Resume Writing: 4 Tips on How to Write a Standout Resume | Indeed Career Tips

Summary

Key Points

• The first step in resume writing is to determine your strategy by choosing between a chronological resume, which emphasizes work history and progression, or a functional resume, which highlights skills and abilities. 1:39
• A recommended chronological resume format includes contact information, a concise resume summary, work experience (going back about 15 years unless there's an employment gap), education, and a skills section. 3:31
• When detailing work experience, use three to five bullet points per employer to describe key duties, responsibilities, and achievements, with more bullet points for recent roles. 4:15
• The placement of sections on your resume is crucial, with higher positions receiving more attention; adapt the format based on your profession, such as moving a publications section higher for journalists. 8:05
• The fourth and final step is to tailor your resume to each specific job application by understanding and mirroring the language used in the job description to appeal to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). 10:21
• Beyond the ATS, your resume must also appeal to recruiters by clearly connecting your background and skills to the specific role and explaining how you can help the company achieve its goals. 11:54
• Consider creating multiple versions of your resume to effectively tailor it for different types of companies or roles, focusing on the most relevant accomplishments for each application. 13:19
• Ensure your resume is visually clean, professional, and error-free by proofreading carefully, potentially using methods like reading aloud or from bottom to top to catch mistakes. 14:23
• Perfecting bullet points involves starting with strong action verbs, quantifying achievements with numbers whenever possible, and demonstrating the impact on the business, all while keeping them concise. 15:00