In today’s fast-moving world, a job search can be difficult, but building a great resume doesn’t have to be. A resume is your first opportunity to introduce yourself as a strong candidate to potential employers. Along with a cover letter and any other screening questions in the application process, it is a crucial component in increasing your chances of being offered an interview. Here, we break down a few guidelines on building a resume that employers will notice.
What Is a Good Resume?
The best resume is one that is tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. Although it’s more time consuming to edit your resume for each application, it’s a good opportunity to consider the needs, values, and culture of each company you’re applying at. You can ask the questions:
- “What kind of individual is this employer searching for?”
- “What skills and experience can I bring to this role?”
Remember, employers are hoping for a streamlined hiring process just as much as job seekers. Clear communication and transparency are good places to start when forging a relationship with potential employers. If at any point in the hiring process you have concerns or questions, don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions.
What Is a Good Resume?
An applicant tracking system is software commonly used by employers to sort through applications, particularly if there is a large pool of applicants. ATS programs scan resumes and cover letters for relevant experience and skills by searching for targeted keywords, such as “Project Manager” or “AutoCAD Certified.” The good news is that these targeted keywords are often found within the job description. By matching language in your resume to the job listing, you ensure that employers and ATS software can easily distinguish you as a qualified candidate.
Formatting Your Resume
Although you may tweak your resume for each application, the template should generally stay the same. Prioritize clarity and readability, avoiding large graphics or fancy fonts, especially for online applications. If your relevant work involves images, you can include this in a portfolio or personal website to submit alongside the application. Always include correct contact information on your resume and use professional email handles.
Formatting Guidelines:
- 1 page
- Clear contact information
- Easy-to-read fonts
- No images or graphics
- Clear subheadings
- Bullet points when listing work descriptions
Listing Relevant Experience
Now for the main course of your resume – describing your past experience and what you can bring to the role. You’ll want to address your education, professional experience, and any relevant skills. When possible, list measurable achievements in past roles, such as:
- Implemented and operated new POS system, reducing customer wait time by 20%
- Supervised 4 projects per month, fulfilling 95% of client requests ahead of schedule
Achievements can measure workload and productivity, time management, financial earnings or savings, or leadership milestones. Action verbs, like “implemented” or “supervised,” increases the impact of your job tasks, and bullet points make the descriptions more readable. Depending on where you’re at in your career journey, the years of experience included on your resume may vary. Regardless of this, be sure to only include the most relevant information for the job you’re applying for. You can also add certifications, affiliations with professional organizations, or continuing education opportunities to add insight into your professional and personal growth.
Looking for additional guidance? There is a plethora of online templates and scanners that can help optimize your resume.
Meet the Author
Tory Irmeger, BA, English
Tory Irmeger graduated from Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing. While at Lee, Tory served as head of copy for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua. Since joining CMC Publications as editor, Tory has led ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
