Enhancing Your Resume writing Skills

1. Structure Your Resume

Organize your resume into clear sections:

• Header: Include your name, contact information, LinkedIn profile, and portfolio (if applicable).
• Professional Summary: A concise overview of your expertise and how you add value.
• Skills: Highlight 5-8 relevant core competencies tailored to the job.
• Work Experience: Use reverse chronological order, focusing on achievements with action verbs and quantifiable results.
• Education: List degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework.
• Certifications: Mention industry-specific credentials (e.g., CompTIA A+, CPA).
• Volunteer Experience: Optional but valuable for showcasing leadership and teamwork.

2. Tailor Each Resume

Customize your resume for every job by incorporating keywords from the job description and prioritizing relevant experiences.

3. Optimize for ATS

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they reach a human recruiter. An ATS evaluates resumes based on keywords and formatting. Here’s how to ensure your resume passes the ATS screening:

• Use Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description, especially in your skills, professional summary, and work experience sections.
• Standard Formatting: Stick to clean and simple layouts with standard fonts like Arial or Calibri. Avoid graphics, images, and complex tables that ATS systems may not process correctly.
• Consistent Titles: Use common job titles and headings, such as “Work Experience” or “Education,” to make your sections easily identifiable.
• Save as a Word Document or PDF: If submitting electronically, ensure the file type matches the employer’s requirements. PDF files are generally safe but verify the job posting for preferred formats.
• Quantify Achievements: Highlight accomplishments using metrics (e.g., “Increased sales by 25%”). Numbers are easy for ATS and recruiters to recognize.
• Avoid Headers/Footers: Place critical information, like your name and contact details, directly in the main body of the document to avoid parsing errors.

Ensuring your resume is ATS-friendly increases its chances of reaching a recruiter and improving your job prospects.