How to Build a GOOD & STRONG Resume!

Creating a strong CV is a critical first step in getting your ideal job. Frequently, a resume serves as a prospective employer's initial point of contact with you, and a strong one can separate you from other applicants. This is a step-by-step tutorial to help you write a resume that successfully highlights your abilities, experiences, and credentials while maintaining a professional appearance.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of a Resume

A resume serves as a marketing tool to highlight your skills to possible employers. It's a strategic record that showcases your abilities and experiences pertinent to the job you're going for, not merely a rundown of your previous employment. Your resume should be tailored to your target audience, keeping in mind that your objective is to showcase yourself as the most qualified applicant.

Step 2: Choose the Right Resume Format

Resume templates come in three primary varieties: combination, chronological, and functional.

• On a chronological resume, your employment history is listed from your most recent position down in reverse chronological order. If your job history is solid and fits your professional objectives, this format is perfect for you.

• Functional resumes emphasise abilities over previous employment. If you wish to prioritise your abilities above job titles, are changing jobs, or have gaps in your employment history, this approach might be helpful.

• Combination resumes combine the best features of functional and chronological resume styles, emphasising pertinent experience and qualifications together with a job history in chronological order.

Pick the format that best shows your skills and fits the position you're looking for.

Step 3: Create a Good Header

A clean, professional header at the top of your resume should contain your full name, contact information (phone and email), LinkedIn profile, and, if applicable, your website. Make sure your email address is appropriate for a professional setting; ideally, it combines your first and last name.

Step 4: Come Up With a Compelling Summary or Objective

This is your chance to establish a good first impression in the summary or objective section. For experienced candidates, a resume summary is ideal since it provides a concise overview of your main accomplishments and credentials.

Since it outlines your professional objectives and how you might benefit the organisation, a resume objective is more suited for entry-level employees or those resuming their careers.

Step 5: List Down Your Work Experiences in Detail

Listing down your work experience is essential since this shows your employer you’re experience to take on the job! Also, make sure what you’re listing down is relevant to the job you’re applying for. For instance, if you’re applying for a job at a clinic as a nurse, make sure to list down medicine work experience-centred ones. 

Using reverse chronological order, your significant job history should be highlighted in this part (whether you are using the chronological or combination style). Include the following for every position:

• Title of Job

• Name and Address of the Company

• Dates of Employment

• Principal Tasks and Achievements

Step 6: Highlight Your Skills and Abilities

Emphasise the abilities and experience that set you apart from other candidates in your skills section to improve it. Make sure your list of soft skills (interpersonal qualities) and hard skills (technical proficiencies) is well-balanced and properly related to the job description.

This strategy demonstrates your versatility and suitability for the position. Organise these talents into bullet points for simpler reading and to help recruiters rapidly evaluate your qualifications.

Step 7: Include Your Education and Certifications

List the schools you attended, the degrees you have received, and the dates of your graduation. You might wish to put this part before your job experience if you're a recent graduate. Include any licences or qualifications that are important to the position you are looking for as well.

Step 8: Add Additional Sections 

Now this one is optional. You might prefer to add more parts, like the following, depending on your experience and the position you're applying for.

• Volunteer Experience: Emphasise any voluntary activity you've done that relates to the job.

• Professional affiliations: These should include participation in pertinent trade associations.

• Honours and Awards: Highlight any accolades that attest to your accomplishments.

• List any languages you are fluent in, particularly if they are necessary for the position.

Step 9: Proofread and Edit After

Grammatical or typographical issues on a resume might provide the wrong impression. Check your resume carefully for errors, and think about having a friend or mentor look it over as well. For a professional appearance, consistency in formatting, font style, and size is also crucial.

Take away

It takes thoughtful planning, close attention to detail, and a clear grasp of what employers are searching for to create a decent and effective resume. You can put up an impressive CV that highlights your skills and improves your chances of getting an interview. Keep in mind that your resume is a live document, so be sure to update it as you acquire new knowledge and abilities.