How to Build a Resume That Gets You Hired

When applying for a job, your resume is your first impression—it can either open the door to an interview or leave your application unnoticed. Crafting a standout resume is not just about listing experiences; it’s about showcasing your value clearly, confidently, and professionally.

Why a Strong Resume Matters

Recruiters often spend less than 10 seconds scanning a resume. A poorly structured or irrelevant resume may instantly be rejected by both applicant tracking systems (ATS) and human reviewers. A strong resume aligns your strengths with the employer’s needs and improves your chances of getting shortlisted.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare the Best Resume

1. Start with a Clear Objective or Summary

Include a 2-3 line professional summary at the top:
– Highlight your strengths.
– Mention your industry and years of experience.
– Tailor it to the specific job role.
Example: “Results-driven digital marketer with 5+ years of experience in SEO, paid campaigns, and content strategy, seeking to drive growth in a fast-paced tech company.”

2. Choose the Right Format

Use one of the following resume formats:
– Reverse Chronological – Ideal for steady work history.
– Functional – Focuses on skills, better for career changers.
– Hybrid/Combination – Blends both, good for mid-level professionals.

3. Customize Your Resume for Each Job

Never send the same resume everywhere. Instead:
– Read the job description thoroughly.
– Use keywords from the posting.
– Highlight relevant skills and accomplishments.

4. Highlight Achievements, Not Just Duties

Use bullet points to describe your work experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Quantify whenever possible:
❌ Handled customer queries.
✅ Resolved 50+ customer queries daily, improving customer satisfaction by 25%.

5. Include Only Relevant Information

Don’t clutter your resume with every job you’ve had. Focus on:
– Jobs relevant to the position.
– Roles with transferable skills.
– Relevant certifications or achievements.

6. Add a Skills Section

Use a bullet-point list or categorized columns:
– Technical Skills: Excel, Python, Photoshop
– Soft Skills: Teamwork, Communication, Leadership

7. Keep It Simple and Professional

Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman).
– Font size: 10.5 to 12 pt.
– Keep margins clean and spacing consistent.
– Avoid images, fancy graphics, or unusual formatting—especially if submitting to an ATS.

8. Proofread Carefully

Typos or grammatical errors signal carelessness.
– Use spellcheck tools like Grammarly.
– Ask a friend or mentor to review.
– Read it aloud for flow and clarity.

9. Save and Send in the Right Format

Preferred format: PDF (unless specified otherwise).
– Use a professional filename: John_Doe_Resume.pdf

Bonus Tips

– Keep resume length to 1 page (for freshers) or 2 pages max (for experienced professionals).
– Include your LinkedIn profile link and professional email address.
– Add certifications, awards, or projects in a separate section.

Final Thoughts

A great resume is not just about what you’ve done—it’s about how you present it. Invest time in tailoring it to each job, showcasing your unique value, and keeping the presentation clean and professional. A well-prepared resume can set you apart from hundreds of other applicants and bring you closer to your dream job.

Author

Established since 2009, Jobs Section has emerged as the leading staffing solutions provider that has set a proven track record for matching the right people to the right organization within the shortest time. With our vast network of resources, extensive databases and defined recruitment processes, we have been successfully bridging talented job seekers of the highest caliber to employers who only want the best in their teams. In our relentless pursuit of excellent service, we have adopted best practices and dynamic growth strategies in expanding our operations across country.