How to Create a Resume and Sample Formats For a Resume
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A well-written resume can make you stand out from those other job seekers. This is why knowing how to create a resume in an organized and captivating way is important. Your potential employer is likely to fall in love with you just by going through your resume. You know what they say, first impression matters. In this case, your first impression is your resume. This post will show you how to create a resume and also provides some sample formats for a resume.
What is a resume
A resume is a written compilation of your job history, achievements, education, skills and other credentials.
So, back to our task on how to create a resume that will stand out. Follow the tips below to create a compelling resume:
1. Start by choosing the right format for a resume
The first thing to bear in mind when you want to create a resume is to find a way to organize it. Make sure it follows a pattern.
There are 3 patterns or formats of a resume.
i. Chronological format
If you want to showcase a blossoming career, then you can consider using this format for a resume. It emphasizes your job history and experience.
Chronological format of resume is mostly used by mid-level professionals who want to show a vertical career progression. Also, if you want to apply for a job in a similar field, this format is highly recommended.
So, what’s the chronological order?
If you are creating a resume with this format, you list your job experiences in the order in which they took place.
Here’s an example:
ii. Functional format for a resume
A functional format resume is used to highlight some of your relevant skills.
The functional resume format is best for people who are seeking a career change. If you’re also concerned about the quality of your previous job history, then you should consider this format for a resume.
Here’s an example:
iii. Combination format for a resume
Like the name suggests, this resume format helps you combine and present your relevant skills as well as your job experiences and achievements.
If you want to highlight your skills in a field, change your career path or present your expertise in a field, then you can consider using the combination format for a resume.
Here’s an example:
2. Include your personal details and contact in your resume
Once you’re done deciding what format you want to use to create a resume, start by writing your name at the top of the document. Then give out other relevant personal information like your contact.
Necessary information that you should add to a resume include;
• Name
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn URL; Your employers would want to spy on you.
• Personal website if you have one
Note:
• Leave your address out of your resume unless it is required for the job.
• Leave your date of birth out of your resume as well, unless asked. The hiring manager doesn’t need to know your age because it is not important in their decision making. Adding it could even lead to some sort of discrimination based on age.
• Also, one phone number is enough. This will help to avoid any form of confusion for both your potential employer and yourself.
• It is also important to pick the right kind of email address. Do away with your unofficial highschool email address like sexybee@mail.com, buba4real@mail.com, etc. Use official email address. Usually, it’s best to create an email account with your name as the address. For instance, kehindedetayo@gmail.com
3. Add your resume summary
Next to your personal details and information should be your resume summary.
Your resume summary gives the reader a brief of your experience, skills and history. So, it’s important to make it catchy since it’s at the top.
In writing your resume summary, however, your focus should be on your achievements and skills, not your daily tasks. In a case where you have no experience at all, probably because you are at an entry level or you are switching careers, highligh your transferrable skills. Also, avoid using the first-person singular when creating a resume.
Here’s an example:
In this case ABC is the company you are applying to.
Now, compare this example with this;
No doubt, the first resume summary is well written, even though they are both trying to pass across the same message.
4. List your relevant job experience and achievements in your resume
Let’s move on to the next item on the list; your job history and achievements. Remember, when using chronological format of resume, your emphasis is on your job history, but when using functional format, just a little description of your work experience should do.
To list your work experience, here’s a format you can follow:
• Job title/position
• Company name/location
• Achievements and responsibilities
• Date employed
When listing your achievements, consider these few points;
• When possible, use numbers to measure your impact.
E.g. Exceeded sales team KPIs by 20% for 4 months straight
• Use keywords from your job description.
E.g. Generated over $20,000 sales in one month
• Be brief. Don’t try to describe your role, just list your achievements.
5. Add your skills to a resume
Your skills should either highlight your expertise in your field or reveal some of the abilities that you’re likely to bring to this new job to help you succeed in the company. It all depends on the format you have chosen.
6. List your education in your resume
If you have limited work experience, then your education section of the resume should be valuable. Start with your most recent qualification. You can include awards and certifications.
7. Include other relevant information in your resume
Finally, if you have sufficient space left on your resume, you should consider adding relevant information like your interests and hobbies, languages that you speak, etc.
However, make sure that the interests or hobbies listed support your career goal. Also, make sure that they are relevant to your potential employer.
If you know how to create a resume, your chances of being rejected for job applications would be quite slim. Follow the tips above to improve your chances of getting the job you want or any other relevant position.