A strong resume is your ticket to getting noticed by potential employers. It’s your first impression, and it needs to capture the attention of hiring managers within the first few seconds. Crafting a killer resume involves more than just listing your experience and skills—it’s about presenting your qualifications in a way that makes you stand out from the competition. Below are 10 essential things you should include in your resume to make it truly impressive.
1. Contact Information
Your contact information is the first thing employers need to know. It should be easy to find and up to date. Include your full name, phone number, email address, and a link to your LinkedIn profile or professional website if applicable. Avoid using informal email addresses (e.g., funnyname123@example.com), and ensure that your voicemail greeting sounds professional in case employers try to reach you.
2. Resume Summary or Objective
A resume summary or objective gives employers an overview of your qualifications, career goals, and what you bring to the table. The resume summary is a brief section at the top of your resume that highlights your skills, experience, and achievements in 2-3 sentences. A strong summary will grab the reader’s attention and give them a reason to continue reading. On the other hand, if you’re just starting out in your career, an objective statement may be a better option, focusing on your career goals and what you want to achieve in your next role.
3. Professional Experience
The work experience section is arguably the most important part of your resume. List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, with your most recent position at the top. For each role, include the company name, job title, location, and dates of employment. Under each position, provide bullet points outlining your key responsibilities and achievements. Focus on quantifiable accomplishments—such as “increased sales by 20%” or “managed a team of 10”—to show the impact you had in your previous roles.
Make sure to tailor your experience to the job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position, and avoid including irrelevant job duties that don’t add value to the role you’re seeking.
4. Key Skills
Employers want to know that you have the technical and soft skills needed for the job. Include a list of your key skills—both hard and soft. Hard skills are the specific, teachable abilities related to the job, such as proficiency in software programs, coding languages, or project management tools. Soft skills, on the other hand, are personal attributes like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Tailor this section to match the skills listed in the job description to increase your chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
5. Education
While your work experience might take center stage, your educational background is also important, especially if you’re early in your career. Include the name of the institutions where you studied, the degrees you’ve earned, and any relevant certifications or honors. If you graduated recently, you can also include your GPA (if it’s impressive). If your degree is not directly related to the job you’re applying for, you can leave this section shorter or emphasize relevant coursework and projects instead.
6. Certifications and Licenses
If your industry requires specific certifications or licenses, make sure to include them on your resume. This could include anything from a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification to a Google Analytics certification. Certifications show that you’re committed to your professional development and have the knowledge necessary to succeed in your field. Include the certification title, the institution or governing body that issued it, and the date of completion.
7. Achievements and Awards
Awards and accolades add credibility to your resume and can set you apart from other candidates. Include any recognitions or honors you’ve received throughout your career, whether they are related to work performance, academic achievements, or extracurricular activities. Highlight awards like “Employee of the Month” or any accolades from professional organizations that demonstrate your competence and dedication to excellence.
8. Volunteer Experience
Many employers value volunteer experience as it demonstrates a candidate’s commitment to their community and the ability to work in diverse environments. If you’ve done any volunteer work, especially if it’s related to the job you’re applying for, be sure to include it on your resume. Include the organization name, role, and dates of service, and describe your duties and the skills you gained.
9. Projects
If you’ve worked on significant projects—whether professionally, academically, or independently—add a section for projects. This is especially important for those in creative or technical fields like design, development, or marketing. Briefly describe the project, your role, and the results achieved. Projects allow you to showcase specific skills and demonstrate how you can apply them in real-world situations.
10. Professional Affiliations
Being a member of professional organizations can demonstrate your commitment to your industry and your ongoing efforts to stay informed and network with peers. List any memberships you have with professional groups, associations, or networks that are relevant to the job. For example, membership in the American Marketing Association (AMA) or the National Society of Engineers (NSE) can be beneficial to highlight.
Bonus Tips:
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Keep it concise: Your resume should ideally be one page, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. If you have more experience, two pages can be acceptable, but avoid going beyond that.
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Use action verbs: Start your bullet points with powerful action verbs like “managed,” “created,” “improved,” or “led” to make your experience sound more impactful.
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Proofread: A resume with spelling or grammatical errors will quickly get tossed aside. Take time to proofread your resume or ask a friend to review it.
Conclusion
A killer resume is all about showcasing your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements in a clear and professional manner. By including these 10 essential elements, you’ll create a resume that grabs the attention of hiring managers and sets you up for success in your job search. Remember, your resume should tell your unique story, demonstrating how you’re the perfect fit for the position you’re applying for.
