Resume Writing Tips, Tools, and FAQs

Resume writing is both an art and a science. While creativity can add life and color to your resume, following a proven method can help you gain a competitive edge and stand out from the crowd. Below are essential and effective resume writing tips that can help you land your dream job. Plus, we listed useful tools and frequently asked questions that can help you start building a winning resume.

Effective Resume Writing Tips

In hiring and recruitment, it’s not always about who has the most colorful resume or has the longest work experience. Often, it’s about who has the strongest profile with a captivating narrative that sells the person’s qualifications and aligns closely with the company’s needs and culture.

Below are some effective resume writing tips to help you stand out from the crowd.

1. Tailor your resume to the job. Avoid sending out a generic resume to multiple employers. As a best practice, customize your resume for each job application. To show that you’re a perfect fit, highlight experience and skills that are directly relevant to a specific job position.
2. Use a clean and professional layout. Forget fancy fonts and colorful graphs. Stick with a simple and clean layout that provides focus on key headings, essential content, and a clear structure. This makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly scan and find the information they need.
3. Quantify achievements whenever possible. As much as you can, add numbers to your achievements. For instance, “Increased sales by 30%” or “Managed a team of 10 specialists.” Quantifiable achievements help demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
4. Include a professional summary. To give hiring managers a brief introduction about yourself, start with a short but meaty professional summary (sometimes called an Executive Summary) that outlines your key skills and career goals. This should be a concise pitch that grabs attention and makes a case for why you’re the best candidate.
5. Highlight your skills and competencies. Include a section dedicated to your skills, especially those that are transferable across various jobs. This is particularly important if you’re changing careers or industries. On a different section, you may also list your technical capabilities, as well as the tools you are most proficient in.
6. Keep your resume clear and concise. Aim for a maximum of two pages for your resume—one page if you have less than 10 years of experience. Be concise and only include information that is relevant to the job. Avoid including unnecessary personal details that do not pertain to the job, such as your marital status, religious affiliation, or Social Security number.
7. Use active and powerful verbs. Use action verbs like “achieved,” “designed,” “implemented,” and “led” to make your resume more dynamic and impactful.
8. Before sending it out, proofread your resume thoroughly. Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Make sure to review and proofread your resume multiple times before handing it over; you may also consider having someone else look at it to catch any mistakes you may have overlooked.

Useful Resume Tools

Do you want to create a winning resume but you don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you want to improve your outdated resume but you don’t know how.

Fortunately, there are several online tools designed to help you create a professional and appealing resume with ease. Whether you need help with formatting, choosing the right words, or tailoring your resume to specific job descriptions, these free online resources offer a range of templates to get you started.

1. Canva

Canva is an online graphics designer tool that offers a variety of customizable resume templates ranging from conservative to creative and suitable for many industries. It’s user-friendly, and editing is as easy as drag and drop.

2. Resume.com

Resume.com provides free resume templates that can be customized online. It also offers helpful tips and examples to guide you through the process of resume creation.

3. Zety Resume Builder

Zety offers a range of templates and a user-friendly interface. While some features are paid, it provides a basic online editor for free, which is quite comprehensive.

4. VisualCV

VisualCV allows you to choose from professionally designed resume templates and customize them. It includes helpful tips and a free PDF download for the basic version.

5. Google Docs

Google Docs offers several resume templates for free. Since it’s cloud-based, you can access your resume from anywhere and easily share it with others for feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions about Resume Writing

1. How long should my resume be?

Ideally, your resume should be one page if you have less than 10 years of experience and two pages if you have more. Keep it concise and relevant to the job you’re applying for.

2. Should I include a photo on my resume?

It’s best to avoid including a photo on your resume because it’s unnecessary and could potentially lead to discrimination. Unless it’s specifically requested or if you’re applying for a job where appearance is important, such as acting or modeling, then you should include a professional photo of yourself.

3. Is it necessary to customize my resume for each job application?

Yes, we highly recommend that you tailor your resume according to the job you are applying for. This will make you a good match for the position and can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview.

4. What is a functional resume and can I use it instead of a chronological one?

A functional resume emphasizes skills over work history. It can be useful if you’re changing careers or have gaps in your employment history. However, many employers prefer the chronological format because it clearly shows your work progression.

5. What should I do if I don’t have much work experience?

Focus on other relevant experiences like internships, volunteer work, or academic projects. Highlight your skills, coursework, and activities that demonstrate your capability and potential.

6. How often should I update my resume?

It’s a good idea to update your resume regularly. Review your resume once a year or whenever you gain new skills, experiences, or accomplishments. This ensures it’s ready to go when you find a job opportunity that interests you.

Increase Your Chances of a Callback with a Professionally Written Resume

Your resume is your ticket to your dream job. If you want to build a strong profile and advance through the hiring process, spend time creating an outstanding resume tailored to the position you are applying for. Focus on your key achievements, relevant work experiences, and skills. Remember, a well-written resume can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview and ultimately securing your dream job.

Let us help you advance through your career. Find more resume writing tips here. And once you have a winning resume, submit it here. You may also browse our open jobs to look for a position you are interested in. Let Sales Recruiters Chicago be your partner in your professional success.