While writing a resume can feel daunting, it’s an exciting opportunity to showcase your unique skills and experiences. Think of it as your marketing tool to highlight your achievements and tell your story to potential employers. The following guide will walk you through building a resume that captures your strengths, stands out from the crowd, and gets past the ATS. So, let’s dive in and turn your resume into a powerful asset in your job search journey!
What is the ATS?
The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that supports hiring teams throughout the recruiting process. When you apply for a job, one function of the ATS is to read through your resume to see if your work experience, skills, and other qualifications align with the job description. The ones that pass are stored for the recruiter and the ones that do not are rejected.
How to Build a Resume
1. Choose the Right Format
The format of your resume can significantly impact its readability and effectiveness. Here are three common formats:
- Chronological: Lists three to four work experiences in reverse chronological order. This resume type is ideal if you have a solid work history in the same field.
- Functional: Focuses on your skills rather than your work history. Use this resume type if you have gaps in employment or are changing careers.
- Combination: A mix of chronological and functional formats. This format balances your skills and detailed work history.
2. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description
The list of qualifications in the job description contains significant words that the ATS and recruiters want to see. These words are called keywords, and they can help your resume stand out from the rest. Customize your resume for each job application by incorporating keywords and phrases from the job description. It shows that you’ve read the job posting carefully and helps your resume pass through the ATS.
Example
If the job posting mentions “data analysis” and “financial modeling,” be sure to include those terms in your resume: “Utilized data analysis techniques and financial modeling to drive strategic decision-making and improve financial performance.”
3. Highlight Your Achievements
Your first instinct might be to list every task you were responsible for in each position. However, that list does not showcase your achievements or workflow processes. Rather than listing, consider your top achievements in your previous roles. Use quantifiable metrics whenever possible to demonstrate your success.
Example
Weak Bullet Point
“Responsible for interacting with customers through phone calls and setting up the customer online portal.”
Strong Bullet Point
“Implemented a new customer relationship management system that increased customer satisfaction scores by 20% and reduced response times by 30%.”
4. Use a Clean, Professional Design
A well-designed resume can make a significant difference. Use a clean, easy-to-read font like Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Garamond, Georgia, or Cambria. Avoid using different color fonts, as the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) will not always recognize colors.
Also, ensure plenty of white space and avoid cramming too much information on the page. Recruiters skim through resumes, only reading for about six to seven seconds. Bullet points and section headers can help organize information and make your resume showcase everything it needs to in that brief moment.
For professionals in the creative industry, a portfolio is the best place to showcase graphics, designs, and other creative projects. Resumes should follow a simple, clean format as the ATS can struggle to recognize graphics.
5. Keep It Concise
A resume should be no longer than one page long, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. Keep the work descriptions short and to the point. One tip is to start every bullet point or description with active verbs to set a persuasive tone. Plus, while AI can help you describe your tasks professionally, try not to rely solely on it to write your resume. Let your voice and personality shine through.
Example
“Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes, resulting in a 15% reduction in project turnaround time.”
6. Proofread and Download
Finally, ensure your resume is free of typos and grammatical errors. A polished, error-free resume reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. Then, download the resume as a docx. or pdf. and title it with your full name and title of the job.
What Not to Have on Your Resume
Some general rules of thumb for what to exclude on your resume include:
- A headshot
- Your full address
- Unrelated work experience
- Columns
- Career Objective
Applying for a job can take time, but these tips can take you to the top of the recruiter’s pile. Remember, you are not alone during your search. Show your resume to friends, mentors, or your professional network to help you make it the best it can be.
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