How to Write the Perfect Resume

You’re qualified for the job and you know your skillset is just what employers are looking for. But before you apply, make sure you know how to market yourself. There are dozens of other potential candidates so you need to stand out! A well-designed resume that’s neatly organized and packed with action verbs can help you make a lasting impression. If your resume is lacking luster, here’s what you should do to present your qualifications in a way that’ll put you above the competition.

Set yourself apart

Resumes are an essential part of the job search. While they may not be the most exciting to create, they’re crucial. It’s important to write and design a resume that will stand out. After all, job hunting is like a competition. You’re trying to relay that you’re the best candidate for the job through your resume.

Follow these tips when creating your resume.

• Design matters. Just like you’d dress-up for an interview you need to make sure your resume looks presentable, too. You want to catch the hiring manager’s eye, so stand out! Set yourself apart with an aesthetically pleasing design that uses white space, a splash of color, and doesn’t make your resume look clunky and text heavy. If you need some inspiration check out these designs. But, remember not to go overboard with your design. Avoid busy detail and clashing of colors.
• Put critical information first. You don’t want to make hiring managers search for what they need. Make sure your contact information is easily found and don’t forget to include a personal profile or summary. Here, you should explain your area of expertise and really sell yourself.
• Share your experience. You need to show you have the experience needed to succeed. List the companies you worked for, the dates you worked there, and include details surrounding your position and your accomplishments while employed.
• You have the smarts. Show off your education! Share where you studied, when you graduated, the degree or certificate you earned, and any academic accomplishments that really stand out.
• A little bit of extra stuff. If you volunteer, coach a sports team, or maybe you’re a board member, list it! Responsibilities outside of work show that you’re driven and dedicated.

Remember, your resume shouldn’t exceed one page. Keep it neat, organized, and concise while also highlighting what’s important.

Show off your skills

You have a lot of skills and you want to show them off, but some skills are more important than others. Highlight the competencies you have been taught to perform, what are traditionally called hard skills. It may help to make a list of the training you received either in your field of study or on the job. For example, a Medical Billing and Coding specialist should list their ICD-10-CM coding skills. A Pharmacy Technician should list their knowledge of sterile and nonsterile compounding. Employers want to see hard skills, or skills that are teachable, on your resume. Other examples of hard skills to include are if speak another language, have a certification, or computer programming skills.

Soft skills are equally as important. Employers are seeking candidates who communicate well, have a positive attitude, and possess problem-solving skills. You can convey that you have all of these skills in your resume by having well-written descriptions, giving concrete evidence in your job experience that you often solve problems, and by using positive words like “won” or “overcame” to show your optimism.

According to Glassdoor, there’s no reason to list skills that most candidates possess. For example, almost everyone understands and uses email and Microsoft Word. Those aren’t skills you’ll want to list.

Include must-have words

Your resume can use some pizazz! When you’re writing about your employment history you should use action verbs to highlight your accomplishments. By starting with an action verb, you’re rounding up what you’ve done and your expertise for hiring managers. Use verbs that showcase your personality. This way, employers will get an idea of who you are and how you’ll fit on their team before they even meet you. Glassdoor lists action words that will elevate your resume and get you noticed! Remember, you should provide examples as often as possible.

Additionally, quantify your achievements. Use numbers to show concrete results when necessary. Customer satisfaction scores, number or percent of closed support tickets, days without OSHA violations or increases in team productivity are all things that hiring managers would care about. This way, hiring managers will have evidence of changes and accomplishments you’ve had at previous organizations.

BONUS: Upskill yourself

Expand your resume by pursuing a degree, certificate, or career diploma in a field you enjoy with Ashworth College. Start your career journey by talking with an Admissions Advisor at .