In today’s competitive job market, your resume is your first impression — and often your only chance to stand out from hundreds of other candidates. So, how do you craft a resume that gets you noticed?
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you write a resume that lands interviews and opens doors.
1. Start with a Strong Header
Your resume should begin with your full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended). Keep it clean, professional, and easy to find at a glance.
Example:
John Doe
+1 234 567 8901 | john.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/johndoe
2. Write a Powerful Summary or Objective
This is your 30-second pitch. Highlight who you are, your key strengths, and what you’re looking for.
Example:
“Digital marketing graduate with hands-on experience in SEO, social media strategy, and content creation. Eager to join a growth-focused team to drive online visibility and brand engagement.”
Keep it 2–3 lines max.
3. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job
A generic resume won’t cut it. Use keywords from the job description and align your skills and experiences with what the employer is looking for. Use tools like Jobscan or Resumeworded to optimize.
4. Highlight Your Achievements, Not Just Duties
Don’t just list what you did — show the impact. Use action verbs and quantify results whenever possible.
Instead of:
Managed social media accounts.
Write:
Grew Instagram followers by 150% and increased engagement by 40% in 3 months.
5. Showcase Relevant Skills
Include both technical and soft skills. Group them under a separate “Skills” section for easy scanning.
Example:
Technical Skills: Google Ads, Meta Business Suite, Canva, WordPress
Soft Skills: Communication, Creativity, Time Management
6. Keep It Clean and Easy to Read
- Use a professional font (e.g., Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman)
- Keep font size between 10–12 pt
- Use bullet points
- Stick to one page (two if you have 7+ years experience)
7. Add Certifications & Projects
Certifications show initiative and knowledge. Add relevant courses or online certifications from Google, HubSpot, Coursera, etc.
Also include key projects (academic or freelance) if you lack full-time experience.
8. Proofread – Twice
Grammatical errors and typos can instantly disqualify your resume. Use Grammarly, or ask a friend to review it before sending.
9. Save as PDF
Always send your resume as a PDF, unless the job posting requests otherwise. PDFs preserve your formatting across devices.
10. Bonus Tip: Add a Cover Letter
Even if optional, a cover letter tailored to the role shows you’re serious and thoughtful. Keep it short and focused on how you can add value to the company.
Final Thoughts
Your resume is your personal marketing document — make it count. Focus on clarity, relevance, and results. Remember, the goal is not just to get noticed, but to get hired.
Ready to update your resume? Start now and make every word count.