Anyone who would like to find a job must learn how to write a resume. This is a tool used to introduce yourself and the skills you have which make you fit for the job requirements. However, there are important things you should remember if you want employers to contact you after viewing your resume.
What Is the Difference Between a Resume And a CV?
You may be asking what is the difference between a resume and a CV. Are they both acceptable when finding a job, or one is better to use than the other.
A resume is defined as a brief summary of your personal, professional, and educational information relevant to the position you are applying for. On the other hand, curriculum vitae or CV is a comprehensive summary of both educational background, accomplishments, awards, and employment histories of the applicant. That’ why a CV can be more than two pages long.
Fresh applicants use a resume while CVs are used by those who have already gained some previous experiences.
A Guide on How to Write a Resume
Since the purpose of writing a resume is to get an interview for the job you are interested in, it’s important to create it as enticing and detailed as possible.
- Check and review some professional resume examples. You can have a great idea of how a good resume look like when you see one. So, find a great sample and write one for you.
- Choose a resume template. There are online resume generators today that you can also check and use to create a resume. You need to input your details and the tool will create the resume for you. But of course, you need to review the output for information accuracy.
Below are some of the common resume formats that you can use:
- Functional or skills-based resume format. This is ideal for an applicant who lacks relevant experience because he/she is a newly-graduate searching for a new career.
- Reverse chronological format. This format is the most popular and commonly used resume format. This is perfect for individuals who have a lot of work experience relevant to the position they are applying for.
- Combination Format. This resume format is an ideal option for applicants who have a various set of work experiences and skills which are relevant and fit on the role.
- Create your professional title and summary of your resume.
The organization and structure of your resume summary are both important factors to consider. Once you’ve chosen a resume format perfect for your skills, then you need to organize all the information to be included. The structure of your resume must be based on your personal preference but of course, on the style of the resume format as well.
- Include your contact information.
As previously mentioned, the goal of a resume is to get an interview for a particular job. That’s why your contact information must be properly included. Most resume formats have the following contact information included:
- Name
(Your name must be written with the largest font on the entire resume document so it will be highlighted.)
- Address
- Phone Number
- Website or portfolio link
- LinkedIn Profile or other social media accounts
Note: All contact details and links must be working and active.
- Make sure that your skills on the resume match to the ones in the job posting.
Make sure to review the job requirements before you apply. The interviewer will review your resume and they need to find out if your skills and abilities match with what they are looking for. In case you are looking for a career change, it is still important to have some information included in the resume which is likely relevant to the job ad.
- Focus on your achievements.
If you have your portfolio, make sure that the link to it is working. Aside from that, you can also highlight your achievements, awards, seminars attended, and other important data which can ‘impress’ the interviewer.
Your resume must be written properly in terms of format, structure, content, and accuracy. Make sure to check some of the formats first so you can find the best one that will work for you and help you get hired.
