6 Tips for Writing a Resume That You Can Use in 30 Minutes

Published by Brian Meiggs on

Recruiters and human resource managers are seeing a plethora of resumes cross their desks these days, most of them rife with errors. If you want to get more interview requests, you need to make sure your resume is up to snuff with these six resume writing tips.

If you are swamped for time, take a look at this quick video that sums it up perfectly:

If you didn't like the video or want more advice, check out the best resume writing tips below.

The Best Tips for Writing a Great Resume

Here are some tips for writing a great resume that you should incorporate so that you can boost your career.

tips for writing a resume

Resume Tip 1: Use Great Formatting

The initial look at your resume will last less than thirty seconds, no matter how tight the copy or how good of a resume writer you are. If it is difficult to scan due to excessive length or poor organization, it might get tossed in the reject pile.

Make sure that you use a readable font, definitive headings, and wide margins. Utilize bold and italics to help make scanning easier. Bullet lists are a great way to highlight important points.

Resume Tip 2: Focus on Accomplishments Rather than Plain Descriptions

Hiring managers need to know what potential employees can bring to the table that will help build their company and solve existing problems. You need your resume to show them how you have been able to use your skills in the past to troubleshoot similar issues with success and to the satisfaction of your former employers.

Tell them what you did, not what the job description requires. Start with one to two lines about the job description, then follow up with your actual accomplishments. Show off what benefits you brought to the company. These should showcase your skill set, not a generic idea of what the role you were supposed to play in the company.

Resume Tip 3: Quantify Your Accomplishments

One of the most common resume mistakes is to focus on jargon rather than accomplishments. Remember that the point of your resume is to market yourself, selling your skills and strengths rather than a general bio.

Show off specific things that you have done that show why you are the perfect candidate for the position. Gain their interest by using specific wording for your achievements and using hard facts and figures to back your claims. If you aren't sure, consider what would have occurred had you not performed your role well.

Resume Tip 4: Consider the Industry

Mechanic engineering resumes should not use a lot of creative designs like those in advertising and other artistic fields. Too much distinction in your presentation can be a sure way to get your resume skipped over.

Remain conservative and make sure that you have tight, error-free copy on attractive paper.

Resume Tip 5: Use a Career Summary Rather than an Objective

Objectives are often generic because everyone is seeking essentially the same thing: a fulfilling job that uses their skill set. On the other hand, a career summary shows them who you are and your capabilities.

You need to hook them from the start because you only have one chance to make a first impression. Your summary should grab their eye and show them how you can become an invaluable member of the team who is capable of bringing your A-game to the table and provide viable solutions.

Resume Tip 6: It's All About Networking

If you are currently unemployed, then you should make a full-time job out of searching for a job. Networking is an essential aspect of getting your name and reputation out there. Senior and mid-level positions are often filled via networking opportunities, and you need to make sure that your name is on the lips of the right folks. Not only should you work with recruiters, let others in your industry know your needs. They can provide great insights and recommendations.

Networking includes previous business contacts, including former employers and subordinates. Additionally, sales reps and vendors who you have had positive relations within recent years. Also, check the alumni directory of your alma mater for other potential connections.

What Makes An Amazing Resume?

Okay, so what makes an amazing resume? How can you stand out to employers? Remember, it's a great idea to find out if your employer uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This is a type of software that scans your resume for keywords before passing it onto an actual human being. If you need an ATS resume, you'll need to change up the format. Luckily, if you don't want to do all the work yourself you can use a template for does all the work for you. 

If you use these tips for creating your resume, you will be much closer to securing an interview. Remember, a resume is to market yourself, selling your skills and strengths to secure your dream job and advance in your career.

Related Resources

Categories: Make Money

Brian Meiggs

Brian is the founder of GigsAcademy and has tried every side hustle under the sun. He teaches people just like you how to make money in the gig economy and has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, NASDAQ, Discover and more. He normally shares the latest news, videos, and topics for gig workers so they can earn more money in the gig economy.