How to Write a Winning Resume Fast

When you come across a job description that speaks to you, don’t waste time. Build a professional resume in an instant that speaks volumes about your skills, experience, and work history. Resume-Now’s resume builder will help you do just that. Read on to see how our simple tools will show you how to write a resume that will get you the job.

• How to Write Your Resume Header/Contact Information:

  Put your name, phone number, professional email address, and city and state at the top. It’s okay to play with this section and use bold fonts.

• How to Write Your Resume Summary Statement:

  In this section, address four major points: your specific strengths and transferable skills, your professional expertise (if applicable), and relevant personality traits. Note: this is not an objective statement, which states what you want from the employer. This statement explains the value you plan to bring to the table.

• How to Write Your Resume Skills Section:

  In six to eight bullet points, list your most relevant and strongest skills. When writing a resume, it’s important to use the skills from the job description, as both the employer and applicant tracking system look for these keywords. List both hard and soft skills, but focus on the latter.

• How to Write Your Resume Work History:

  List your most recent position first followed by the one before that, and so on. However, when applying for your first job, use a functional or hybrid resume format. Both these formats allow job seekers to emphasize other areas, such as skills, education, and awards.

• How to Write Your Resume Education Section:

  Put your highest level of education first, followed by the second highest or most relevant. List each institutions’ name and your graduation dates. If you attended college, don’t include your high school information.

CREATE YOUR RESUME

As you approach writing your resume, you will need to learn how to write for the applicant tracking system (ATS). The ATS electronically reviews and scores resumes before passing them to hiring managers. Failed to impress the ATS and your resume will be discarded. Use the following tips to help your resume bypass an ATS.

• Step #1

  Because the ATS searches for exact phrases from the job description, pack your resume with terms from it. For instance, if the ad says the employer wants a “highly detailed worker,” don’t write “obsessed with details.” Use the exact phrase instead.

• Step #2

  Stick with a simple layout so as not to confuse the ATS. Even our contemporary resume is simple enough for an ATS. You should avoid infographic resume designs or other obscure resume ideas. That said, it’s okay to add some color and bars.

• Step #3

  Check your spelling. Even a single spelling or grammar error can trip up the ATS and cost you an interview.

CREATE YOUR RESUME

FAQs About Resume Writing

How do I write a resume after a long period of unemployment?

When writing a resume after a long period of unemployment, spin your story in the best light. . Use your summary statement to emphasize the value your unique skills can bring to the table. Don't lead with your last job but rather, lead with the most relevant. If you have relevant training, put that above work history. Omit exact dates and simply include years.

How do I write a resume for a career change?

To write a resume for a career change, use a functional or hybrid format. These formats will emphasize your most relevant skills, accomplishments, and work experience. Our resume builder can help you decide which format to use based on the information you provide as well as your prior work history and the job you want. Use our resume builder to build an immediate resume.

What is important when writing a resume?

It's important to bear in mind each employer's immediate wants so that you can tailor your resume to fit. Always pull keywords from the job description when crafting your skills section and summary statement to help your professional resume bypass ATS.

Should I include references in my resume?

No, you should not include references in your professional resume. Prior to an interview, if an employer asks for references, include them in a separate document or in the body of an email. The only time it's okay to put references in a resume is if an employer specifically asks you to. Also, remember to ask your references ahead of time if you can share their information.

What should I do to make my resume stand out?

To stand out, lead with a strong summary statement that emphasizes your greatest and most relevant skills. Stress the value you can bring to the company. Also, list your duties as accomplishments. If you were responsible for cleaning the store at which you worked, say you "maintained the premises and helped the retailer win an award for the cleanest branch in the district."