Perfect Job Resume Writing Guide
Perfect Job Resume Writing Guide
Preparation
Before you start writing, prepare. Having all your information in place will save you time when you start
writing.
• Your previous jobs and accomplishments you have and your employer's names, date of
employment and location you worked.
A RESUME OR A CV?
A resume and a CV (Curriculum Vitae) are both documents that provide information about a person's
education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments. However, there are some differences between
the two:
1. Length: A resume is typically one to two pages long, while a CV can be multiple pages.
3. Content: A resume usually includes a summary of the candidate's work experience, skills, and
education, while a CV typically includes a comprehensive list of the candidate's academic and
professional background, including publications, presentations, research, and awards.
4. Layout: A resume usually has a chronological or functional layout (if you are applying for your first
job), while a CV has a more detailed and structured format.
In summary, a resume is a concise document that summarizes a candidate's work experience and
qualifications for a particular job, while a CV is a comprehensive document that provides a detailed
overview of a candidate's academic and professional background.
If you are unsure, use the chronological format since this is the most common.
If you are applying for your first job, and do not have any work experience, choose the functional format.
The main difference between a chronological resume and a functional resume is in its format and the
way they present a candidate's work experience.
A chronological resume focuses on the candidate's work history and lists their work experience in
reverse chronological order, starting with their most recent job and working backwards. This format
emphasizes the candidate's career progression and shows a clear timeline of their work history. This
type of resume is commonly used by candidates with a stable work history and a clear career trajectory.
On the other hand, a functional resume emphasizes the candidate's skills and abilities rather than their
work history. It groups the candidate's skills and achievements into functional categories, such as
"Leadership," "Communication," or "Project Management," and provides examples of how these skills
were applied in previous jobs. This format is ideal for candidates who have gaps in their work history,
have changed careers, or want to emphasize their skills over their work experience.
Moreover, employers in these countries are typically more interested in your qualifications, skills, and
experience than in your physical appearance. Therefore, it is best to focus on presenting your relevant
experience and skills through well-crafted descriptions and bullet points.
However, there may be some exceptions to this rule, such as if you are applying for a job in the
entertainment industry or modeling, where your appearance may be directly relevant to the job. In such
cases, it may be appropriate to include a professional headshot or photograph that highlights your
appearance.
The use of icons and graphics on a resume can also be a matter of personal preference and the type of
job you are applying for. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
• Icons and graphics can help make your resume more visually appealing and easier to scan,
especially if you are applying for a creative or design-related position.
• They can also be useful for breaking up large blocks of text and drawing attention to key sections,
such as your skills or achievements.
• Icons and graphics can help you showcase your proficiency with design software or other relevant
tools.
• Using too many icons and graphics can make your resume look cluttered or unprofessional,
especially if they are poorly designed or not relevant to the content.
• If you are applying for a more traditional or corporate job, using icons and graphics may not be
appropriate or may be seen as unprofessional.
• Some Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) may have difficulty parsing resumes with complex
formatting or graphics, which could negatively impact your chances of getting past the initial
screening stage.
W H AT I S A N AT S - F R I E N D LY R E S U M E A N D W H E N S H O U L D I
USE IT?
HR departments and recruiters that receive a large number of resumes use ATS to filter out applicants.
To write a resume that is optimized for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems), follow these tips:
1. Use standard headings: Avoid using creative or unusual headings for your resume sections. Instead,
stick to standard headings like "Professional Experience", "Education", and "Skills". This will help the
ATS to easily parse and categorize your resume.
2. Incorporate relevant keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your
resume. Look for the skills and qualifications that the employer is looking for, and include them
throughout your resume, especially in your summary or objective statement, and in your work
experience section.
4. Avoid using special characters: Avoid using special characters, such as symbols or bullets, in your
resume. These can cause confusion for the ATS, and may cause it to skip over important
information.
5. Submit your resume in the correct format: Follow the employer's instructions for submitting your
resume. Some ATS are designed to read only specific file formats, such as Word or PDF. Make sure
your resume is in the correct format to ensure that the ATS can read it properly.
6. Proofread your resume: As with any resume, it's important to proofread your resume for errors, such
as misspellings or typos. This will help to ensure that your resume is not rejected by the ATS due to
formatting or content issues.
By following these tips, you can increase the chances that your resume will pass through the ATS and
be seen by a hiring manager.
Now, choose a resume in the right format and then it’s time to start writing.
SPECIAL OFFER
If you want to see our selection of resume templates, check out this link:
[Link]
We would also like to give you a 25% discount on your next purchase, just enter the code: SAVE25 and
you will get 25% off your entire purchase, regardless of how many different Resumes you want to try.
• Start with a strong opening sentence: Begin your statement with a strong opening sentence that
captures the attention of the reader and highlights your most important skills or achievements. For
example, you might start with something like, "Results-driven marketing professional with over 5
years of experience driving revenue growth through strategic campaigns.”
• Keep it concise: Your summary or objective statement should be brief and to the point, ideally no
more than 2-3 sentences. Use clear and simple language that is easy to understand and avoids
jargon or technical terms.
• Focus on your strengths: Use your summary or objective statement to highlight your key strengths
and accomplishments, and demonstrate how these skills align with the position you're applying for.
• Tailor it to the job: Make sure your summary or objective statement is tailored to the specific job
you're applying for. Use keywords from the job description to help your resume stand out to
recruiters and applicant tracking systems.
Summary statement: "Highly motivated sales professional with a proven track record of exceeding
revenue targets. Skilled in building and maintaining strong client relationships and developing strategic
sales plans."
Objective statement: "To obtain a position as a graphic designer where I can use my creative skills and
passion for design to develop visually compelling marketing materials that drive results for clients."
Remember, your summary or objective statement should be tailored to your specific skills, experience,
and career goals. By following these tips, you can create a compelling statement that sets you apart
from other candidates and helps you land the job you want.
For each job, list your title, company, and dates of employment. Then, describe your key responsibilities
and accomplishments using bullet points. Use action verbs to describe your achievements, such as
"managed," "created," and "improved." Be specific and quantify and give examples of your
accomplishments when possible. For example, "Increased sales revenue by 20% through the
implementation of a new marketing strategy."
When listing your professional work experience on your resume, you should include the following
information:
• Job title: List your job title for each position you held.
• Company name: Include the name of the company or organization where you worked.
• Employment dates: Indicate the month and year you started and ended each position. If you are
currently employed, write "Present" instead of an end date.
• Job responsibilities: Describe your main job responsibilities and duties in each position. Use bullet
points to highlight your achievements and accomplishments in the role.
• Quantify your achievements: Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements and impact
in each position, such as "Increased sales by 20% in first quarter" or "Managed a team of 10
employees."
• Industry-specific keywords: Use industry-specific keywords and language to help demonstrate your
knowledge and expertise in your field.
• Relevant certifications or licenses: If you hold any relevant certifications or licenses, be sure to
mention them in your work experience section.
The date format you should use on your resume will depend on the country where you are applying for a
job. Here are the common date formats used in different parts of the world:
• In the United States: Month, day, year (e.g., June 30, 2022)
• In Australia and New Zealand: Day, month, year (e.g., 30 June 2022)
• In Europe and most other parts of the world: Day, month, year (e.g., 30 June 2022)
If you are unsure about the date format to use, you can check the job posting or do some research to
find out the standard format used in your country.
Skills
M E N T I O N Y O U R E D U C AT I O N
While your professional experience is the most important aspect of your resume, your education is also
important. List your highest degree first and then any other relevant degrees or certifications. Include the
name of the institution, the degree or certification earned, and the date it was earned. If you have
recently graduated or are still in school, you can include relevant coursework or academic projects.
I N C L U D E A N Y R E L E VA N T AWA R D S O R A C H I E V E M E N T S
If you have received any awards or recognition for your work, include them on your resume. This can
demonstrate your commitment to your field and your ability to excel.
R E L E VA N T C E R T I F I C AT I O N S A N D L I C E N S E S
Include relevant certifications, licenses, and training in your resume. Certain professions, such as
nursing, accounting, and teaching, may require candidates to possess specific certifications or licenses.
Moreover, job seekers who undertake additional training or obtain extra certificates can establish their
expertise in their chosen fields.
To effectively highlight your certifications and training, use the separate section “Professional
Development” in the resume template. This section comes directly after your education section and
should include the title of the certification or course, the certifying agency or body, the date of
certification, and the expiration date (if applicable). If you are currently working towards a certification or
course, indicate this by stating "In Progress" and including the expected date of completion.
1. Review the job description: carefully read through the job posting to identify the required skills,
qualifications, and experience that the employer is looking for. Pay attention to any specific keywords
or phrases that appear frequently in the description.
2. Identify relevant experiences and skills: based on the job requirements, identify experiences and
skills from your past that match the needs of the position. This can include specific projects you’ve
worked on, skills you’ve acquired, or achievements you’ve accomplished.
3. Use targeted language: incorporate the specific keywords and phrases from the job description into
your resume. This can help your resume to pass through automated applicant tracking systems
(ATS) and catch the attention of hiring managers who are looking for candidates with the right
qualifications.
4. Customize your summary or objective statement: use the job title and key phrases from the job
description in your summary or objective statement. This can help to demonstrate your suitability for
the role right from the start.
5. Reorder and prioritize sections: rearrange the sections of your resume to highlight the experiences
and skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This can help to ensure that the
employer quickly sees the qualifications they are looking for.
6. Tailor your achievements: include achievements and accomplishments that are most relevant to the
job you’re applying for. Quantify your accomplishments wherever possible to demonstrate the impact
you’ve had in previous roles.
By tailoring your resume in this way, you can demonstrate your suitability for the job and increase your
chances of landing an interview - and a job.
A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume when applying for a job. It is typically one
page long and is used to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, explain why you are interested in the
position, and highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences.
A well-written cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of
getting an interview. It can also demonstrate your attention to detail and your willingness to go the extra
mile in your job search.
Overall, a cover letter is an important part of your job application, as it provides a way to make a strong
first impression and convince the hiring manager that you are the right fit for the job.
To write a cover letter that will land you your dream job follow these steps:
1. Use a cover letter template and format the heading with the same name, title and contact details as
your resume, and also include your address.
2. Address the hiring manager: Use a professional salutation, such as "Dear Hiring Manager" or "Dear
[First Name] [Last Name]". Avoid using generic salutations like "To Whom It May Concern".
3. Introduce yourself: In the opening paragraph, introduce yourself and explain why you are writing.
State the position you are applying for and where you found the job posting.
4. Highlight your qualifications: In the body of the cover letter, explain why you are the ideal candidate
for the position. Highlight your relevant qualifications, skills, and experiences that match the
requirements of the job description.
5. Provide specific examples: Use specific examples from your work experience to demonstrate how
your skills and experiences make you a good fit for the position. This will help to make your cover
letter more convincing and impactful.
6. Show enthusiasm: In the closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the position and the
company. Explain why you are excited about the opportunity to work for the company, and how you
believe you can contribute to their success.
Remember to keep your cover letter concise, focused, and professional. Keep the length to one page or
less.
Employers often request references to get a better understanding of your work history, job performance,
and suitability for the role. References can include former managers, colleagues, clients, professors, or
other professional contacts who have worked with you in the past.
It is important to choose your references carefully and ensure that they are able to provide a positive and
accurate assessment of your skills and work ethic. Always ask for permission before listing someone as
a reference and provide them with information about the job you are applying for, so they can tailor their
comments to the specific role.
Having strong references can be a valuable asset in your job search, as it provides employers with an
additional level of assurance that you are the right fit for the role.
• Choose people who know your work: Ideally, your references should be people who have worked
with you in a professional setting and can speak to your skills, abilities, and work ethic. This could
include former managers, colleagues, or clients.
• Consider their communication skills: Make sure that your references are good communicators and
can articulate your strengths and abilities effectively. You want your references to be able to speak
confidently and positively about you to potential employers.
• Ask for permission: Always ask for permission before listing someone as a reference. This gives
them a chance to decline if they do not feel comfortable providing a reference or if they do not have
the time to do so.
• Follow up and thank them: After you have listed someone as a reference, keep them updated on
the status of your job search and thank them for their time and support. A little gratitude can go a
long way in maintaining positive relationships with your references.
• Remember to choose your references carefully and make sure they are a good fit for the job you
are applying for. Always be respectful of their time and follow up with them throughout the job
application process. With a strong list of references, you can increase your chances of landing your
dream job.
R E F E R E N C E D E TA I L S TO I N C L U D E
You should not include your references on your resume. Instead, use the separate Reference Template
to submit along with your resume and cover letter.
• Use the Template called “Reference Letter” and format the heading with the same name, title and
contact details as your resume, and also include your address.
• Include the full name of your reference and job title and the company they work for.
• Include contact information such as the email address and phone number.
• State the relationship to you; how you know the reference and the professional relationship you
have had with them (e.g. former manager, colleague, professor, etc.).
Now you should be all set to write your Perfect Job Resume. Before you send it off, don’t forget to go
through the included checklist. Now you are ready to apply for your dream job!
Included contact information at the top of the resume, including my name, phone number and email
address and LinkedIn profile - if relevant.
Written a compelling objective statement or summary that highlights my key skills and experience.
Included work experience and customized the resume for the specific job I am applying to.
Used bullet points to list my skills, and used action verbs to describe my achievements.
Used keywords and industry language relevant to the job advert to help get noticed by ATS.
Proofread the resume, cover letter and reference letter carefully, checked for typos, grammatical
errors, and formatting issues.
Asked someone else to review the resume for feedback and made revisions as needed.
Checked which format they want me to send my resume in and saved it in the right format, such as
PDF or Word (.doc or .docx). I have also named the file with my name, for example,
“John_Smith_Resume.pdf".
[Link]
We would also like to give you a 25% discount on your next purchase, just enter the code: SAVE25 and
you will get 25% off your entire purchase, regardless of how many different Resumes you want to try.