Spencer Lanoue
Writing a business resume can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle without a picture on the box. You know your skills and experiences. Now it's about arranging them to catch the eye of a hiring manager. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to create a resume that showcases your strengths and gets you noticed.
Start with a Strong Summary
A resume summary is your elevator pitch. It's a brief paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your most relevant skills and experiences. Think of it as a preview of what's to come. A well-crafted summary can grab attention and set the tone for the rest of your resume.
When writing your summary, focus on what makes you unique. Maybe you've managed a team of twenty, or perhaps you've increased sales by 30% in a previous role. Whatever it is, make sure it aligns with the job you're applying for.
Summary:
Dynamic business professional with over five years of experience in project management and team leadership. Proven track record of successfully implementing efficiency improvements, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity. Seeking to leverage expertise in strategic planning and team development with [Company Name].
Your summary should be concise—no more than three to four sentences—and tailored to each position. This means you'll need to tweak it for different jobs, but a little effort here can make a big difference.
Detail Your Work Experience
Next up is your work experience section. This is where you prove your value through past achievements. List your jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent. For each role, include the company name, your job title, and the dates you were employed.
When describing your responsibilities, focus on achievements rather than duties. Use action verbs and quantify results wherever possible. This turns a bland list of tasks into a compelling narrative of your professional journey.
Experience:
Project Manager, XYZ Corporation, June 2018 - Present
- Led a team of 15 in executing a $2 million project, completed two months ahead of schedule and 10% under budget.
- Developed and implemented a new inventory system, reducing waste by 30% and saving $150,000 annually.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline operations, increasing efficiency by 25%.
Notice how each bullet point starts with a strong action verb and includes specific numbers? This approach makes your achievements measurable and easy to understand.
Highlight Your Skills
The skills section is your opportunity to showcase what you bring to the table beyond job titles and dates. Here, list skills that are both relevant to the job and reflective of your strengths. Balance technical skills—like proficiency in Microsoft Excel or familiarity with CRM systems—with soft skills, such as communication or leadership abilities.
Skills:
- Project management and strategic planning
- Leadership and team development
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and CRM software
- Excellent verbal and written communication
Tailor your skills list to the job description. If the employer is looking for someone with experience in agile project management, and you’ve got it, make sure that's front and center.
Don’t Forget Your Education
Education sections on resumes can vary greatly depending on where you are in your career. If you're a recent graduate, this section might take up more space. For seasoned professionals, it can be a simple line or two.
Include your degree(s), the institution where you earned them, and your graduation date. If you graduated with honors or had a standout GPA, include that too. For fields where certifications are important, like IT or healthcare, list those here as well.
Education:
Bachelor of Business Administration, University of Anytown, May 2015
- Graduated with honors, GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Relevant coursework: Financial Management, Strategic Marketing
Keep this section straightforward. The focus should be on the credentials that support your work experience and skills.
Include Relevant Certifications
Certifications can sometimes be the cherry on top of a well-rounded resume. They show that you’ve gone the extra mile to gain knowledge in your field. If you have certifications relevant to the job you're applying for, list them clearly on your resume.
Certifications:
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Six Sigma Green Belt
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Make sure to include the certifying organization and the date you received the certification. This information can be crucial for roles that require specific qualifications.
Tailor Each Resume for the Job
One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is using the same resume for every job application. While it may save time upfront, it’s not the most effective approach. Tailoring your resume to each job shows employers that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
Adjust your summary, experience descriptions, and skills to align with the job posting. Use the same language as the job description when possible, as many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes for specific keywords.
For example, if a job listing emphasizes "leadership in a fast-paced environment," and you’ve led teams under similar conditions, highlight that experience.
Proofread for Perfection
Typos and grammatical errors can quickly undermine an otherwise stellar resume. Proofreading is essential. Read through your resume multiple times, and consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you might overlook.
Additionally, tools like Spell can be invaluable at this stage. It helps you refine your writing, ensuring clarity and professionalism while spotting errors you might miss.
Keep It Concise
Your resume should ideally be one page, especially if you have less than ten years of experience. If you're more experienced, two pages are acceptable, but be ruthless in cutting unnecessary content. Focus on what’s most relevant and impactful to the job you’re applying for.
To keep your resume concise:
- Use bullet points to break up text and make it easier to skim.
- Prioritize content that aligns with the job description.
- Avoid using personal pronouns and complete sentences—short, impactful statements work best.
Remember, your resume isn’t an autobiography. It’s a snapshot of your professional life, designed to make a strong first impression.
Design Matters
While content is king, the design of your resume shouldn't be an afterthought. A clean, professional layout can make your resume easier to read and aesthetically pleasing.
Here are some design tips:
- Stick to standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman for readability.
- Use black text on a white background for a classic, professional look.
- Utilize bold text or larger font sizes to differentiate sections and headings.
- Ensure there’s plenty of white space to prevent the document from feeling cluttered.
Consider using templates from word processing software if design isn’t your forte. Just be sure to customize them enough to reflect your unique professional brand.
Final Thoughts
Crafting a business resume requires attention to detail and a focus on what makes you stand out. By tailoring your resume to each role, highlighting your achievements, and presenting your information clearly, you’ll increase your chances of landing interviews. And if you need a little help along the way, Spell can streamline your writing process, making it easier to create polished, professional documents.
