What Does A Great Resume Look Like?

Have you ever stared at a blank page, wondering how to make your resume pop? You’re not alone.

In today’s competitive job market, your resume needs to be more than just a list of accomplishments – it needs to be a work of art that captures attention and showcases your unique value.

Let’s dive into what makes a truly outstanding resume stand out from the pile.

The Power of First Impressions

You’ve heard it before – you only get one chance to make a first impression. Your resume is often that chance. Within seconds, hiring managers decide whether to keep reading or toss your application aside.

So, how do you grab their attention right off the bat?

Start with a bang. Ditch the outdated “objective statement” and kick things off with a punchy professional summary. This is your elevator pitch – a few snappy sentences highlighting your key strengths and what makes you perfect for the role.

Example: “Tech-savvy marketing wizard with a knack for turning data into dollars. I’ve helped startups 10x their growth and Fortune 500s break into new markets. Let’s talk about how I can boost your team’s success.”

Design That Delights

Great resumes aren’t just about content – they’re also visually appealing. Think of your resume as your marketing brochure. You want it to look polished and professional but with enough personality to stand out.

Embrace white space. Don’t cram every inch of the page with text. Give your content room to breathe. Use clean, easy-to-read fonts and stick to a simple color scheme. A pop of color can add interest, but don’t go overboard – you’re not designing a circus poster.

You can use tools like Canva to easily design a polished and modern resume.

Content is King

While looks matter, content is still king when it comes to resumes. Here’s where you get to shine.

Ditch the fluff. Every word on your resume should earn its place. Cut the clichés and focus on concrete achievements. Don’t just list your job duties – showcase your accomplishments. Use action verbs and quantify your results wherever possible.

Try this: “SEO Mastery (Boosted organic traffic by 215% in 6 months)“

Tailor-Made for Success

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to resumes. Customize your resume for each job you apply to.

This doesn’t mean starting from scratch every time, but do take the time to tweak your content to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to each position.

The Power of Keywords

In today’s digital age, many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes. These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job.

Sprinkle relevant keywords throughout your resume to increase your chances of making it past the bots and onto a human’s desk.

Beyond the Basics

Want to make your resume pop? Consider adding some extras that showcase your personality and skills.

Do you have a personal website or portfolio? Include the link. Are you active on professional social media? Add your handles. Just make sure anything you link to is polished and professional.

The Final Polish

Before you hit send, give your resume a final once-over. Check for typos, formatting issues, and consistency. Better yet, have a trusted friend or mentor review it. Fresh eyes can catch things you might have missed.

Remember, your resume is your ticket to an interview. Make it count.

Conclusion

Crafting a great resume is part art, part science. It’s about showcasing your unique value in a way that’s both visually appealing and content-rich.

With these resume writing tips in your toolbox, you’re well on your way to creating a resume that looks great and lands you that coveted interview.

Great Resume Look Like FAQs

How long should my resume be? 

Aim for one page if you’re early in your career, two pages max for more experienced professionals.

Should I include a photo on my resume? 

A: In the U.S., it’s generally not recommended unless you’re in an industry where appearance is part of the job (like acting or modeling).

How far back should my work history go? 

Focus on the last 10-15 years, unless older experience is particularly relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Is it okay to use a template for my resume? 

Templates can be a good starting point, but customize them to avoid looking generic.

Should I include hobbies or interests on my resume? 

Only if they’re relevant to the job or showcase valuable skills. Your stamp-collecting hobby probably won’t impress most hiring managers.