The ability to step out of your comfort zone and take calculated risks demonstrates courage. Courage is necessary to explore your potential and hone your skills, even if the risks are high.
Showcase your work history by highlighting your most relevant positions and accomplishments. Include quantifiable numbers like revenue, retention rates or growth.
1. Focus on Relevance
The most important part of any resume is describing your work experience. When writing this section, highlight the most significant accomplishments from your previous jobs. For example, if the job description mentions the importance of meeting sales quotas, include details about your ability to exceed these goals. Check on the internet for one of the best resume examples to pick the one that meets your requirements.
Similarly, if the job description mentions the need for strong communication skills, include details about your ability to lead meetings and presentations. Make sure that your work experience section includes all relevant positions, including any freelance or volunteer roles.
2. Highlight Your Achievements
When writing about your accomplishments, emphasize how you’ve gone above and beyond to deliver exceptional results. Hiring managers want to see that you have got a track record of success in previous roles and can bring the same level of performance to their organization.
Highlight your awards and recognition. These can be listed in a separate section on your resume or incorporated into the professional summary, education, or work experience sections.
When describing your professional triumphs, be sure to use action verbs like “increased,” “oversaw,” and “exceeded.” You should also provide measurable metrics whenever possible—it’s more impressive to say that you “cut client costs” than simply “cut client costs.”
3. Make It Easy to Read
A well-written resume will be easy to read. Limit the amount of bold or italicized text, and use consistent font styles, sizes, and alignments. Ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors and consider having a friend or family member read it for you to catch any missed mistakes.
Your professional experience should be the bulk of your resume. Keep this section focused on the positions you’ve held that are most relevant to the position for which you are applying and prioritize the roles that demonstrate your strongest skills and qualifications.
4. Keep It Short
Keeping your resume to one-page forces you to prioritize information that is most relevant to the job. This is especially important if your resume is being scanned by a computer program.
Make sure your education section is clear and concise and highlight a few key accomplishments. It’s also a good idea to incorporate some of the keywords from the job description into this section.
For junior-level professionals, consider leaving out the professional summary and immediately focusing on their initial jobs, key accomplishments, and education. Focusing on what’s relevant to the position shows you’re serious about moving up the career ladder.
5. Make It Personal
A career elevation is not always easy. It takes hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. But it is a rewarding journey, especially when you see the positive impact of your efforts.
A strong resume starts with a professional summary at the top of the page. This helps hiring managers quickly understand your career path and expertise.
Finally, include any relevant skills and education you have, such as foreign language fluency or a particular software application. This section can also help differentiate you from other candidates.