10 Resume Writing Tips To Help You Land a Position

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10 Resume Writing Tips To Help You Land a Position

Employers rely on resumes throughout the hiring process to understand candidates better and determine their suitability for the role. A well-crafted resume should be easy to read, summarize your accomplishments and skills, and highlight relevant experience. Mastering the art of resume writing can significantly increase your chances of impressing potential employers.

This article provides 10 tips to help you create an outstanding resume.

10 Resume Writing Tips

1. Look for Keywords in the Job Posting

Start by carefully reading the job postings that interest you. Identify and include keywords from the job description in your resume to match the employer’s requirements. For example, if you’re applying for a medical billing coder position, keywords like “coding,” “claims submission,” “compliance,” or “accounts receivable management” might be crucial. Focus on terms listed under “Requirements” or “Qualifications.”

Sample:

Experience:
Medical Billing Coder
XYZ Healthcare, Anytown, USA
- Managed coding and claims submission for patient billing
- Ensured compliance with healthcare regulations
- Handled accounts receivable management and reconciliations

2. Review Resume Examples for Your Industry

Study industry-specific resume examples for inspiration. Look for:

• Simplicity: Keep resumes straightforward for quick readability.
• Brevity: Short, concise sections, including summaries and experience descriptions.
• Numbers: Quantify achievements with metrics, e.g., “Processed 100 vendor contracts, reducing discrepancies by 90%.”

Sample:

Experience:
Administrative Assistant
ABC Corp, Anytown, USA
- Processed 100 vendor contracts and implemented a standardized process, reducing contract discrepancies by 90%
- Managed office supplies inventory and ordering

3. Use a Professional Font

Select a clean, readable font like Arial or Times New Roman, sized between 10 and 12 points. Minimize white space to keep the focus on your resume content. Consider adding sections like “Career Highlights,” “Skills,” or “Awards and Achievements” to utilize space effectively.

Sample:

John Doe
[Contact Information]

Professional Summary:
Dedicated professional with 5 years of experience in administrative roles. Skilled in office management, customer service, and project coordination.

Experience:
Office Manager
DEF Ltd, Anytown, USA
- Managed office operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity
- Coordinated meetings and events

4. Include Only Relevant Information

Keep your resume concise by omitting outdated or irrelevant information, such as jobs from over 10 years ago or unrelated certifications. Focus on work experience, achievements, education, and skills that are most relevant to the job. Highlight key skills and achievements pertinent to the role you’re applying for.

Sample:

Experience:
Software Developer
GHI Tech, Anytown, USA
- Developed and maintained web applications using JavaScript and Python
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software

5. Use Active Language

Utilize power words like “achieved,” “earned,” “completed,” and “accomplished.” Make sentences concise and impactful. For example, change “During my time at Freedom Inc., I ran multiple team-based projects and helped each team member with various tasks associated with each project” to “Led 10 team-based projects, implemented a new point-of-service system, and assisted five team members in meeting deadlines with 95% accuracy.”

Sample:

Experience:
Project Manager
JKL Solutions, Anytown, USA
- Led 10 team-based projects, including the implementation of a new point-of-service system
- Assisted five team members in meeting project requirements and deadlines with 95% accuracy

6. Call Attention to Important Achievements

Highlight your top three or four achievements for each role. Use numbers to measure success. Consider a separate “Achievements” or “Skills” section for relevant accomplishments in education, career, or volunteer work.

Sample:

Experience:
Marketing Specialist
MNO Marketing, Anytown, USA
- Increased social media engagement by 50% through targeted campaigns
- Managed a $100,000 marketing budget, achieving a 20% ROI

7. Only Include Subheadings and Sections You Need

Tailor your resume sections to your experience. If you’re a recent graduate, replace the experience section with relevant coursework, academic achievements, and internships. Combine sections if you struggle to fill them.

Sample:

Relevant Coursework:
- Advanced Marketing Strategies
- Digital Advertising and Analytics

Internships:
Marketing Intern
PQR Agency, Anytown, USA
- Assisted in developing and executing marketing campaigns
- Analyzed campaign performance and provided recommendations

8. Choose Appropriate Margins

Use one-inch margins on all sides, with single spaces between lines. If there’s too much white space, adjust line spacing to 1.15 or 1.5. Keep margins below two inches if you need to increase them.

Sample:

[Using one-inch margins and single spacing]

John Doe
[Contact Information]

Experience:
Sales Representative
STU Inc, Anytown, USA
- Exceeded sales targets by 20% for three consecutive years
- Developed new sales strategies that improved client retention by 15%

9. Proofread

Proofread your resume multiple times to eliminate spelling and grammar errors. Use proofreading tools and ask trusted friends or colleagues for feedback. Consider hiring a professional resume expert for additional input.

Sample:

Experience:
Customer Service Manager
VWX Services, Anytown, USA
- Implemented new customer service protocols, reducing response times by 30%
- Trained and supervised a team of 15 customer service representatives

10. Make Multiple Versions of Your Resume

Tailor your resume for each job application. Ask yourself if the resume makes it easy for the employer to see your qualifications. Create different versions if necessary, and finalize your resume to increase your chances of callbacks, interviews, and job offers.

Sample:

Version 1 - Sales Role:
Experience:
Sales Manager
YZA Corp, Anytown, USA
- Increased sales by 40% through strategic planning and customer engagement

Version 2 - Marketing Role:
Experience:
Marketing Manager
YZA Corp, Anytown, USA
- Developed marketing campaigns that boosted brand awareness by 30%