In the modern competitive job world, a resume is not a list of your work experiences, but your own marketing package. An effective resume will result in interview and employment opportunities whereas a poorly made resume may result in loss of other opportunities. In the article, we are going to take you through the key elements of a winning resume, with real-life examples and practical insights and research-based tips that will put you in better positions.

Learning about the Value of a Resume that Wins

A resume is your initial presentation to your prospective employers and this will either lead to the next phase of the recruitment process or not. A survey by Jobvite shows that 63 percent of recruiters mention that they review a resume within six seconds or less and then decide whether to continue with an individual. This fact highlights the fact that a resume should not only be informative but also attractive to the eye and readable.

The Role of Keywords

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are now being utilised by many companies in the digital era to filter resumes even before human hands come into the picture. These systems search for certain keywords concerning the job description. So, it is imperative to incorporate pertinent keywords in your resume to make sure that you make it through the first round.

How to make a Good Resume Layout.

Resume format is also important in the way information is conveyed and received. A good resume style must be professional and simple to use.

Choose the Right Structure

Some of the typical resume formats are:

• Chronological: It is the oldest format where the work experience is given in reverse chronological order. It suits individuals with a good work background in a certain profession.

• Functions: The format places greater focus on skills and experience and not on chronological work history. It is helpful when one has a job gap or one has switched occupations.

• Combination: This format combines the chronological and the functional resumes as the name implies. It brings to emphasis on skills that are relevant and gives a graphic of your working timeline.

Keep It Concise

On average, a resume should be one page in case of early career professionals, it may take two pages in case of professionals with high experience. Get to the point; make sentences short, use bullets and make the description short. Strive to make effective statements that demonstrate your performance.

Composing an Interesting Introduction

It is your opportunity to impress with your first impression and that is the summary statement. This part must summarize what you are professionally and what you are going to offer at the table.

Showcase Your Value creation

Your resume should start by having a powerful summary that should capture your skills, experiences, and career goals in two or three sentences. This statement must be in line with the job you are applying for and what makes you a unique candidate.

Expert Advice: According to career expert, Dr. Amy Johnson, your summary should act as a hook that will attract the reader to read. You should highlight your strengths and the reasons why you are a valuable employee to have on the team.

• Example Summary: Result oriented marketing professional with more than five years of experience in digital marketing and brand management. Successful history in growing online presence by 40% using creative campaigns. Searching to capitalize on specialisation in a difficult marketing manager position.

Impressioning with Work Experience

The work experience section is where you give details about your professional background. Make this information presentable in such a manner that highlights your achievements instead of merely highlighting your responsibilities.

Action Verbs and Achievements that can be measured

Begin every bullet point with the sentence and use a powerful action verb and where possible include and specify an outcome. This strategy can help not only to visualize your duties, but also emphasize the consequences of your work.

Example Bullet Points:

• Designed and executed a social media campaign that grew the number of followers 30 percent in six months.

• Led a group of five to complete an effective product launch which led to a 25 percent sales growth.

It is through this kind of presentation of your achievements that you are able to present tangible evidence of what you are able to do.

Education and Appropriate Certifications

Your education section must encompass the highest level of education, institution and the date of graduation. In case you have any pertinent certification or licenses, then make sure to add them also.

Bring to light Relevant Coursework or Projects

In recent graduates or those with few working experience, include the pertinent coursework, projects, or honors. This knowledge can help show the proficiency and passion about your area.

Example Education Section

Baccalaureate in Marketing.

 University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

 Graduated: June 2020

Relevant Coursework Digital Marketing Strategies, Consumer Behavior, Marketing Analytics.

Skills Section: Adapting to the Job Description.

The skills aspect of your resume is essential in showing the qualifications of someone at a glance. In this part, one is supposed to adjust it according to the competencies provided in the job description.

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Bring on board a combination of both hard skills (specific and teachable skills) and soft skills (personal qualities). Indicatively, when the position demands that one needs to know how to operate a certain software, you should make sure that you put that as part of hard skills.

Example Skills Section:

• Hard Skills: Google analytics, SE optimization, Adobe creative suite.

• Soft Skills: Excellent Communication, Collaboration on a team, Problem-solving.

• The Last Strokes: Formatting and Proofreading.

After getting everything in order, it is time to address the details. A formatted resume is more readable and professional.

Consistent Formatting

Use the same fonting and style in your resume. Break up sections by using header and sub header. One of the standard fonts is Arial or Calibri with a size of 10-12.

Proofread for Errors

Grammatical and spelling mistakes may make the wrong impression. Spend time proofreading your resume. It is always good to ask your friend or refer to online support such as Grammarly to identify the errors that you may have overlooked.

Conclusion

It takes strategy and thought to build a winning resume. With the correct format, a catchy summary, the presentation of your work experience, and adjusting the content to the job description, you will be able to come up with a resume that will draw the attention of employers. Also keep in mind, your resume is your individual marketing tool, make sure to take the time and make it spectacular, this way you increase your chances of getting that desired interview.