What Are the Best Tips for Writing a Resume and How Do I Build a Strong Resume?

Building a strong resume is one of the most essential steps in securing your next job. Whether you’re applying for your first job or making a career switch, having a resume that stands out is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Employers often receive hundreds of applications for a single position, so it’s important to present a resume that highlights your skills and experience in a clear and concise manner.

In this article, we will break down the best tips for writing a resume and discuss how you can build a strong, effective resume that grabs attention and gets you through the door.

1. Start with a Strong Header

Your resume’s header should clearly communicate your personal information. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). It’s critical to make your name stand out at the top of the page with a larger font size to ensure that it’s the first thing the hiring manager sees.

Additionally, avoid including unnecessary personal details such as your home address unless requested. Instead, focus on the information that allows recruiters to contact you easily.

2. Craft a Compelling Summary

The summary section at the top of your resume should give a snapshot of who you are as a professional. This is your chance to provide a brief overview of your skills, experience, and professional goals. Write it in a way that highlights how you can add value to the company you are applying to.

An ideal resume summary should:

• Be 2-3 sentences long.
• Focus on your key strengths and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.
• Be tailored to each specific job application.

For example:
“Experienced marketing specialist with 5+ years in digital marketing and content strategy. Proven success in driving traffic and increasing conversions through data-driven campaigns. Looking to leverage my skills at [Company Name].”

3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

One of the most effective tips for building a strong resume is to tailor it for each job application. Generic resumes don’t stand out. Review the job description carefully and adjust your resume to highlight the skills and experiences that align with the role.

For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role that requires knowledge of social media, make sure your experience with platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram is prominently displayed. By tailoring your resume, you can ensure it speaks directly to the needs of the employer.

4. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

While it’s important to include your job responsibilities, focusing on your achievements can make your resume much stronger. Employers want to see results, not just a list of tasks. Use bullet points to highlight the key accomplishments in each role.

For example, instead of:

• “Managed social media accounts.”

Write:

• “Increased social media engagement by 40% over six months by implementing targeted content strategies.”

Quantifiable achievements are much more powerful than vague statements and will set you apart from other candidates.

5. Use Keywords from the Job Posting

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. To ensure your resume gets past this stage, include relevant keywords from the job posting in your resume. These keywords often relate to specific skills, experiences, or tools mentioned in the job listing.

For example, if a job description mentions proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, SEO, and team management, make sure these exact terms are included in your resume (assuming they apply to you). Doing this will increase the chances of your resume being seen by the hiring manager.

6. Keep It Clean and Professional

A clean, professional design is critical for making a good impression. Use a simple, easy-to-read font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep the font size between 10-12 points. Avoid using multiple colors or decorative fonts, as these can be distracting.

Use consistent formatting, such as bold for section headings and bullet points for accomplishments. Ensure that there’s enough white space to make the resume readable and visually appealing.

7. List Relevant Skills

Your skills section is a great place to showcase your hard and soft skills. Hard skills include specific technical knowledge or abilities, such as proficiency in Microsoft Excel, project management, or data analysis. Soft skills refer to interpersonal abilities such as communication, leadership, and teamwork.

When listing your skills, consider dividing them into categories such as:

• Technical Skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency).
• Communication Skills (e.g., public speaking, report writing).
• Leadership Skills (e.g., team management, strategic planning).

Remember, you want to focus on skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Customizing this section based on the job posting can increase your chances of getting noticed.

8. Showcase Your Work Experience

Your work experience is a critical section of your resume. List your jobs in reverse-chronological order, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include:

• Company name and location
• Job title
• Dates of employment
• A bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements

As mentioned earlier, focus on results and use numbers whenever possible to illustrate your accomplishments. This makes it easier for potential employers to understand the impact you had in your previous roles.

9. Include Education and Certifications

If your education or certifications are relevant to the job, make sure they are easy to find. List your highest degree first, followed by the institution name, location, and graduation date. If you are currently pursuing a degree, include an expected completion date.

You can also list professional certifications here, such as:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Google Analytics Certification
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

These certifications can help you stand out, especially if they are specifically mentioned in the job posting.

10. Proofread and Edit

A resume with spelling or grammar mistakes can quickly disqualify you from consideration. Before submitting your resume, take the time to proofread it carefully. Look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and formatting. You can also use tools like Grammarly or ask a friend to review it for you.

In addition to checking for errors, ensure your resume is concise and easy to read. Keep it to one page unless you have extensive experience.