How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Standout Resume

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume can be the difference between landing your dream job or getting lost in a sea of applicants. A resume is more than just a document - it’s your first chance to make an impression on potential employers. If you're wondering how to make a resume that stands out, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through the key steps to building an effective resume, from structuring your information to tailoring it for the job you’re applying for.

1. Choose the Right Format

The first step in creating a resume is choosing the correct format. The most common resume formats are:

Chronological Resume: Lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. This is ideal for people with a solid work history in one field.

Functional Resume: Focuses on skills and experiences rather than job history. This format is suitable for those with gaps in employment or people changing careers.

Combination Resume: Blends the chronological and functional formats, showcasing both your skills and job history.

For most applicants, the chronological resume works best as it shows a clear progression in your career. However, choose the one that best highlights your strengths.

2. Start with Your Contact Information

At the top of your resume, include your contact details. This section should be straightforward and easy to read. Include the following:

Full Name: Ensure it’s bold and noticeable.

Phone Number: Use a professional voicemail message.

Email Address: Make sure it's professional (avoid using unprofessional handles).

LinkedIn Profile: If you have a polished LinkedIn page, include a link to it.

Optional: You can also include links to an online portfolio or personal website if applicable.

3. Write a Strong Resume Summary or Objective

The next section of your resume is your resume summary or objective. This is a short, 2–3 sentence introduction at the top of your resume. It should clearly convey your qualifications and what you’re seeking in a job.

Resume Summary: Best for those with experience in a specific field. It summarizes your skills, experience, and accomplishments.

Example: Experienced marketing professional with over five years in digital marketing and SEO. Skilled in driving traffic and increasing conversions through strategic campaigns.

Resume Objective: Best for entry-level candidates or those switching careers. It focuses on your skills and what you're hoping to achieve in the new role.

Example: Recent college graduate with a degree in Computer Science, seeking a software development role to utilize coding and problem-solving skills.

4. Highlight Your Work Experience

This is the most critical part of your resume, especially if you're applying for jobs that require relevant experience. Here, list your past jobs, starting with your most recent position. For each role, include:

Job Title

Company Name

Location

Dates of Employment

Bullet Points Summarizing Your Responsibilities and Achievements

Focus on quantifiable achievements rather than just listing duties. Employers want to see what you contributed to the role. For instance, instead of saying "Responsible for managing a team," say "Led a team of five to achieve a 20% increase in project efficiency."

Example:

Digital Marketing Manager | XYZ Company | New York, NY | June 2018 – Present

Managed a team of 7, implementing marketing campaigns that resulted in a 15% increase in web traffic.

Created and optimized SEO strategies, improving the site’s organic ranking by 10 spots on Google.

5. Emphasize Your Education

For many entry-level positions, education is a crucial component of the resume. Even if you're an experienced professional, listing your educational background is still important. Include:

Degree and Major

University or College Name

Graduation Year

GPA (if it’s 3.5 or above)

Relevant Coursework or Honors (for recent graduates)

If you’ve been out of school for more than five years, feel free to place your education section below your work experience.

Example:

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration | ABC University | May 2020

Dean’s List for four consecutive semesters

Relevant Coursework: Marketing Analytics, Corporate Finance

6. List Relevant Skills

Adding a skills section to your resume can help employers quickly see whether you possess the technical abilities and soft skills they’re looking for. Make sure the skills you list are tailored to the job description.

Example of Hard Skills:

Microsoft Excel

HTML/CSS

Social Media Marketing

Project Management Software (e.g., Trello, Asana)

Example of Soft Skills:

Time Management

Communication

Leadership

Problem-solving

7. Include Certifications or Awards (If Applicable)

If you have certifications or awards relevant to the position you’re applying for, create a section to showcase them. This is especially important if they demonstrate your expertise in a specific area.

Example:

Google Analytics Certified – March 2021

HubSpot Content Marketing Certification – January 2022

8. Tailor Your Resume to the Job

One of the most overlooked aspects of resume writing is tailoring your resume to each job you apply for. Instead of sending the same resume to every employer, read the job description carefully and tweak your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences most relevant to the role. Use the same keywords from the job description when appropriate to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

For instance, if a job listing emphasizes "project management," make sure you highlight any experience you have in that area. This step can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview.

9. Proofread and Edit

Finally, before sending your resume out into the world, take the time to proofread it thoroughly. Spelling mistakes or formatting errors can give the wrong impression. Here’s how to make sure your resume is error-free:

Read it Aloud: This can help you catch awkward phrasing or missing words.

Use a Grammar Checker: Tools like Grammarly can assist in finding grammatical errors.

Ask for Feedback: Get a trusted friend or colleague to review your resume for you.

Conclusion

A well-crafted resume can open doors to new opportunities, but it requires careful attention to detail and a focus on showcasing your skills and experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a resume that stands out to potential employers. Remember, the key is to be concise, highlight relevant achievements, and tailor your resume to each job application. Happy job hunting!