How to Create a Strong Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Create a Strong Resume

10 Steps to Build a Strong Resume that Stands Out

Are you struggling to create a resume for yourself? Are you unsure about where to start or how to write a flawless resume that gets noticed? We have everything covered.

Get ready to craft a resume that not only looks compelling but also highlights your strengths and skills in the best way possible. Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, so it needs to be professional, clear, and impactful.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right resume format to using powerful keywords.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a strong resume that stands out from the competition.

How to write a good resume step by step?

●     Step 1: Choose the Right Format

●     Step 2: Start with a Strong Header

●     Step 3: Craft a Compelling Summary

●     Step 4: List Your Work Experience

●     Step 5: Highlight Your Skills

●     Step 6: Mention Your Educational Background

●     Step 7: Add Certifications & Professional Development

●     Step 8: Consider Adding a Projects Section

●    Step 9: Proofread and Edit

●    Step 10: Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

 

Step 1: Choose the Right Format

Strong Resume format

 

Choosing the right resume format is the first step. Chronological, functional, and combination are the three main types of resume formats you can choose from.

  1. Chronological: In this format, your work experience will be listed in reverse chronological order. If you have maintained a consistent work history, this format is ideal for you.
  2. Functional: This resume format focuses on your skills and experience rather than employment history. If you have gaps in employment or have a history of changing careers, this resume format is suitable for you.
  3. Combination: This format merges both chronological and functional formats and is perfect for highlighting relevant skills and a solid work history.

Try to choose the format that best suits your background and the job you’re applying for. Once you choose the right format, you can make use of popular resume building apps such as Canva, Resume Builder, etc. With a variety of in-built resume templates and layouts, these applications will make your task much easier.

Step 2: Start with a Strong Header

Your resume header should include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Ensure that your email address is a professional one. For example, use firstname.lastname@gmail.com instead of a nickname or casual names.

Step 3: Craft a Compelling Summary

Hiring managers quickly glance at resumes before deciding which ones to read in detail. Hence, it is important to make a strong impression at first glance by including a short summary of your key strengths and experience level.

The resume summary or objective statement should be a brief paragraph at the top of your resume that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Remember to craft this section according to the specific job you’re applying for, emphasizing how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the role.

Specific, measurable achievements are far more convincing and likely to make a strong impression than general statements.

Example of a summary:

Compelling Summary

“A results-oriented marketing expert with more than six years of development and campaign management expertise. a track record of boosting consumer interaction, content traffic by 30%, and digital marketing for websites. Seeking to leverage expertise to contribute to ABC company’s growth.”

Step 4: List Your Work Experience

Start with your most recent job and list your work experience in reverse chronological order.

For each position, include the following details:

  • Job Title
  • Company Name
  • Location (City, State)
  • Dates of Employment (Month/Year)
  • Bullet Points Describing Your Responsibilities and Achievements

Use action verbs and add numbers to highlight your accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying “Responsible for managing a team,” you could say “Led a team of 15, boosting sales by 15%.”

Step 5: Highlight Your Skills

Create a skills section that highlights both hard and soft skills relevant to the job you are applying. Hard skills are specific, teachable abilities such as proficiency in software, languages, or technical know-how. Soft skills are personal attributes like communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

Example:

  • Hard Skills: SEO, Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Suite, Data Analysis
  • Soft Skills: Leadership, Communication, Time Management, Critical Thinking

Step 6: Mention Your Educational Background

Mention your educational history, including your diploma, master’s degree, or bachelor’s degree, the names of the schools you attended, and the year you graduated. You may choose to list this area above your work experience if you are a recent graduate. You can also include any relevant coursework, honors, or extracurricular activities that showcase your qualifications.

Example:

  • Bachelor Business Administration (BBA)
  • ABC University, City, State
  • Graduated: May 2020
  • Relevant Coursework: Marketing Principles, Business Ethics, Principles of Management

Step 7: Add Certifications and Professional Development

You can also include any certifications, licenses, or professional development courses that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated in your field.

For Example:

  • Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)
  • Google Analytics Certification
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Step 8: Consider Adding a Projects Section

If you’ve worked on significant projects that are relevant to the current job you are applying for, consider adding a projects section. This is particularly useful for those in fields like IT, marketing, or engineering.

Example:

  • Project: Website Redesign for ABC Company
  • Role: Project Manager
  • Description: Led a team to redesign the company’s website, resulting in a 25% increase in user engagement and a 15% boost in conversion rates.

Step 9: Proofread and Edit

Carefully proofread your resume to catch any spelling or grammatical errors. Make use of online tools like “Grammarly” or Hemingway to catch errors. Consider getting your resume reviewed by a mentor or a colleague as well. An error-free and well-crafted resume reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

Step 10: Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

Finally, and most importantly, customize your resume for each job application. Use keywords from the job description, and ensure that your experiences and skills align with the requirements of the role. This increases the chances of your resume passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS) and catching the recruiter’s attention.

Conclusion

Creating a strong resume is a step-by-step process that involves careful planning and attention to detail.

By choosing the right format, crafting a compelling summary, highlighting relevant experiences, and tailoring your resume for each job, you can create a powerful document that showcases your qualifications and sets you apart from the competition.

Don’t forget, your resume is your personal marketing tool—make it shine! Good luck!

 

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