10 Things You Should Include To Make A Killer Resume
A well-crafted resume is your first chance to make a great impression on potential employers. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, your resume needs to stand out from the crowd. A “killer” resume highlights your skills, experience, and accomplishments in a way that speaks directly to the employer’s needs. Here are 10 essential elements you should include to create a resume that grabs attention and helps you land your dream job.
1. Contact Information
Your resume should start with your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable). Ensure this information is easy to find and up-to-date, as it’s the primary way employers will contact you.
Tip: Avoid using unprofessional email addresses. Stick to something simple and professional, like your name.
2. Professional Summary or Objective
A brief professional summary or objective at the beginning of your resume is your opportunity to quickly communicate who you are, what you bring to the table, and what you’re looking for. A summary works best for those with experience, while an objective is ideal for recent graduates or those changing careers.
Example: “Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, SEO, and content creation. Seeking to leverage my skills to help ABC Corp grow its online presence.”
3. Key Skills
List the specific skills you possess that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. This can include both hard skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency) and soft skills (e.g., communication, problem-solving). Be sure to align these skills with the job description to show that you meet the employer’s needs.
Tip: Use keywords from the job posting to make sure your resume passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
4. Work Experience
Your work experience is the core of your resume. List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role. For each position, include the job title, company name, location, and dates of employment. Under each role, use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments.
Tip: Focus on measurable achievements rather than just listing duties. For example, “Increased website traffic by 30% in six months through SEO and content marketing.”
5. Education
Your education section should include the degree(s) you’ve earned, the institution(s) where you studied, and your graduation date. If you’re a recent graduate with limited work experience, this section can take precedence over your work experience.
Tip: If your GPA is impressive (usually above 3.5), consider including it. Otherwise, leave it off.
6. Certifications and Training
If you have relevant certifications or have completed any specialized training, this is the section to showcase them. Certifications can help demonstrate your expertise in a specific area and make you stand out from other candidates.
Example: “Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)” or “Google Analytics Certified.”
7. Achievements and Awards
Including a section for notable achievements or awards gives you the opportunity to highlight your exceptional contributions and recognition. This could include awards from previous jobs, professional organizations, or personal accomplishments.
Example: “Employee of the Year – 2023, ABC Corp” or “Top Sales Performer – Q1 2022.”
8. Volunteer Experience
If applicable, include volunteer work that demonstrates transferable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and communication. This is especially useful for candidates with limited professional experience, as it shows you are proactive and dedicated.
Example: “Volunteer Coordinator, Local Animal Shelter (2019-2021): Managed a team of 10 volunteers and organized fundraising events that raised $5,000 for shelter programs.”
9. Portfolio or Projects
If you work in a field where you can showcase your work (e.g., design, writing, software development), include a link to your portfolio or provide brief descriptions of relevant projects. For example, web developers may want to link to their GitHub or a personal website with examples of their work.
Tip: If you have several projects, select the ones most relevant to the position you’re applying for.
10. Keywords for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they even reach a human recruiter. To optimize your resume for ATS, include keywords from the job description. For example, if the job posting emphasizes “data analysis,” make sure to include that phrase in your resume if it’s a skill you possess.
Tip: Use natural language and avoid overstuffing your resume with keywords. Focus on integrating them where relevant.
Bonus Tips:
- Use Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs such as “led,” “managed,” “designed,” “developed,” or “increased.”
- Keep it Concise: Your resume should be no longer than one page if you’re a recent graduate or have fewer than 10 years of experience. Two pages are acceptable for those with more extensive work history.
- Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application by emphasizing the skills and experience most relevant to the specific role.
Conclusion
Creating a killer resume involves more than just listing your job history. By including these 10 essential elements and tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, you’ll make a strong impression and increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember, your resume is your personal marketing tool, so make sure it reflects your skills, experience, and achievements in the best possible light!
