How to Craft the Perfect Resume

By Michelle Mojisola Savage

"A good resume is a passport to a better job." - Andy Traub

7.4 seconds. That’s the average time recruiters spend in perusing a resume. While this time may vary depending on the company and position, it is important to keep in mind that your resume only has a brief period to impress. 
To increase the chances of landing your dream job, your resume must showcase your education, skills, experience, and achievements distinctively. Fear not! Here are some proven tips and tricks to help you craft the perfect resume, grab the attention of hiring managers, and increase your chances of getting hired. 

Choose a professional format

Picking the right resume format is like picking the perfect outfit for a job interview - it can make or break your chances. There are three main formats to choose from: chronological (ideal for those with a solid work history), functional (ideal for job hoppers or those with gaps in employment), and combination (a mix of both). A good format will keep your resume clutter-free and professional-looking. Keep it clear, simple, and concise to make sure your experience and skills shine through.

Highlight education, relevant skills, and experience

Your resume is the key to unlocking your dream job, and the components that make it work are your education, relevant skills, and experience. Keep your resume clean and focused by avoiding unnecessary information that isn't relevant to the job. 
Start with a summary that emphasizes your qualifications and experiences, highlighting the skills that make you an excellent candidate. Next, list your education and relevant skills, followed by your experience. To make your resume even stronger, showcase your accomplishments in previous roles by emphasizing the results of your previous tasks with specific examples. 
If you don't have any previous experience, don't sweat it! Highlight the relevant skills that make you the best fit for the job, and always be honest about your qualifications and abilities.

Tailor your resume to the job

Customize your resume for each job you apply for by reviewing the job description and highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. This shows the employer that you are serious about the job and have the qualifications they are looking for. In today's tech-savvy world, many employers use applicant tracking systems to screen resumes. Using relevant keywords and phrases unique to the job can help your resume stand out.

Polish your resume

 Before sending your finished resume out to prospective employers, proofread and edit for any spelling or grammatical errors. It's always good to have a second pair of eyes. So, have someone else review it as well. Keep it concise, no more than two pages, and make it visually appealing by using white space to break up sections. 
Choose a clean and easy-to-read font to make it easy on the eyes. Remember, you want to catch the employer's attention, not put them to sleep with a cluttered and hard-to-read resume.

Crafting the perfect resume may seem daunting, but with the formats outlined above, you can breeze through it like a pro. And if you're still struggling, don't fret! You can always hire a professional or find online samples to guide you. By following these tips, you'll create a standout resume that will make you a top candidate. Good luck!