This post is about tips for writing a professional resume.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the site disclaimer for more info.
In today’s competitive job market, having a well-crafted resume is crucial to stand out among other candidates. Your resume is often the first impression you make on potential employers, and a poorly written one can cost you valuable job opportunities. Whether you're a recent graduate, a professional looking to switch careers, or someone returning to the workforce, a strong resume is key to landing your desired role. This guide will provide you with tips for writing a professional resume that will help you grab the attention of hiring managers. Additionally, you’ll find free professional resume writing tips to ensure your resume is polished, compelling, and optimized for success.
“It’s better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than to have an opportunity and not be prepared.” ~Les Brown
TIPS FOR WRITING A PROFESSIONAL RESUME
CHOOSE THE RIGHT FORMAT
Before diving into the resume content, it's essential to choose the best format for your resume. The three main formats are:
-
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME: This is the most common format and is best suited for individuals with a solid work history. It lists work experience in reverse chronological order, showcasing your most recent job first.
-
FUNCTIONAL RESUME: This format focuses on skills rather than work history, making it ideal for career changers, freelancers, or those with employment gaps.
-
COMBINATION (HYBRID) RESUME: This format blends chronological and functional resumes, highlighting skills while also providing a chronological work history.
Choosing the right format can significantly affect how effectively your resume presents your qualifications. If you’re unsure which format to choose, consider the nature of your job experience and the industry standards for your field.
(RELATED POST: 11 Top Reasons to Make a Career Change at 40)
TAILOR YOUR RESUME TO EACH JOB
One of the most overlooked tips for writing a professional resume is customization. A one-size-fits-all resume won’t get you far in today’s job market. Instead:
-
Analyze the job description and incorporate relevant keywords.
-
Highlight experiences and skills that align with the role.
-
Customize each application with a focus on the specific needs of the role.
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. To increase your chances of getting noticed, incorporate keywords from the job posting into your resume naturally. Additionally, research the company’s mission and values to align your resume with their expectations.
(RELATED POST: How to Create a Mind Set for Success in 9 Steps)
CRAFT A STRONG PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
The professional summary, typically at the top of your resume, is a brief but impactful section that highlights your key qualifications. It should include:
-
A concise overview of your experience and expertise.
-
Key skills relevant to the job.
-
A mention of notable achievements.
For example:
“Results-driven marketing professional with five years of experience in digital advertising, content creation, and brand strategy. Proven ability to increase audience engagement by 40% and drive revenue growth through targeted campaigns.”
Avoid vague or generic statements and instead focus on specific results and expertise that make you a valuable candidate.
(RELATED POST: Empower Yourself: How to Build Confidence and Self Esteem)
HIGHLIGHT KEY SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Hiring managers want to see what you bring to the table. Your skills and achievements should be clearly highlighted:
-
Use bullet points to list key responsibilities and accomplishments.
-
Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., “Boosted sales by 25% in six months”).
-
Incorporate action verbs like “implemented,” “optimized,” “led,” and “developed.”
Example:
Digital Marketing Manager | XYZ Company
- Developed and executed a social media strategy that increased engagement by 50%.
- Managed a $100,000 annual ad budget, leading to a 20% revenue increase.
- Conducted A/B testing on marketing campaigns, improving email open rates by 30%.
- Led a team of five content creators and designers to enhance brand visibility.
(RELATED POST: 15 Tips to Overcome Procrastination and Reach Your Goals)
KEEP IT CONCISE AND WELL-FORMATTED
A cluttered resume can be overwhelming and unappealing to recruiters. Follow these professional resume writing tips for a polished look:
-
Keep it to one page (unless you have extensive experience, in which case two pages may be acceptable).
-
Use a clean, readable font (e.g., Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman).
-
Ensure consistent formatting, such as uniform spacing, bullet points, and bolded section headers.
-
Use white space effectively to enhance readability.
A visually appealing resume makes it easier for hiring managers to skim through and find important details quickly.
(RELATED POST: The Perfectionist's Guide to Work Life Balance)
SHOWCASE EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
Your education section should include:
-
The degree you earned
-
The name of the institution
-
Graduation year (optional if you have extensive experience)
If you’ve completed certifications or online courses, be sure to include them, especially if they add value to the job you’re applying for. Some certifications hold significant weight in specific industries, such as IT, healthcare, and finance.
Example:
Bachelor of Science in Marketing
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 2018
Certifications:
Google Ads Certification, HubSpot Content Marketing Certification, Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)
(RELATED POST: 7 Practical Time Management Strategies You Need in Your Life)
OPTIMIZE FOR APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS (ATS)
Many companies use ATS software to filter resumes before they even reach a recruiter. To ensure your resume makes it through:
-
Use standard section headers (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”).
-
Avoid excessive use of graphics, tables, or unusual fonts that ATS might not read correctly.
-
Submit your resume in both Word and PDF formats when possible.
-
Use keywords strategically without overstuffing them unnaturally.
(RELATED POST: Remote Success: Work From Home Tips for Peak Performance)
PROOFREAD AND EDIT CAREFULLY
Even the most well-structured resume can be ruined by typos or grammatical errors. To ensure your resume is error-free:
-
Use spell check and grammar tools like GRAMMARLY.
-
Have a trusted friend, coach, or mentor review it.
-
Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing.
Small mistakes can make a negative impression, so take the extra time to proofread thoroughly before submitting.
(RELATED POST: Mastering Motivation: 5 Essential Steps to Increase Drive)
BONUS TIP: WHAT TO AVOID
-
Avoid irrelevant work experience that doesn't relate to the job you're applying for.
-
Do not include too much personal information (e.g., age, marital status, or a photo unless required by the industry).
-
Use a professional email address (e.g., [email protected] rather than something unprofessional like “[email protected]”).
-
Don’t rely on generic resume templates. Customize your design while maintaining professionalism.
(RELATED POST: Last Minute Interview Tips: How to Impress Even with Limited Prep Time)
A professional resume can be the difference between landing an interview and being overlooked. By following these tips for writing a professional resume, you can craft a document that effectively showcases your skills, experience, and value to potential employers. With these resume tips, you’re one step closer to securing your dream job.
MINDSET | ACTION:
Need help perfecting your resume? Consider seeking feedback from a coach or mentor to refine your final draft. Start updating your resume today and take the next step toward your career goals!
This post was about tips for writing a professional resume.
OTHER POSTS YOU MAY LIKE:
What Does a Mindset Coach Do? Discover Your True Potential
How Coaching Can Transform Your Personal and Professional Life
How to Be More Resilient: 9 Practical Tips to Strengthen Your Mindset
Digital Detox Challenge: Finding Balance in a Screen-Obsessed World
