Professional Resume| CV Writing: 18 Powerful Tips

One thing that majority of job seekers that do not get right is CV or Resume Writing. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write a professional resume:

1. Choose the Right Format:

• Consider using a chronological, functional, or combination (hybrid) resume format based on your work history and goals.

1. Contact Information:

• Include your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable).

1. Resume Summary/Objective:

• Write a concise statement (3-4 lines) summarizing your career goals and what you bring to the table.

1. Skills Section:

• List key skills relevant to the job you’re applying for, such as technical, soft, and language skills.

1. Work Experience:

• List your previous jobs in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
• Include the company name, location, your job title, and employment dates.
• Use bullet points to describe your accomplishments and responsibilities, emphasizing achievements and quantifiable results.

1. Education:

• Include your educational background, starting with your most recent degree.
• Mention the institution’s name, location, degree earned, major, and graduation date.

1. Certifications and Training:

• List any relevant certifications or training programs you’ve completed.

1. Optional Sections (if applicable):

• Awards and honors
• Publications
• Projects
• Volunteer work
• Languages spoken

1. Tailor Your Resume:

• Customize your resume for each job application by highlighting skills and experiences relevant to the specific position.

1. Use Action Words:
   • Start bullet points with action verbs to make your accomplishments more impactful.
2. Quantify Achievements:
   • Whenever possible, use numbers to quantify your achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”).
3. Proofread and Edit:
   • Check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues. Consider asking someone else to review your resume.
4. Choose a Professional Font:
   • Use a clear, readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep the formatting consistent.
5. Keep it Concise:
   • Aim for a resume length of 1-2 pages, focusing on the most relevant information.
6. Include Keywords:
   • Use keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
7. Use a Professional Tone:
   • Write in the third person and avoid personal pronouns (e.g., “I” or “me”).
8. Save in the Right Format:
   • Save your resume as a PDF to ensure it looks the same on different devices.
9. Update Regularly:
   • Keep your resume up to date with your latest experiences and achievements.

Remember, your resume should effectively showcase your qualifications and make a strong first impression on potential employers. Tailoring it to each job application can significantly improve your chances of landing interviews.