How to Create the Perfect Resume

Secure an interview with an effective resume.

A strong resume does more than tell prospective employers about your work history. An effective resume will demonstrate the results of your efforts and illustrate how your skills will bring the prospective employer success. Customizing your resume for each job opening will help you stand out and bring you closer to landing the job you seek.

Instructions

1. Read the job description carefully. Make a list of the keywords the employer uses, abilities and qualifications the organization seeks. For example, if the employer is looking for a candidate who is organized, punctual and detailed oriented, you'll want to use the same words in your resume. Many companies use keywords to filter resumes. Including those keywords will help get your resume through the filter and to a real person.

2. Create a list of accomplishments that fit the job description. When listing these accomplishments, don't just think about your previous employment experiences. Think about volunteer experience, team activities and roles with professional organizations.

3. Write your resume. Include an objective statement that highlights the type of job you seek, a previous employment section, an education section and a skills section. For the previous employer section, list only your most recent three or four jobs.

4. Use verbs that convey action: Created, managed, implemented and coordinated are examples. Include concrete examples, such as you assisted with implementation of a new program that increased sales by 40 percent over a four-month period.

5. Solicit the help of a colleague, friend or family member to proofread your resume. This will help you avoid embarrassing typographical errors that might push your resume to the bottom of the stack. Double-check your contact information for accuracy. An employer who likes your resume can't contact you if your phone number is incorrect or your email address contains a typo.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't include common phrases such as "responsibilities included." This phrase is overused and won't make your resume stand out. Also, avoid using long paragraphs, which make it harder for hiring managers to read your resume quickly.

• If you have limited work experience, you can highlight other relevant accomplishments to demonstrate your qualifications. For example, perhaps you volunteered at a hospital during college summer vacations, which allowed you to hone your organization skills.

References

• College Board: Resume Writing 101
• Job Center of Wisconsin: Resume Writing -- A Basic Guide
• Purdue University: What is an Action Verb?
• Ball State University: How to Write a Good Resume

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• University of California Berkeley: Resume and Letter Writing