What’s the best way to arrange your resume?
When you are in the job market, you have to look for any advantage you can get. One way to stand out from the rest is through your resume.
A resume is the first step to getting a job, and you need to know how to best create one. And a crucial element of your resume is its arrangement.
Everyone’s CV is different, but there are standard ways to structure your resume to ensure it impresses. Read on for some quick tips on how best to structure your resume.
Contact information
The first part of your resume should contain your contact information. Start with your name and try to make it unique. Adding some color to the text or a larger font may make it stand out. You want the reader to remember this part.
Take a look at example resumes to see what might suit you best. You can find resume examples for any job here to evaluate various styles. You should also include your contact information (your phone number and email address).
You may also choose to include links to your account on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn. Depending on the job you are applying for, it may also be helpful to input your physical address (city and state).
Summary
Your summary should follow the contact information in your resume. Your summary is a brief paragraph telling the reader why you would be perfect for the job. It is typically two to four statements selling your candidacy for the position.
You should use your summary to showcase your best skills and most impressive achievements. Always tailor this section to the specific role you are applying for. Let the employer know how you can benefit them.
Your summary has the potential to make or break your resume, so spend some time getting this part right.
Work experience or history
Your work history is one of the most crucial aspects of your resume. Ensure you include the name of your most recent and relevant employers, the positions you held, and how long you worked there. Start with the most recent post you held and work backwards.
Also add any projects you finished or accomplishments from each position. Include any numbers or statistics that prove your accomplishments – don’t just say “I increased sales”, instead specific “I increased sales by 20% in a year”. Ensure your employment dates are clear and accurate.
It is recommended to focus on the jobs that match the skill set of the position you are applying for, particularly if you have limited space.
Education
The next section of your resume should include your academic qualifications. Start with the highest qualification and proceed to the least important in order. Include the name of every educational institution alongside the qualification, stating the course you did, the level you attained, and the completion date.
Include any notable achievements, for example, being the valedictorian. It is recommended to skip high school if you have completed higher education courses.
However, include any certifications you may have earned, including short and online courses, especially those related to the open job position. It is best to keep the education section short.
Skills
You may also wish to include a section about your skills. In this section add any strengths or competencies that are valuable and are related to your job or career.
Job titles and academic qualifications may not accurately depict all of your skills, hence the need for a skills section. Your skills section will depend on the nature of the role you are applying for. In some positions, you may choose to list your technical skills, while general skills may suffice in others.
The structure of a resume will make it easier for employers to read, and find the information they are looking for, so it is vital to organize it properly to give you the best chance of getting the job. So take the time and care to get your resume right, ensure it meets the expected guidelines for structure and style, and tailor it for every application.
Photo by Jason Goodman
