The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Stand-Out Resume

The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Stand-Out Resume

Before You Get Started

You have a recruiter or hiring manager’s attention for a small amount of time. It’s important that your resume quickly conveys the story you want to tell: My experience and skills make me the right person for the role.

Want to get set up successfully? Follow these steps:

1. Choose the right resume format.

Resumes are not one-size-fits-all. Take some time to think about what job, or jobs, you are interested in. The type of job and the industry will determine what skills or experience you should highlight in your resume.

Applying to multiple jobs? Customize accordingly. The style of resume you use will depend on where you are in your career – and where you want to go next.

So what resume format is best for you? Here’s a quick snapshot of the three most popular:

• Chronological – This is usually the go-to style for resumes. It starts off with your contact information then jumps into your work experience, with your most recent, or current, position listed first. It goes in reverse chronological order from there. Then, you can add education or any additional information, such as certificates or volunteer work.
  When to use: Great if you have a strong work history and are interested in continuing in the same line of work. Employers like this style because it’s really easy to see what someone’s experience.
• Functional – This type focuses more on skills than it does experience. Instead of jumping into your work history, functional resumes lead with a “Qualifications” or “Professional Summary” or “Accomplishments” section at the top. There, you will break down the skills or experience you have gained over your career.  At the bottom of the resume, you can include a concise list of your work experience.
  When to use: Have gaps in your resume or looking to get into a new field? A functional resume might be a good choice.
• Combination/Hybrid – This style of resume is a cross between chronological and functional and focuses equally on skills and work experience. The top of the resume will showcase your skills and accomplishments. Below that you will list your work history in reverse chronological order.
  When to use: This resume format is ideal in that you can show an employer what you bring to the table, but you’re sharing your employment history in an easy-to-read way.

2. Make sure your email address is professional and appropriate.

Having an email address on your resume is extremely important. Just as important is making sure it’s professional. It’s something that often gets overlooked by job seekers, but something that potential employers do notice.

Unsure if your email is professional or not? Have someone else read it aloud to you. Or simply imagine how you would feel having a hiring manager read it back to you. If you feel comfortable with that, you’re good to go. Not the case? An email with just your first and last name or initials is always a safe bet.

3. Consider not adding a mailing address.

Mailing addresses were included on resumes, once upon a time, because people used to have to physically mail their resumes to potential employers.

Nowadays, mailing addresses are unnecessary to include, as most communication is done online, and especially since you are providing other ways to get in touch with you, such as email and phone number.

It’s also worth noting that some employers may not consider you for a job, thinking that you live too far. How far you’re willing to commute should be entirely up to you.

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