How to Write a Resume

Crafting a strong resume can be daunting, especially when you're trying to make a lasting impression on potential employers. But once you understand a few key principles, it becomes a lot easier. Let's break down some steps that will help you create a resume that stands out in the job market.

Setting the Foundation: Know Your Purpose

Before you put pen to paper—or fingers to keyboard—it's crucial to know what you're aiming for. A resume isn't just a list of jobs; it's a strategic document that showcases your skills, experiences, and achievements in a way that aligns with the job you're applying for. Think of it as your personal marketing tool. So, before you start, ask yourself: What story am I trying to tell?

Tailoring to the Job

Here's a secret: one size does not fit all. Employers are looking for candidates who seem like a perfect fit for their specific needs. So, when you’re writing your resume, tailor it to match the job description. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. For instance, if the job requires strong analytical skills, make sure your resume highlights your experience in data analysis or problem-solving.

• Research the Company: Understand their values, mission, and the specific skills they prioritize.
• Highlight Relevant Skills: If a job requires proficiency in a certain software or technique, make sure it’s prominently featured in your resume.
• Use Keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Use keywords from the job description to improve your chances of getting through this initial filter.

Structuring Your Resume

A cluttered resume can be as off-putting as one that's too sparse. Striking the right balance is essential. A clear, well-structured resume makes it easy for employers to find the information they need.

• Choose a Format: There are several formats to choose from, but the most common are chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological format lists your work experience in reverse order, starting with your most recent position. The functional format focuses on skills and experience rather than work history. The combination format blends elements from both.

• Be Consistent: Use consistent formatting for headings, font size, and spacing. It helps create a professional appearance and makes your resume easier to read.

• Prioritize Information: Put the most important information first. This usually means starting with your name and contact information at the top, followed by a summary or objective, work experience, education, and skills.

Here's a quick example of how a section of your resume might look:

**Professional Experience**

Marketing Manager
ABC Corporation, New York, NY
January 2019 – Present
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that increased customer engagement by 30%.
- Led a team of 10 in creating and launching a new product line, resulting in a 20% increase in revenue.

Crafting a Powerful Summary or Objective

A resume summary or objective is like your elevator pitch. It gives recruiters a quick snapshot of who you are and what you bring to the table. Even though it’s just a few sentences long, it can make a big difference in how your resume is perceived.

Summary vs. Objective

Not sure whether to write a summary or an objective? Here’s a simple way to decide:

• Use a Summary if you have several years of experience in your field. A summary highlights your career achievements and skills.

• Use an Objective if you’re just starting or changing careers. An objective outlines your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the role.

Writing a Strong Summary

Your summary should be concise yet informative. Focus on your key achievements and skills that are relevant to the job. Here’s how you might write one:

Dynamic marketing professional with over 5 years of experience in digital marketing and brand management. Proven track record of increasing brand awareness by 50% through innovative campaigns. Seeking to leverage expertise in marketing strategy at XYZ Corp.

Crafting a Compelling Objective

If you're opting for an objective, keep it short and sweet. Clearly state your career goals and how they align with the company’s objectives. Here’s an example:

Recent college graduate with a degree in Business Administration seeking to apply my expertise in marketing at a forward-thinking company like XYZ Corp. Eager to contribute to the team with fresh ideas and a strong work ethic.

Highlighting Your Work Experience

Your work experience section is the heart of your resume. This is where you can really demonstrate your suitability for the role you’re applying for.

Be Specific

When listing your work experience, be specific about your roles and responsibilities. Use bullet points to make this section easy to read. Each bullet point should start with a strong action verb and highlight a specific achievement or responsibility. Quantify your achievements whenever possible—numbers stand out and provide concrete evidence of your successes.

• Examples of Strong Action Verbs: Led, managed, developed, implemented, increased, improved, negotiated, created, etc.

• Quantify Achievements: Instead of saying "Responsible for improving sales," say "Increased sales by 20% through targeted marketing campaigns."

Here's a sample entry:

**Sales Associate**
XYZ Retail, Boston, MA
March 2017 – December 2019
- Increased sales by 15% within one year by implementing upselling techniques.
- Trained and mentored 5 new employees, enhancing their customer service skills.

Tailor for Relevance

Remember to tailor your work experience to the job you’re applying for. If you have a lot of experience, you don’t need to list every job you’ve ever had. Focus on the roles that are most relevant to the position.

Showcasing Your Skills

The skills section of your resume is your chance to highlight the abilities that make you a great fit for the job. It should be tailored to each application, just like your work experience.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Employers look for a mix of hard and soft skills. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities you’ve acquired through education or work experience, like coding or data analysis. Soft skills are more about your personality and how you interact with others, like communication and teamwork.

• Hard Skills: These might include proficiency in software applications, languages, or technical skills specific to your industry.

• Soft Skills: These could be leadership, time management, or conflict resolution.

When listing your skills, try to integrate them into your job descriptions. This provides context and demonstrates how you’ve applied these skills in real-world situations.

Examples of Skills Section

Here's how you might structure your skills section:

**Skills**
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Fluent in Spanish and French

Education and Certifications

Your education section is particularly important if you're just starting your career. If you have significant work experience, this section might be shorter.

What to Include

• Degree and Major: Include the name of the degree you earned and your major.

• School Name and Location: List the full name of the institution and where it's located.

• Graduation Date: Including the month and year is typically enough.

• GPA: If it’s above 3.5, it can be a good idea to include it.

• Certifications: If you have any relevant certifications, list them here as well. Certifications can be a great way to demonstrate additional skills or specializations.

Example of an Education Section

**Education**
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Graduated: May 2020
GPA: 3.8

**Certifications**
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Adding Additional Sections

If you’ve got more to showcase, consider adding additional sections to your resume. These can help paint a fuller picture of who you are.

Volunteer Experience

If you have volunteer experience that is relevant to the job, this can be a great addition to your resume. Volunteer work can demonstrate skills like leadership, teamwork, and communication.

• Example: "Coordinated a team of 20 volunteers to organize a community fundraiser that raised over $10,000 for local schools."

Projects

If you’ve worked on any significant projects—whether at work, during school, or on your own—consider including them. Projects can demonstrate your initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Example: "Developed a mobile app that connects local businesses with freelancers. Managed a team of five developers and launched the app within six months."

Hobbies and Interests

While not always necessary, including hobbies and interests can help show a bit more of your personality. Just make sure they’re relevant to the job or showcase skills that would be beneficial.

• Example: "Avid rock climber, demonstrating strong problem-solving and perseverance."

Formatting and Presentation

Looks matter—at least when it comes to resumes. A polished, professional appearance can make your resume stand out.

Keep It Clean and Simple

• Use a Professional Font: Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri are good choices. Avoid overly stylized fonts that can be hard to read.

• Stick to Black and White: While a touch of color can help your resume stand out, it's best to keep it minimal and professional, especially in more traditional industries.

• Use White Space: Don’t cram too much information onto one page. Use white space to make your resume easy to read.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

A single typo can send the wrong message. Before you send out your resume, make sure to proofread it carefully. It’s also a good idea to have a friend or family member take a look—they might catch something you missed.

Digital Considerations

• Save as PDF: When you’re ready to send your resume, save it as a PDF to preserve formatting.

• Name Your File: Use a clear and professional file name, like "Jane_Doe_Resume.pdf."

Using Spell to Create Your Resume

If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, remember that you're not alone. I can help you write your resume faster and more effectively. With Spell, you can generate personalized resumes tailored to specific job descriptions and create cover letters that sound confident and professional. No templates or jargon required.

Final Thoughts

Writing a resume might seem like a lot of work, but it's an investment in your future. By taking the time to tailor your resume to each job, you can make a strong impression on potential employers. And remember, Spell is here to help you create a professional, polished resume that stands out from the competition. With a bit of effort and the right tools, you can put your best foot forward in your job search.