How to Create the Best Resume

Creating the perfect resume can be a game-changer in landing your dream job. Your resume is often your first impression on a potential employer, and with recruiters spending an average of just a few seconds scanning each one, you need to make sure yours stands out. At Protip UK, we're committed to helping candidates succeed, so we've put together this guide on creating the best resume ever.

Tailor Your Resume to the Job

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to resumes. Each role you apply for is unique, so your resume should reflect that. Before you start tweaking:

• Read through the job description carefully.
• Highlight the key skills and experiences that match your profile.
• Make sure they are prominently displayed on your resume.

Pro tip: Use the exact keywords from the job description. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which scan resumes for specific terms. If your resume doesn't include these, it might get filtered out before a human sees it.

Keep It Clear and Concise

Your resume should be easy to read and to the point. Stick to a clean, professional layout with clear headings for each section. Use bullet points to break down your achievements and responsibilities, and avoid large blocks of text.

Pro tip: Stick to one or two pages, depending on your experience level. For most candidates, one page is enough. Two pages are acceptable if you have more than 10 years of experience.

Highlight Your Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities

Employers want to know what you've accomplished, not just your day-to-day duties. Instead of listing responsibilities, highlight specific achievements. Use quantifiable results where possible. For example, instead of saying, "Managed a team," try something like, "Led a team of 10 to achieve a 20% increase in sales."

Pro tip: Use action verbs like "managed," "led," "developed," or "increased." They paint a more dynamic picture of your role.

Include a Strong Professional Summary

A professional summary is a brief overview of your career at the top of your resume. This is your elevator pitch. It should be a few lines that sum up your most relevant experience, skills, and career goals.

Pro tip: Avoid clichés like "hard-working" or "motivated." Instead, focus on what makes you unique and how to add value to the employer.

Focus on Relevant Skills

Skills are a critical section of your resume. List hard skills (technical abilities) and soft skills (communication, leadership, etc.), but make sure they are relevant to the job you're applying for. If you're applying for a technical role, your proficiency in specific software or tools should precede unrelated skills.

Pro tip: Include any certifications or training you've completed, especially if relevant to the industry or position.

Education and Experience: Order Matters

For most job seekers, your work experience will be more important than your education, so list it first. However, if you're a recent graduate or entering a new field where your education is highly relevant, put your education section first.

Pro tip: Always list your most recent experience or education at the top of the section and work backwards chronologically.

Showcase Continuous Learning

Employers value candidates who commit to continuous learning in today's rapidly changing job market. Highlight relevant courses, workshops, certifications, or self-study showing you're keeping up with industry trends.

Pro tip: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera are excellent resources, and completion certificates can give your resume an edge.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

There are a few things that can quickly make your resume less effective:

• Spelling and grammar errors: Always proofread. Even a small mistake can leave a negative impression.
• Too much personal information: No need to include your full address, date of birth, or a photo unless specifically requested.
• Irrelevant experience: If it doesn't add value to the position you're applying for, leave it out.

Pro tip: Get someone else to review your resume before you submit it. A fresh pair of eyes can spot errors or suggest improvements you might have missed.

Optimize for Online Applications

When applying online, you need to consider how your resume will appear to humans and ATS software. Stick to simple formatting, avoid images or graphics, and use standard fonts like Arial or Times New Roman. This ensures that ATS systems can properly scan your resume and that it looks professional to hiring managers.

Pro tip: Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting unless the employer specifically requests a Word document.

Keep It Updated

Even if you're not actively job hunting, updating your resume is a good idea. Add new skills, responsibilities, or achievements as they happen so that when you are ready to apply, you won't need to scramble to remember the details.

Pro tip: Updating your LinkedIn profile simultaneously ensures consistency across your job search platforms.

Final Thoughts

Your resume is your personal marketing tool, and carefully crafting it can make all the difference. By following these tips and continuously refining your resume, you'll be well on your way to creating a document that gets you noticed by recruiters and hiring managers alike.

At Protip UK, we help candidates like you connect with employers and succeed in their job search. Check out our other resources, and feel free to contact us for support on your career journey!