Professional Resume Building Success
Unleashing the Power of Professional Resume Building: 10 Steps to Success
In today's highly competitive job market, a standout resume is the key to opening doors to your dream career. It serves as your personal marketing tool, presenting your skills, experiences, and qualifications to potential employers. However, creating a compelling resume that captures a hiring manager’s attention and showcases your unique value can be challenging. That's where The Perfect Resume comes in. Our professional resume writing services are designed to transform your career aspirations into reality. In this blog, we will explore 10 essential steps to crafting an impactful resume, along with the significant advantages of professional resume building and hiring a resume writer from The Perfect Resume.
Elevating Your Career Goals through a Purposeful Resume
Before embarking on your resume writing journey, it's crucial to understand the purpose behind it. A professionally crafted resume is not just a document listing your work history; it is a strategic tool designed to showcase your skills, experiences, and achievements. Our resume writers at The Perfect Resume excel in understanding your career goals and tailoring your resume to highlight your unique strengths, making it a powerful asset in achieving your professional objectives.
Resume Objective Statement Example (Before)
Seeking a challenging position in the marketing industry.
Resume Professional Summary Example (After)
A results-driven marketing professional with a 10+ year track record of implementing successful campaigns and driving brand awareness. Seeking an opportunity to leverage strategic talents and creative skills to propel business growth for a dynamic organisation.
The Art of Choosing The Perfect Resume Format
Selecting the appropriate resume format can significantly impact the effectiveness of your application. Our expert resume writers understand the nuances of different formats, such as:
1. Chronological Resume Format:
The chronological resume format is the most commonly used. It presents your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This format highlights your career progression and demonstrates stability and growth over time.
Chronological Resume Format Pros:
✅ Easy to follow: Hiring managers can quickly see your work history and progression.
✅ Emphasises relevant experience: Ideal for candidates with a consistent employment history.
✅ Demonstrates longevity: Shows commitment to previous employers and suggests reliability.
Chronological Resume Format Cons:
❌ Highlights employment gaps: If you have gaps in your employment history, they may become more apparent.
❌ Downplays skills: Skills and qualifications may not be as prominent as work experience.
❌ Not ideal for career changes: If you are changing industries or roles, the chronological format may not effectively showcase your transferable skills.
2. Functional Resume Format:
The functional resume format focuses on your skills and achievements rather than a strict chronological order of work experience. It highlights your abilities, accomplishments, and qualifications, organised by skill category or relevant achievement.
Functional Resume Format Pros:
✅ Highlights skills: Effective for emphasising specific skills relevant to the job you are applying for.
✅ Downplays employment gaps: Employment gaps are less apparent as the focus is on skills rather than timelines.
✅ Ideal for career changes: Useful when transitioning to a new industry or role, as it emphasises transferable skills.
Functional Resume Format Cons:
❌ Lack of context: Hiring managers may find it harder to understand your work progression.
❌ Raises questions: Recruiters may wonder why you chose this format, assuming you are trying to hide something.
❌ Not suitable for traditional industries: Some traditional employers may prefer the chronological format and find the functional format unconventional.
3. Combination/Hybrid Resume Format:
The combination resume format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It provides a summary of your skills and qualifications upfront, followed by a reverse chronological listing of your work experience.
Combination/Hybrid Resume Format Pros:
✅ Showcases skills and experience: Allows you to highlight your skills while also presenting a clear work history.
✅ Versatility: Works well for candidates with diverse skill sets or those looking to emphasize specific achievements.
✅ Offers flexibility: Can be tailored to focus on different aspects based on the job requirements.
Combination/Hybrid Resume Format Cons:
❌ Can be lengthy: Combination resumes may end up being longer than other formats, which can be a disadvantage if employers prefer concise resumes.
❌ Requires careful organisation: Balancing the order and presentation of skills and work experience requires careful attention.
❌ May not be suitable for all roles: Some employers may prefer a more traditional format, especially for conservative industries.
Your resume writer can choose the best resume format depending on your specific circumstances, career goals, and the job you are applying for. We can take the hard part out of how to articulate your strengths, hide your weaknesses, and match target employers’ preferences.
Professional Resume Building Tip 1: A Powerful Professional Summary
The professional summary is your chance to create a lasting impression. Our resume writers excel in captivating summaries that succinctly showcase your value proposition. Strategically incorporating industry-specific keywords and focusing on your key accomplishments, we can ensure that your resume immediately grabs the attention of hiring managers, compelling them to continue reading.
Resume Professional Summary Example (Before)
Missing altogether or 1-2 sentences that are vague and ambiguous.
Resume Professional Summary Example (After)
A highly motivated and organised graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business, majoring in finance, economics, and global business specialities. Offering a proven ability to work independently and in a team environment with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experienced in utilising problem-solving skills to identify areas of improvement, preparing reports, and contributing to project development. Adept in working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines with a high degree of initiative and self-motivation.
The "After" content is better than the "Before" content for several reasons:
1. Clarity and specificity
The "After" content provides specific information about the individual's educational background, mentioning their bachelor's degree in business with specialisations in finance, economics, and global business. This level of detail helps the reader understand the candidate's qualifications and expertise more clearly.
2. Demonstrated skills and experience
The "After" content highlights the candidate's proven ability to work both independently and in a team environment. It also mentions their excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, it showcases their experience in problem-solving, report preparation, and project development. This specific mention of skills and experience helps the reader understand the candidate's capabilities and potential value to an employer.
3. Initiative and self-motivation
The "After" content mentions that the candidate is adept at working under pressure and meeting tight deadlines with a high degree of initiative and self-motivation. This conveys a sense of proactiveness and reliability, which are desirable traits in many professional settings.
4. Overall impression
The "After" content paints a more complete picture of the candidate as a highly motivated, organised, and skilled individual. It provides a stronger impression of their qualifications, capabilities, and potential fit for the desired position.
In contrast, the "Before" content is described as missing altogether or being vague and ambiguous. This lack of clarity and specificity can make it difficult for the reader to grasp the candidate's desire for the role. The "After" content addresses these shortcomings by providing more specific and detailed information, making it a better representation of the candidate's professional summary.
Professional Resume Building Tip 2: Skill and Experience Assessment
One of the advantages of working with The Perfect Resume is the comprehensive skills and experience assessment we provide. Our resume writers delve deep into your professional background, identifying your unique selling points. Leveraging their expertise, they skillfully highlight your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, giving you a competitive edge over other candidates in the job market.
Resume Skills Example (Before)
►Communication
►Leadership
►Time management
Resume Skills Example (After)
✅Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and effective client relationship management.
✅Proven leadership abilities, as evidenced by successfully leading and motivating a team of up to 5 sales associates who consistently exceeded sales targets.
✅Strong time management skills, consistently meeting project deadlines in fast-paced environments while maintaining a high level of quality.
The "After" content is better than the "Before" content because it provides more detailed and specific information about the skills mentioned.
In the "Before" content, the skills are listed in a general and vague manner. It states "Communication," "Leadership," and "Time management" which almost every professional could list on their resume. There is no context, evidence, or examples of proficiency in these skills. Similarly, the list does not give any indication of how these skills were developed or applied in a professional setting.
On the other hand, the "After" content expands on each skill, providing concrete examples and demonstrating the level of expertise in each area. For example, instead of just mentioning "Communication," it states "Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, demonstrated through successful collaboration with cross-functional teams and effective client relationship management." This description not only highlights the proficiency in communication but also provides evidence of the skill through successful collaborations and client relationship management.
Similarly, the "After" content provides specific examples of leadership and time management skills. It mentions "Proven leadership abilities, as evidenced by successfully leading and motivating a team of up to 5 sales associates who consistently exceeded sales targets." This statement showcases the individual's ability to lead and motivate a team and demonstrates the impact of their leadership by achieving sales targets.
Furthermore, the "After" content emphasises the ability to meet project deadlines in fast-paced environments while maintaining a high level of quality, giving the reader a clearer understanding of the individual's capabilities and achievements, and making it easier for the hiring manager to decide to shortlist them.
Professional Resume Building Tip 3: Your Education, Certifications, and Relevant Training
Education, certifications, and relevant training play a crucial role in establishing your credibility. Our resume writers expertly showcase your educational background and certifications, emphasising their alignment with your target job. Presenting this information concisely and strategically, they effectively communicate your expertise, increasing your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers.
Education, Certifications, and Relevant Training Resume Example (Before)
►Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Education, Certifications, and Relevant Training Resume Example (After)
►Bachelor of Science (Microbiology & Genetics) | ABC University | Year
►Relevant coursework: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biotechnology and Virology
The before version is not applicant tracking system compliant as the university and year are missing. The after version also adds a deeper sense of credibility to the candidate’s knowledge of the industry.
Professional Resume Building Tip 4: Transforming Work Experience into Success Stories
Your work experience section provides a golden opportunity to demonstrate your competence and accomplishments. At The Perfect Resume, our writers skillfully transform your work history into engaging success stories. They carefully select powerful action verbs, quantify your achievements, and highlight the impact you made in previous roles. This strategic approach ensures that your resume impresses employers and positions you as an invaluable asset to their organisation.
Resume Work Experience Example (Before)
►ABC Company Marketing Assistant (10/2017-2019)
►Sales associate XYZ Corporation (January 2015-February 2017)
Resume Work Experience Example (After)
Marketing Assistant | ABC Company | 2017 - 2019
✅Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop and execute integrated marketing campaigns, resulting in a 20% increase in return on investment.
✅Implemented social media strategies that grew the company's online following by 50% within 6 months.
Sales Associate | XYZ Corporation | 2015 - 2017
✅Demonstrated exceptional customer service, achieving a 95% satisfaction rate.
✅Received recognition from the CEO for exceeding sales targets for the quarter.
The "After" content is better than the "Before" content for several reasons:
Improved Formatting
The "After" content presents the work experience in a clear and organised manner, with a consistent format for each position. It uses a bullet point style to highlight specific achievements and responsibilities, making it easier for potential employers to scan and understand the information quickly.
Action-Oriented Language
The "After" content uses strong action verbs like "collaborated," "executed," "implemented," and "achieved" to describe the candidate's contributions and accomplishments. This language creates a more dynamic and engaging narrative, demonstrating the candidate's proactivity and impact in their previous roles.
Quantifiable Achievements
The "After" content includes specific and measurable achievements that highlight the candidate's impact on the companies they worked for. For example, it mentions a 20% increase in return on investment (ROI) and a 50% growth in the company's online following within a specific timeframe. These quantifiable achievements provide concrete evidence of the candidate's abilities and results-oriented approach.
Relevant Skills
The "After" content emphasises relevant skills and experiences that align with the desired job role. The marketing assistant position, mentions collaborating with cross-functional teams, executing integrated marketing campaigns, and implementing social media strategies. The sales associate position, highlights exceptional customer service, high satisfaction rates, and exceeding sales targets. By focusing on skills that directly relate to the target position, the candidate presents themselves as a strong fit for the new role.
The "After" content is more effective because it presents the candidate's work experience in a clear, concise, and results-oriented manner. It showcases their achievements, skills, and impact, making them more compelling candidate for potential employers.
Professional Resume Building Tip 5: Keyword Optimisation for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)
In today's digital age, many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to streamline the hiring process. Our resume writers possess a deep understanding of ATS algorithms and ensure your resume is optimised with relevant keywords. Strategically incorporating industry-specific keywords throughout your resume, enhance its visibility and increase the likelihood of your resume being shortlisted for further consideration.
Resume Example (Before)
l Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Resume Example (After)
►Bachelor of Science (Microbiology & Genetics) | ABC University | Year
►Relevant coursework: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Biotechnology and Virology
The relevant coursework is an opportunity to rank in applicant tracking systems for these keywords. The layout of the section is also correct to be extracted into the various fields. If you need to check if your resume is ATS compliant, please send your resume to info@theperfectresume.com.au.
Professional Resume Building Tip 6: Visual Appeal With An Eye-Catching Resume Design
A visually appealing and well-organised resume is essential in capturing attention. At The Perfect Resume, our writers understand the importance of design and formatting. They select appropriate fonts, incorporate clear headings, and create a visually pleasing layout that highlights your key qualifications. Leveraging their expertise in design, they ensure your resume stands out amidst a sea of generic applications.
Resume Example (Before)
►Layout: Cluttered and disorganised information
►Lack of Differentiation: A visually unappealing resume design fails to differentiate you from other applicants. It may blend in with generic resumes and fail to capture the hiring manager's attention, reducing your chances of standing out in a competitive job market.
►Unprofessional Appearance: A poorly designed resume can reflect negatively on your professionalism and attention to detail. It may give the impression that you lack the necessary skills or effort required to present your qualifications effectively, potentially hindering your chances of being considered for a position.
►Difficult Navigation: A cluttered and disorganised resume makes it challenging for hiring managers to navigate through your qualifications. They may struggle to find the relevant sections and key information, resulting in frustration and potentially leading them to overlook important details about your skills and experience.
►Decreased Readability: Inappropriate fonts, font sizes, and formatting styles can hinder readability and comprehension. Hiring managers may find it difficult to skim through the document and locate the essential details, potentially causing them to miss important information about your qualifications.
►Forgettable Impression: An unappealing resume design is more likely to be forgettable. Hiring managers may quickly forget about your application if it fails to make a positive visual impact, decreasing your chances of being remembered as a strong candidate and potentially hindering your progress in the hiring process.
Resume Example (After)
Here's an after version that focuses more on the benefits of having an organized and visually attractive resume:
✅Improved Organisation: A well-organised resume presents your information in a clear and structured manner. This makes it easy for hiring managers to quickly find the relevant sections and key details, saving them time and effort.
✅Enhanced Professionalism: A visually attractive resume demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. It showcases your ability to present information in a visually appealing way, reflecting positively on your work ethic and the effort you put into your application. Hiring managers are more likely to perceive you as a dedicated and meticulous candidate, increasing your chances of being considered for the position.
✅Differentiation from Competitors: In a competitive job market, standing out is crucial. An aesthetically pleasing resume design helps differentiate you from other applicants who may have generic or poorly designed resumes. Investing time and effort into creating an attractive layout can immediately catch the hiring manager's eye and make a memorable impression. This advantage can significantly increase your chances of progressing further in the hiring process.
✅Improved Readability: Choosing appropriate fonts, font sizes, and formatting styles will make it easier for hiring managers to skim through the document and quickly grasp the essential details of your qualifications. This ease of reading allows them to assess your skills and experience more efficiently, increasing the likelihood of being shortlisted for an interview.
✅Positive Recall: A visually attractive resume is more likely to leave a lasting impression on hiring managers. Even after reviewing many applications, the hiring manager is more likely to recall your resume positively, potentially leading to further consideration and opportunities in the selection process.
An organised and visually attractive resume offers several benefits that can significantly improve your chances of success in the job market. It helps you present your qualifications effectively, makes a strong professional impression, and increases your chances of standing out from the competition. By investing in the visual appeal and organisation of your resume, you set yourself up for a more positive and impactful job search experience.
Professional Resume Building Tip 7: Proofreading and Editing for Flawless Content
Polishing Your Resume to Perfection
A single typo or grammatical error can undermine your credibility. Our resume writers pay meticulous attention to detail, thoroughly proofreading and editing your resume. They eliminate any inconsistencies, improve sentence structure, and ensure flawless content. This rigorous quality control process guarantees that your resume reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Resume Writer from The Perfect Resume
Elevating Your Chances: Why Choose a Professional Resume Writer
Hiring a resume writer from The Perfect Resume offers several undeniable advantages:
1. Expertise
Our resume writers are experienced professionals who understand the dynamics of the job market. They possess the knowledge and skills to craft resumes that effectively showcase your qualifications.
2. Tailored Approach
Our writers tailor your resume to align with specific job requirements, making it stand out and increasing your chances of securing interviews.
3. Time and Energy Saving
Crafting a compelling resume takes time and effort. Delegating this task to professionals can help you focus on other aspects of your job search.
4. Objective Perspective
Our resume writers provide an objective viewpoint, highlighting your strengths and minimising potential weaknesses and recruiter biases that may be impacting your interview success rates.
5. Industry Insights
Our writers stay updated with industry and applicant tracking system (ATS) trends, ensuring your resume aligns with current expectations and employer preferences.
Crafting a remarkable resume requires expertise, strategy, and an in-depth understanding of the job market. The Perfect Resume offers professional resume writing services that elevate your chances of success. Following the ten steps outlined above and harnessing the benefits of hiring a resume writer, you can position yourself as a top candidate and secure the career opportunities you deserve.
Invest in your future today by partnering with The Perfect Resume and take the first step towards unlocking your professional potential.
Are you ready to take your resume to the next level? Don't settle for a generic, uninspiring document that gets lost in the sea of applicants. Contact The Perfect Resume today and let our team of expert resume writers create a personalised, standout resume that grabs the attention of hiring managers.
Remember, your resume is not just a piece of paper; it's your ticket to career success. Let us help you make a lasting impression and land your dream job. Don't let your resume hold you back. Choose The Perfect Resume and unlock your full potential today!