Writing a resume can feel like trying to fit your entire professional life onto a single sheet of paper. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it seems. Let’s break it down into some easy, fun steps to help you create a resume that will wow recruiters and make the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) your best friend!

Item 1 – Contact Information: Make It Easy to Reach You

First things first: you need to include your contact information. This means your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile. Make sure your email address is professional – if you’re still using that quirky one from college, it’s time for an upgrade!

Item 2 – Professional Summary: Your Elevator Pitch

Think of your professional summary as your personal elevator pitch. In two to three sentences, summarize your professional background, key skills, and what makes you a standout candidate. Make it punchy and engaging, so recruiters want to keep reading.

Item 3 – Work Experience: Showcase Your Achievements

List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. For each position, include:

• Job title
• Company name
• Location
• Period held
• Responsibilities
• Achievements

Item 4 – Career Break: Address Any Gaps (If applicable)

If you’ve taken a career break, include it to avoid being red-flagged by hiring managers. Be honest about the gap and, if possible, describe any relevant activities/situations you undertook during this time. For example, you could mention freelance projects, courses, personal development efforts, or family situations. This shows that you were productive or had to attend to important matters even while not formally employed. Include:

• Purpose of Career Break
• Period
• About

Item 5 – Skills: Highlight What You Bring to the Table

Skills are crucial for getting past the ATS and impressing recruiters. Divide your skills into categories, such as technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific skills. Be sure to include keywords from the job description, but avoid stuffing your resume with irrelevant ones. Remember, quality over quantity!

Item 6 – Education: Show Your Academic Background

Include your education details, starting with your highest degree. For each entry, list:

• Qualification Name
• Name of Institution
• Graduation year

You can also include relevant coursework, honors, or certifications, especially if they are pertinent to the job you’re applying for.

Item 7 – Certifications and Professional Development: Keep Learning

If you have any certifications, licenses, or completed professional development courses, be sure to include them. These can set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re committed to continuous learning.

Item 8 – Volunteer Experience (Only If Relevant to the Work)

Volunteer work can be a great addition to your resume if it’s relevant to the job. It shows you’re well-rounded and community-minded. Include:

• Organization name
• Your role
• Dates
• Description of your contributions and impact

Item 9 – Hobbies and Interests: Show Your Personality (Optional)

This section is optional, but it can help humanize you and make you more memorable. If you have hobbies or interests that relate to the job or demonstrate valuable skills, include them. For example, if you’re applying for a team leader role and you coach a local sports team, that’s worth mentioning!

Item 10 – References: The Final Touch (Optional)

Including references is optional, but it can be beneficial if you have strong endorsements from previous employers or colleagues. If you choose to include them, list:

• Name
• Job title
• Company
• Contact information

Final Touches: Proofread and Format

Before you hit send, make sure your resume is polished. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure the formatting is clean and consistent. Use a professional font and avoid overly flashy designs. Your resume should be easy to read and ATS-friendly*.

*Read “5 Easy Steps to Hack the ATS System in Your Job Application” here to find out on how to optimize your resume to beat the ATS system

Need Help?

Crafting the perfect resume can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to Emmanuel Ng at +65 97839778 for personalized tips and expert advice on how to maximize your chances before submitting your resume. Remember, your resume is your first impression – make it count!