February 13, 2025
Creating a resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market can be tough. But don’t worry; with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re applying for your dream job or trying to make a career change, a strong resume is your ticket to getting noticed.
In fact, studies show that recruiters can decide whether to move forward with a job candidate in just 7.4 seconds! So, it’s crucial to make those seconds count.
In this blog, we’ll go through how to make a resume that grabs attention, showcases your skills, and lands you that interview.
A well-crafted resume is your first opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers. It serves as your personal marketing document, showcasing your skills, experience, and potential.
A resume that is clear, concise, and tailored to the job can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. It helps you stand out in a competitive job market, highlighting what makes you the best fit for the role.
Now that you understand why a great resume matters, let’s look into how to create a professional resume that will grab attention.
Creating a professional resume is key to showcasing your skills and experience effectively. It’s not just about listing jobs; it’s about presenting your qualifications in a way that catches an employer’s eye. Let’s break down the steps to make sure your resume stands out for all the right reasons.
When thinking about how to make a resume, the first thing you need to decide is the format. Have you ever wondered whether you should go for a chronological, functional, or combination format? The truth is, it all depends on your work history and career goals.
Chronological Resume Format
The chronological format is the most traditional and widely used. It’s perfect if you have a solid work history with no big gaps in employment. This format places your professional experience at the top, making it easy for employers to see your career trajectory.
For example:
If your experience aligns with the job you’re applying for, this format will work wonders.
Functional Resume Format
On the other hand, if you're switching careers or have gaps in your work history, a functional resume might be a better choice. It focuses on skills rather than job titles and dates. This is great for showcasing what you can do, even if you haven’t been in a traditional work setting.
For example:
This format gives you the opportunity to highlight transferable skills that may not be immediately obvious from a job history standpoint.
Combination Resume Format
The combination format is a mix of both the chronological and functional styles. This format works well for those who have some solid work experience but also want to emphasize certain skills. It’s perfect if you’re in a field where both experience and expertise are equally important.
When it comes to how to make a resume that gets noticed, you can’t overlook the basics. Always start with your name and contact details at the very top. This should include your email address and phone number. Including a LinkedIn profile or a link to an online portfolio can also give a creative edge, especially in fields like design or marketing.
In fact, 40% of recruiters say they have hired a candidate based on their LinkedIn profile alone. So, make sure your LinkedIn is polished and up-to-date—it could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
For example:
This is the part of your resume that can either make or break your first impression. If you’re new to the workforce, you might want to include an objective statement. If you have some experience, a resume summary would be a better choice. Here’s how each works:
In both cases, you’re setting the tone for your resume and showing what you bring to the table.
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Skills are what make you an asset to any company, so make sure to highlight them. Think about what the job description is asking for and how your skills align with it. You should include both hard skills and soft skills.
Pro Tip: Use keywords from the job description to tailor this section. Employers often use software to scan resumes, so making sure your skills match their keywords can get your resume noticed.
You’ll want to add any certifications or licenses relevant to the job as well. If you’re applying for a position that requires a specific skill, like expert monetization or project management experience, highlight those keywords here.
For example:
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When employers look at your work history, they want to know about your achievements and how you can contribute to their company. The professional history section is your chance to showcase what you’ve done in the past. Use action verbs to describe your achievements—words like “managed,” “developed,” or “led.”
And here’s a tip: Use numbers to quantify your achievements. It’s always better to say you “increased sales by 20%” rather than just “increased sales.”
Example:
For many job seekers, your education section is vital, especially if you’re early in your career or transitioning to a new industry. Include the school you attended, your degree, and any relevant coursework. You can also include achievements, extracurricular activities, or leadership roles that show you’re more than just your degree.
And if you have additional certifications or volunteer experience, it’s a good idea to add those as optional sections at the end of your resume. These can help fill in any gaps, especially if your work experience is limited.
The layout and formatting of your resume are just as important as its content. A clean, professional layout can make it easier for employers to read, and a cluttered resume can turn them away. Stick to a font size between 10-12 pt, and use a professional font like Arial or Times New Roman. Ensure that your margins are balanced, with 1 to 1.5 inches on all sides.
Pro tip: Don’t go overboard with colors or graphics unless you’re applying for a creative position where your design skills matter. A simple, professional resume is often the best way to go.
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We all make mistakes, but when it comes to resumes, even a small typo can ruin your chances. That’s why proofreading is crucial. Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. It’s also a good idea to ask a friend, mentor, or colleague to give your resume a second look. They might spot things you missed.
Also, don’t forget to make sure your resume aligns with the job description. Tailor it for every position you apply to, using keywords that match the company’s needs.
Every resume should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. This means adjusting your skills section, modifying your professional history, and changing the focus of your resume to match the job description.
The more you customize your resume, the better your chances of standing out. Employers appreciate when candidates take the time to personalize their resumes, so make sure to match your experience with the specific job role.
Crafting a strong resume is the first step toward securing your dream job. A well-structured, tailored, and error-free resume helps highlight your skills, experience, and achievements in a way that captures recruiters' attention. By choosing the right format, using action-driven language, and incorporating relevant keywords, you increase your chances of landing interviews in today’s competitive job market.
However, a resume alone isn’t enough—you need to continuously refine and improve it based on feedback and industry trends.
Want expert feedback on your resume? Topmate connects you with industry professionals who offer resume reviews, career coaching, and job search strategies tailored to your industry. Whether you're a fresher or an experienced professional, get personalized guidance to improve your resume and increase your hiring chances.
Book a resume review session with Topmate’s career experts today and take your job search to the next level! 🚀
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