The Art of Creating a Killer Resume

Finding a job can be challenging. Even though the market has been improving over the past few years, it can still be tough to land employment in your sector. Unemployment rates in the U.S. are at almost 4%, which means that as a job seeker, you’re likely to face stiff competition when applying for an open position.

One of the best ways to sell yourself to a potential employer is by building a strong resume that will quickly snag the attention of hiring managers.

Here are some tips on how to jump-start your career with your first resume.

What are the Different Types of Resume?

Though it may seem trivial, the format of your resume can have an impact on how a potential employer might view it. Because hiring managers go through so many applications for each position, it’s essential that you make your resume memorable from the first glance. There are three styles of resume that are commonly used in the professional world.

Chronological: This type of resume focuses on the chronological order of your education and employment history by listing previous positions, starting with the most recent. While this is often ideal for employees with a strong work history, it may not be ideal for entry-level workers.

Functional: A functional resume is more concerned with skill sets than previous work experience. It lists your professional abilities in order from most relevant to least. This format is often a good choice for those with a limited work history, or whose professional experience is limited to school and volunteer work.

Combined: Can’t decide between a chronological and a functional resume? If so, you can merge the two formats to show off both your skills and your career progression without placing too much emphasis on one or the other. Just remember to keep things short, as it can be easy to go over a page or two with a combined resume.

What Information Should I Include?

When writing a resume, there’s certain information that you should always include. There are also a couple of tidbits that it’s best to leave out. Here’s what your resume should tell potential employers about your history:

• Your high school or college education level
• Previously held positions
• Awards and professional certifications
• A bit about your interests
• References from friends, family, and former colleagues
• Contact information

Your resume is your chance to make a good first impression on potential employers, especially when it comes to entry-level openings. You can outline your education, professional experience, and abilities in a way that’s appealing to hiring managers. With a strong resume, you can effectively showcase your skills and earn that interview that you’ve been vying for.

By Lucy Wyndham