How to Create a Resume

1. Select a Template – There are many different resume templates readily available for you to use, no matter what writing program you prefer. Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word offer a variety of templates to help you build a polished resume. You can also find even more on the internet. Be sure to select a professional template that is simple and set up in an easy-to-read format.

Make sure the template includes a professional font, like Arial, Times New Roman, Helvetica, Georgia, or Calibri. Generally, you should use 12 point font and make sure all text is consistent throughout the document. Your template should also use attractive colors to make your resume appealing to look at. But, make sure not to overdo it. Sticking to a white background, black text, and a third color is a good rule-of-thumb.

You can also use a resume builder online to help you create your resume. These websites make building a great resume even easier and ensure that they are formatted correctly. There are many different options, so do some research to figure out the best resume builder for you!

2. Add Your Contact Information – After you’ve selected a template or resume builder, it’s time to start filling out your resume. The first thing to include is your contact information—like your first and last name, your email address, and your phone number. You can also choose to include other relevant information, like a link to your portfolio or professional networking page. 

3. Include a Summary and Objective – Next, add your summary and objective. The summary should be a brief overview of your relevant work experience to help you stand out from other applicants. The objective should highlight specific skills and qualifications you possess that are valuable for the role you are applying for. 

Your summary and objective are crucial because they are the first things a hiring professional will look at on your resume. If they are poorly written or aren’t relevant, then the hiring professional may move on from your application, even without looking at the rest of your resume.

4. List Your Work Experience – When listing your work experience, you’ll want to provide a clear history of the previous positions you’ve held, especially those relevant to the opening you are applying for. This information will include the name of your employer and their location, your job title, and the dates you were employed. 

For each previous employer, you can add a description to explain your responsibilities in that role and highlight any particular achievements or accomplishments you had. This is another good area to focus on how your previous experience relates to the job you are applying for.

5. Add Your Education – Different jobs require certain levels of education, so be sure to include your highest level of education completed on your resume. If you are still in high school or recently graduated, you should include that information. If you are currently pursuing a degree, include the date you started your education and leave the end date blank.

If you’ve received a degree from a college or university, don’t worry about including your high school education information. You also shouldn’t worry about including your GPA unless the job posting specifies it. You can also include academic achievements, awards, and honors in this section. If you have any certifications or active licenses, you can add those as well. 

6. List Your Relevant Skills – There are many different skills to list on a resume, so you should be sure to focus on ones that relate directly to the position you are applying for. Keep in mind that there are both hard skills and soft skills and you will need to include both to make a good impression.

Hard skills include things like languages you speak, software programs you are proficient in, or other technical knowledge that is useful in your specific industry. Soft skills include abilities that can apply to any job, such as leadership, communication, time management, customer service, problem-solving, and more.