How to Make a Great Resume in 10 Steps: Step-by-Step Writing Guide for 2023

Are you looking to land your dream job in 2023? If so, having a great resume is absolutely essential. Writing a resume can be an intimidating task. After all, you want it to stand out from the crowd and make potential employers take notice. The good news is that making a resume doesn’t have to be difficult with the right guidance. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to write an effective and winning resume in 10 steps. From content ideas to design suggestions and more, read on to learn how to make sure your resume stands out from the competition!

How to start writing your resume

When you sit down to write your resume, it’s important to keep in mind the purpose of a resume: to get you an interview. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to start writing your resume:

1. Start with a basic structure. A resume should include your name and contact information at the top, followed by a summary of qualifications, work history, education, and skills.

2. Keep it simple. Use clear, concise language and format your resume so it is easy to read.

3. Highlight your accomplishments. In each section of your resume, focus on what you have accomplished rather than simply listing your duties and responsibilities. For example, instead of listing “responsible for data entry” under your work history, highlight an accomplishment such as “entered 500 customer orders into database within one week.”

4. Tailor your resume to the job you are applying for. Resumes should be customized to each specific job you are applying for in order to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to that particular position.

5. Use keywords. Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) when reviewing resumes, so it’s important to include keywords that will help your resume be selected by the ATS and seen by a human recruiter. To identify relevant keywords, look at the job posting and identify any required or preferred skills or qualifications listed there. You can also try using an online tool like JobScan to scan your resume for relevant keywords.

Following these tips will help you get your resume off to a strong start and increase your chances of landing an interview.

What to include in your resume

1. Your resume should include your name and contact information at the top.

2. Next, list your professional experience in chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include the company name, your job title, and dates of employment.

3. Then, list your education in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent degree or certificate. Include the name of the school, type of degree or certificate earned, and graduation date.

4. Finally, list any relevant skills or specialties that would make you a good fit for the job you’re applying for.

How to format your resume

When it comes to resumes, there is no “one size fits all” format. The best way to format your resume depends on your work history, skills, and job goals. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when formatting your resume:

1. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and easy to find. Include your full name, current address, email address, and phone number.

2. Use a professional or neutral email address. Avoid using addresses that are too casual or could be seen as unprofessional.

3. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job first. For each position, include the company name, your job title, and the dates you worked there.

4. Use bullet points to highlight your key responsibilities and accomplishments for each position. Be specific and use concrete examples whenever possible.

5. If you have any gaps in employment, don’t try to hide them — be upfront about them on your resume (e.g., “Sept 2011-present: Stay-at-home parent”).

6. Tailor your resume to each specific job you’re applying for by highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position . In general, limit each resume to one page . However, if you have an extensive work history, you may need two pages.

7. Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it to make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors.

Resume tips and tricks

When it comes to resumes, there are a few “tricks of the trade” that can help you create a strong, effective document. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Use simple, straightforward language. Avoid using jargon or “flowery” language – your resume should be easy to read and understand.
2. Focus on your accomplishments and achievements. What have you done that has made a positive impact in your field or career? Highlight these items on your resume.
3. Use bullet points and short paragraphs. Again, you want your resume to be easy to read and understand. Bullet points and short paragraphs will help with this.
4. Tailor your resume for each position you apply for. Take the time to review the job posting and tailor your resume accordingly – include key skills and experience that match what the employer is looking for.
5. Proofread, proofread, proofread! Be sure to proofread your resume carefully before sending it off – any typos or errors will reflect poorly on you as a candidate.
6. Include a cover letter. Many employers still expect to receive a cover letter, so be sure to include one that explains why you’re the best candidate for the job.

How to make your resume stand out

In order to make your resume stand out, you’ll need to do more than simply list your work history and education. Your resume should be a snapshot of your professional self that sells your skills and qualifications to potential employers. Here are some tips on how to make your resume stand out:

1. Use a professional-looking font and format.
2. Avoid using generic phrases such as “responsible for” or “duties included.”
3. Focus on accomplishments rather than simply listing job duties. Include numbers and specific examples whenever possible.
4. Use action verbs to describe your responsibilities and achievements (e.g., “managed,” “created,” “improved”).
5. Highlight skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.
6. Tailor your resume to each individual job application, highlighting the experiences and skills that are most relevant to the specific position.
7. Proofread carefully! Typos and grammatical errors will make your resume look sloppy and unprofessional.
8. If you have limited work experience, include volunteer positions and/or activities that demonstrate your qualifications for the job.
9. Include a summary statement at the top of your resume that briefly outlines your qualifications and experience.
10. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date and easy to find.

How often should you update your resume?

It is important to keep your resume up-to-date so that you can be considered for new opportunities as they arise. You should aim to update your resume at least once every 6 months, or more frequently if you have significant changes to your work history or skillset.

When updating your resume, be sure to review the job description for the positions you are interested in and tailor your resume accordingly. Highlight the skills and experience that match what the employer is looking for. This will help ensure that your resume is relevant and stands out from the competition.

Conclusion

Writing a great resume may seem daunting, but with the right tricks and techniques, you can create an impressive resume in no time. We hope our step-by-step guide has helped you craft your own unique and effective resume for 2023. Put all of these tips into action, showcase your skills in the best light possible, and make employers take notice! Good luck on your job search journey!