When you’re searching for a job, there’s one thing you need to worry about above all else: your resume. Your resume is the foundation of your job hunt, as it is a representation of who you are as an employee to all prospective employers. That’s why it’s crucial to create a resume that will be attractive to hiring managers. In this article, we’ll share some tips for how to build a resume that will stand out and help you put your best foot forward in your job search.

How To Make a Resume That Will Get Noticed

Select a Template – The first step of building your resume is to select a template. There are plenty of templates available for free, whether in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or on other websites. You can even choose to use a resume builder to make the process even simpler. 

It’s best to choose a simple design that doesn’t have too much going on. You also want to use a standard font (11 or 12 pt) like Times New Roman, Helvetica, Arial, Georgia, or Calibri. Make sure your text is consistent throughout your resume. You don’t want to take away from all of the information regarding you and your experience.

Include Your Contact Information – Next, add your contact information to your resume. This includes your first and last name, your phone number, and your email address. It’s important to include a professional email address so you are taken seriously. You can also add any other important information, such as a link to a professional networking page or a portfolio.

Add a Summary and Objective – After your contact information, add a summary and objective to your resume. Your summary is a brief overview of your relevant work experience that makes you unique from other candidates. Your objective should be to emphasize your specific qualifications and skills that pertain directly to the position you are applying for. This section is where you make your first impression on a hiring manager, so it’s important for it to be well-written.

List Your Work Experience and Education – Next, list your work experience and education. For work experience, add all of the relevant jobs you’ve held, and include the name and location of each employer, your job title, and the dates you were employed there. You can also explain the specific responsibilities you had in your role, and highlight any achievements or accomplishments you had.

For education, include your highest level of education completed. If you are still attending school and pursuing a degree, include the date you started and leave the end date blank. The education section of your resume can also be used to highlight academic achievements, honors, and awards, as well as detailing any active licenses or certifications.

Add Your Relevant Skills – In the next section of your resume, include your skills that are relevant to the position. You should include both hard and soft skills to highlight all of your strengths. Some jobs will require specific skills, so be sure you have the appropriate qualifications listed on your resume.

Additional Resume Tips – Follow these additional tips to help ensure that your resume is in top shape and will stand out from the crowd:

• Keep it short and simple. Generally, it’s best to keep your resume to one page since hiring managers have to quickly read through the resumes of numerous applicants. If your resume is too long or packed full of unnecessary info, the hiring managers may simply move on. However, some professions will require longer, more complex resumes due to the additional information that needs to be included.
• Proofread your resume multiple times. Spelling and grammar mistakes can be costly, as over 70% of hiring managers disqualify resumes due to typos or grammatical mistakes.
• Use a resume scanner to make sure your resume doesn’t get thrown out of consideration early. Most companies use application tracking systems (ATS) that scan through all documents included in your application. If your resume doesn’t meet the requirements, the ATS automatically removes it.
• Customize your resume for each job you apply to. This allows you to highlight relevant skills and experience more than simply sending out the same resume over and over. Try to use keywords included in the initial job description so your resume closely matches what the company is looking for.
• Include a cover letter with your application. This allows you to specify why you are interested in the position and the company as a whole. Over 50% of employers prefer candidates that include cover letters in their applications.

At Thompson-Markward Hall (TMH), we’re a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote the academic and professional success of young women. TMH is in the heart of DC and offers safe, affordable, and convenient housing for women who are working, attending school, or interning in our nation’s capital. Visit our website to learn more about our accommodations or fill out an application today so you can start enjoying all of the benefits of co-living in DC!