The job market in 2023 is as competitive as ever. Employers receive hundreds of resumes for each open position, and it’s essential to make yours stand out from the crowd. Crafting a winning resume is a skill that takes time, effort, and attention to detail. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about writing a resume that will land you an interview in 2023.
1. Understand the Purpose of a Resume
Before you start writing your resume, it’s essential to understand its purpose. A resume is a marketing tool that sells your skills, experience, and accomplishments to potential employers. The purpose of a resume is to get an interview, not to land a job. Keep this in mind when crafting your resume.
2. Choose the Right Format
There are three main types of resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological format is the most common and lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. The functional format focuses on your skills and achievements and is ideal for job seekers who are changing careers. The combination format is a mix of the chronological and functional formats and is suitable for job seekers with a diverse skill set. Choose the format that best suits your skills and experience.
3. Tailor Your Resume to the Job
One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for by using keywords from the job posting, highlighting relevant skills and experience, and showcasing achievements that align with the job requirements. This will show the employer that you’re a good fit for the position.
4. Use Strong Action Verbs
Use strong action verbs to describe your achievements and responsibilities in previous jobs. Action verbs like “managed,” “led,” “created,” and “achieved” convey a sense of accomplishment and responsibility. Avoid using weak verbs like “assisted” and “helped.”
5. Quantify Your Achievements
Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages whenever possible. For example, instead of saying “increased sales,” say “increased sales by 20%.” This shows the employer the impact you’ve had in previous positions.
6. Keep it Concise
Keep your resume concise and to the point. Most employers spend only a few seconds scanning each resume, so make sure yours is easy to read and highlights your most relevant skills and experience. A one-page resume is ideal, but if you have extensive experience, a two-page resume is acceptable.
7. Proofread and Edit
Proofread and edit your resume carefully before submitting it. Spelling and grammatical errors can harm your chances of getting an interview. Use spell check and have someone else read your resume to catch any mistakes you may have missed.
8. Use a Professional Email Address
Use a professional email address on your resume. Avoid using email addresses that are unprofessional or inappropriate, such as “hotstuff69@gmail.com” or “partygirl@yahoo.com.”
9. Include Relevant Contact Information
Include relevant contact information on your resume, such as your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure this information is up-to-date and easy to find.
10. Don’t Include Irrelevant Information
Don’t include irrelevant information on your resume, such as hobbies, interests, or personal information. Stick to information that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.
11. Use a Consistent Format
Use a consistent format throughout your resume. Use the same font, spacing, and style for each section of your resume. This makes it easy for the employer to read and shows attention to detail.
12. Use Keywords
Use keywords from the job posting in your resume. Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for keywords before they’re even seen by a human. Using keywords from the job posting can help your resume get past the ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter.
13. Showcase Your Achievements
Showcase your achievements on your resume. Use bullet points to highlight accomplishments that demonstrate your skills and experience. For example, instead of saying “managed a team,” say “managed a team of 10 and increased productivity by 25%.”
14. Include a Professional Summary
Include a professional summary at the top of your resume. This is a brief statement that summarizes your skills and experience and shows the employer why you’re a good fit for the job. Keep it concise and to the point.
15. Use a Professional Tone
Use a professional tone throughout your resume. Avoid using slang, jargon, or overly casual language. Keep in mind that your resume is a professional document that showcases your skills and experience.
16. List Education and Certifications
List your education and certifications on your resume. Include the name of the institution, the degree or certification earned, and the date of graduation. If you’re a recent graduate, include relevant coursework and extracurricular activities.
17. Highlight Your Soft Skills
Highlight your soft skills on your resume. Soft skills are personal attributes that enable you to work well with others, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These skills are just as important as technical skills and can set you apart from other job applicants.
18. Get Feedback
Get feedback on your resume from someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, or career advisor. Ask them to read your resume and provide constructive feedback on how to improve it.
19. Customize Your Cover Letter
Customize your cover letter for each job you apply for. Use the job posting to highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to the job. This shows the employer that you’re serious about the job and have taken the time to tailor your application.
20. Follow Up
Follow up after submitting your application. This could be a phone call or email to the employer to express your interest in the job and ask for an update on the hiring process. This shows the employer that you’re proactive and eager to land the job.
Bottom Line
Writing a winning resume is a skill that takes time and effort. By following these tips, you can craft a resume that showcases your skills and experience and sets you apart from other job applicants. Remember to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, use keywords from the job posting, and highlight your achievements and soft skills. With a well-crafted resume and a little bit of luck, you’ll be on your way to landing your dream job in 2023.