roles.
34. Use Color Sparingly
If you choose to use color on your resume, do so sparingly and choose a professional color scheme that enhances readability.
35. Include a Portfolio Link
If you work in a creative field, include a link to your online portfolio.
36. Stay Updated
Resume trends and employer preferences can change. Stay updated on best practices to ensure your resume remains effective.
By following these 36 resume tips, you’ll create a resume that not only showcases your skills and experiences but also grabs the attention of hiring managers and helps you take the next step in your career. Remember, a well-crafted resume is your ticket to landing interviews and, ultimately, the job you’ve been aiming for.
Sample Resume
John Smith
john.smith@email.com
(123) 456-7890 | LinkedIn Profile
Certifications
- CompTIA A+ Certification
- Microsoft Certified: Windows 10
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (In Progress)
Technical Skills
- Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Software: Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace
- Hardware: PC assembly, diagnostics, and repair
- Networking: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, LAN/WAN
- Tools: Active Directory, Help Desk support software, Remote desktop support
Summary
Dedicated IT Support Specialist with over 4 years of experience in fast-paced tech environments. Expert in providing user support, managing system updates, and troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Known for exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate complex technical information in an understandable manner. Seeking to leverage technical expertise and customer service skills at [Company Name] to enhance IT operations and user satisfaction.
Professional Experience
IT Support Specialist
Tech Solutions Inc., Chicago, IL
July 2018 – Present
- Provide end-to-end technical support for over 200 users, ensuring optimal system performance and minimal downtime.
- Spearheaded the migration of company data to a new cloud-based storage solution, improving data accessibility and security.
- Developed and maintained documentation for system troubleshooting and maintenance procedures, reducing problem resolution time by 25%.
- Conducted regular training sessions for staff on cybersecurity best practices, contributing to a 40% reduction in user-related security incidents.
- Managed inventory of IT equipment and software licenses, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.
Junior IT Support Technician
GreenTech Innovations, Austin, TX
May 2016 – June 2018
- Assisted in the setup and configuration of new systems and networks for small business clients, enhancing their operational efficiency.
- Provided timely remote and on-site technical assistance, resolving issues related to software, hardware, and networking.
- Contributed to the development of an internal knowledge base to improve support processes and knowledge sharing among the team.
- Monitored system performance and participated in the implementation of updates and patches to ensure the security and efficiency of IT infrastructure.
Education
Associate Degree in Information Technology
Austin Community College, Austin, TX
September 2014 – May 2016
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