10 Steps: How to Write Resume Professionally

Posted On : 25-January-2017

You're a smart job seeker! You know your resume is important key of getting a new job. That's why you're taking time to learn how to write a resume so you have the best one possible.

This may be your first time writing a resume; or maybe you're updating an old one for the numerous time. Either way, you'll want to use this guide to be sure you're doing all you can to have the best resume possible.

We have created this online tool so you can use it as a step-by-step guide or as a resource to answer particular resume questions. So feel free to start with Step 1 and work your way through to Step 10. Or, jump around to find answers to your questions.

10 Steps: How to Write a Resume

Key points that will serve as a scope as you go through each step of writing your resume.

Step 1: Find a Job for Your Resume

This step is important to writing a good resume. Don't make the mistake so many make by doing this step after they write their resume’s. Identify the role you are going to apply so you know what is the key pointers need to add in the resume.

Step 2: List of Key skill for Your Resume

Recruiters and employers search for keywords, so you need to put them in your resume if you want to be found. Do some research on the internet and identify the key words used on the various jobs advertised online.

Step 3: Choose a Resume Format

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to resume format. Learn which of these 3 resume’s formats will make your job hunt a success. The resume template has to be presentable.

  • Chronological resume Template
  • Functional resume Template
  • Combination resume Template

Step 4: Your Resume Heading

Believe it or not, there's a right way and a wrong way to do this easy step. Be sure you do it the right way! Be to the point and only mentioned necessary details which are necessary avoid writing gender, marital status, hobbies in the resume.

Step 5: Your Resume Job Summary

An opening statement is a summary of who you are, what is your total experience and worked, and what you bring to the job. It should be about 6-7 lines long and written in first person without the personal reference

Your opening statement should start with one sentence about who you are and what you bring to the job, then describe the skills and attributes you have that suit you to the job.

Step 6: Your Core Competencies (Key Skills)

Your resume should include a list of between 10 and 15 core competencies that link your experience to the job you're applying for.

If the job you're applying for was advertised, either the ad or the position description may provide a list of skills and experiences that are essential for doing the job. It may also provide a list of "desirable" skills and experience. Your list of key skills & strengths needs to respond to all of the items on the "essential" list and as many items as possible on the "desirable" list.

Step 7: Your Work Experience

When providing your employment details, start with the your most recent job and go backwards from there. Give the position title and the dates you worked there.

If you haven't had a job before, you can use other things to demonstrate your experience, including:

  • Work experience you've done through school
  • Work placements or internships that you've done through university
  • Volunteer work you've done

For each job provide a list of the things that you achieved while in that job, and the significant contributions you made to the organisation. Make sure that these achievements and contributions match the key skills and strengths listed earlier on your resume.

Step 8: Your Resume Achievement Statements

On your resume, an achievement is an example of how you performed to your employer, or it's an achievement that reflects the kind of employee you are. The most convincing achievements are measurable.

Set a timer for five minutes, and start writing down your achievements for your most recent position. Write down any accomplishment, contribution or achievement that comes to mind, even if it seems insignificant. Complete this exercise for each position on your resume.

Now that you've completed this brainstorming exercise, turn your achievements into high-impact statements. Lead with the result, outcome or benefit to your employer.

Step 9: Listing Education on Your Resume

For many jobs, the Education section on a resume is key. During a quick scan, an employer will look to see if you have a college degree or relevant certificate. So let's talk about listing education on your CV so your best credentials get noticed.

  • State where each degree was received. If you went to more than one school to earn a degree, you don't have to list all the different schools you attended leading up to that degree. List only the school that granted your degree.
  • Dates are optional. They sometimes suggest how old you are and how current your knowledge is, so take that into account when you when decide whether or not to include them.
  • Majors, minors, theses, dissertations, internships, and coursework should be listed only if they are relevant to your job objective.
  • You can spell out the degree (for example, Bachelor of Arts) or use the representative letters (for example, BA or B.A.).

Step 10: Community Service and Other Lists on Your Resume

Where and how to put all those lists of community service, skills, and other things that need a place of their own on your CV.