How to Build a Resume?
With Basics and Writing tips!
In this blog, we will see how to build a one-page Resume. First we will start with the basics, then on things to take care of and end with some writing tips.
What is a resume? — Formal Definition
A resume is a written compilation of your education, work experience, credentials, and accomplishments.
Most professional positions require applicants to submit a resume as part of the application process.
Keeping the formal definition aside, treat a resume as a first impression on the person or the computer evaluating you for the position.
It is the key to getting that shortlist for the interview.
First things first…
Plan in what sense?
Take a piece of paper or a plain word document and write anything and everything you have done in school, college, and work, be it an internship or professional job. Collect all the certificates you have gathered over the years and write them down.
After knowing yourself:
- Research application requirements
- Shape your skills and experiences around the requirements
Basics
Take a CV template from google docs or word, make sure that it should be
- Simple
- Consistent
- Structured
The font size should be 10–12 and it should be professional font style e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman
Sample Sections
- Education
- Experience
- Academic Projects / Projects
- Extra Curricular Activities
- Skills
- Position of Responsibility
- Certifications
- Achievements
In each section, follow reverse chronological order.
Make sure to! Now what not to do…
- Avoid grammatical errors and misspellings
- Avoid too much text or details
- Do not use any logos or images
- Never use different font styles
- Avoid Jargon, abbreviations, and ‘texting’ language
- No to too many colors
- Never Show skills on a graph
- Don’t Include references
- NEVER LIE
- Do not provide personal information such as marital status, religious affiliation, political views, etc.
- Never save your resume as an Image — First level of screening is often done using software and if its unable to read any text from your resume you are out my friend!
Writing tips
Use action words:
Your best friends are active verbs, and your worst enemies are passive verbs.
Refer this website for best resume verbs to use!
Do not say:
I was responsible for organizing a program of speakers.
Do say:
I organized a program of speakers.
Use active verbs linked to skills that the employer/university is looking for
Do not say:
Simplification of the logging procedure resulted in speedier progress chasing of faults.
Do say:
I simplified the logging procedure, which resulted in speedier progress in chasing faults.
Avoid weak verbs such as:
Endeavored, tried, hoped, and attempted
Often used: “I feel that I am.”
→ it can sound too weak
Your cv is about you!
Do not use:
‘we organized a conference….’
Do use:
‘I organized a conference….’
Use “I” less, Bold and Underline
Because you are writing about yourself, you will use the words ‘I’ and ‘me’ more frequently. Try to reduce them!
To emphasize the importance of specific skills or achievements, make the words bold or underline them. Abbreviations are allowed when it’s clear what it stands for.
Show the impact of your responsibilities and results
The structure of the sentence should be What-How-Impact
Do not say:
“Producing financial reports and reviewing spending.”
Do say:
“Produced financial reports and reviewed spending using excel, Resulting in a $10k annual saving.”
I hope this helps you get your dream job and if it does do drop me a note.
If you want me to help you build your resume reach out to me on my LinkedIn!
