Crafting Your Career: Best Practices for Resume Writing

Master resume writing with these top tips! Tailor your resume, showcase achievements, and stand out in the competitive job market.

By: Allison Braund-Harris

21 Nov 2023

Your resume is often your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers. A well-crafted resume can open doors to exciting career opportunities, while a poorly structured one may close them. In this competitive job market, it’s crucial to master the art of resume writing. Let’s explore some best practices to ensure your resume stands out and effectively showcases your skills and experiences.

Want a shortcut to resume success?

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific position. This not only demonstrates your attention to detail but also increases your chances of catching the recruiter’s eye.

Create a Powerful Professional Summary

Your professional summary is the first thing recruiters see. Craft a concise and compelling summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. This section should provide a snapshot of who you are professionally and what you bring to the table.

Emphasize Achievements Over Responsibilities

Instead of listing job duties, focus on your accomplishments. Quantify your achievements wherever possible by using metrics and numbers. This gives recruiters a tangible sense of your impact in previous roles, making you a more attractive candidate.

Use Action Verbs and Be Specific

Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey a sense of proactivity. Be specific about your contributions and responsibilities, avoiding vague language. This adds clarity and paints a vivid picture of your capabilities.

Organize Your Resume Effectively

Arrange your resume in a clean and organized format. Use headings and subheadings to create a logical flow, making it easy for recruiters to scan your resume quickly. Consistent formatting, font, and bullet points contribute to a polished appearance.

Highlight Relevant Skills

Incorporate a dedicated skills section that aligns with the requirements of the job. Include both hard and soft skills, ensuring a well-rounded portrayal of your capabilities. Tailor this section for each application to emphasize the skills most applicable to the position.

Include Keywords from the Job Description

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To increase your chances of passing through this initial phase, incorporate keywords from the job description. This not only demonstrates your suitability for the role but also helps your resume get noticed by the ATS.

Provide a Clear Education Section

1. Clearly outline your educational background, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and graduation dates. If you have relevant certifications, list them here as well. Keep this section concise but informative.

Show Your Personality

While maintaining a professional tone, inject a bit of personality into your resume. This can be achieved through your professional summary, achievements, or a designated section for interests and hobbies. This helps you stand out and adds a human touch to your application.

Proofread Thoroughly

1. Typos and grammatical errors can leave a negative impression. Proofread your resume meticulously to ensure it is error-free. Consider asking a friend or mentor to review it as well, gaining valuable feedback and catching any oversights.