How to Make a Perfect Resume
Many people would love to know how to make a perfect resume, but are unsure if this is even possible on their own. Although the definition of "perfect" may be debatable and may even depend on the specific industry, learning some general tips will make it possible to create a resume that gets noticed and lands you the job.
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Instructions
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View sample resumes for your desired career. Examining a wide variety will help you get a better idea of the type of formats and wording most appropriate for your field.
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Select the appropriate paper. Quality resume paper is essential. The paper should be thick and look professional. Resume paper with matching envelopes may also be something to consider.
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Decide on a resume format. Popular format choices include chronological, functional/skills-based, or a combination. A chronological format is best if education and work experience are your strong points. If you do not have much experience or education for the job you are applying for, consider a functional/skills-based format instead as it will highlight your skills. If you believe your skills, education, and work experience are all strengths, a combination format may be best. It may also be a good idea to talk to professionals in your desired field to determine which resume format is most popular in that industry.
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Write the resume. Obviously, the details will depend on which resume format you pick and your own unique background, but there are a few important things to keep in mind. It is essential that you "sell" yourself as much as possible. Instead of blandly listing your responsibilities or skills, clearly show your contributions and accomplishments. Use action words as much as possible to make your resume pop.
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Make it look nice. After you have written out all the necessary content, arrange the information so that it can be read quickly and easily. Make sure to include plenty of white space, use an easy-to-read font, make it symmetrical and have your name and contact information stand out in some way.
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Proofread your resume multiple times. Not only should you go through your resume several times yourself for any spelling or grammar mistakes, but also give it to several family members or friends for their feedback as well. Sometimes they may catch errors you miss, and having even one mistake could cost you the job.
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Customize your resume for each position. Take just a minute or two to tweak your resume to include some specific keywords or phrasing from the job posting. For example, if the posting says the company is seeking someone with attention to detail, see if you can find a way to incorporate that phrase into your resume.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure that you have an electronic version of your resume available at all times. It's usually best if your electronic version is free of fancy formatting and saved as a plain text file.
Although it's important to sell yourself on your resume, avoid exaggeration or being dishonest.
