In this article, we will discuss how to write a professional resume and some of the mistakes to avoid. We will also discuss the importance of emphasizing your proven experience and avoid rambling about unrelated details. Finally, we’ll go over the best way to avoid writing in the first or third person. We’ll conclude the article by highlighting some of the top tips to avoid mistakes in your resume. Keep these tips in mind as you begin writing your resume.
Emphasize proven experience
When writing a professional resume, one of the most important aspects to include is the work history section. This should contain the companies you’ve worked for, the dates you were employed there, and the position you held there. Include bullet points for each job title and quantify your achievements with dollar amounts. Typically, the work history section is presented in reverse chronological order, so start with your most recent position. Include any internships or summer jobs you’ve held, as long as they were relevant to the position. If you’ve worked in a field completely different from the one you’re applying for, leave that off your resume.
In the body of your resume, include any special qualifications or skills you’ve acquired during your career. For example, if you have an MBA, you could highlight your language skills. Likewise, if you’ve obtained a US patent, you could include it. Including these qualifications on your resume demonstrates that you’re uniquely qualified for the position. When writing a professional resume, try to avoid using first-person pronouns and write as if you’re the person reading it.
Avoid unnecessary or extraneous details
When writing a professional resume, keep important details at the top. Avoid using vague descriptors and vague phrases; specific details give your resume more meaning and value. Include numbers to quantify your key accomplishments. Include year-over-year comparisons for your sales figures. Include at least one number for every bullet point under the “Work History” section. Avoid including jargon and esoteric terms.
Dishonest statements can be in many forms, from half-truths to misleading statements. Dishonesty may be a sign of a dishonest person. Keep in mind that hiring managers are often flexible, and will consider applicants with the right attitude. Keep your resume focused on your most relevant work experience and highlight your achievements in those roles. You can list non-relevant positions briefly if they are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Highlight transferable skills
When writing a professional resume, you can highlight transferable skills in the skills section, the summary statement, or the professional experience section. In these sections, highlight skills in action and quantify their impact on your career. In the skills section, quantify the impact of your achievements, such as how you managed competing priorities and achieved objectives. Use action verbs to highlight your skills, and make sure to include numbers, if possible.
As with any section, designating a skills section to emphasize your skills can pay off in more ways than one. First, it makes it easier for employers to find key search words and highlight your areas of strength. Second, it’s important to highlight soft skills that align with job requirements. In addition, you can also use your skills section to highlight other aspects of your professional life, such as your commitment to community service or leadership.
Avoid writing in first or third person
Many resumes are written in the first-person, but some people do not. While using the first-person perspective is perfectly acceptable in certain situations, you should avoid it on a professional resume. This type of writing is considered impersonal and lacks etiquette. Using third-person pronouns is a major no-no. Moreover, it gives the impression that you are not serious about the job.
Using the third-person approach is a common convention for resumes. It keeps the resume objective and impersonal, avoiding the risk of sounding egocentric. The third-person approach gives the hiring manager a sense of distance from your personality, allowing him or her to focus on your skills and experience. Using the third-person approach may sound odd at first, but it makes your resume read more professional and will avoid the chance of sounding creepy.
Avoid writing in reverse chronological order
The core section of a chronological resume should be written in reverse chronological order. The highest level of education should be listed first, followed by any postsecondary degrees. If you have a Ph.D., list the university and the year you received the degree. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees should be listed as well. Postsecondary degrees do not require high school information. The education section should contain a detailed list of courses completed.
Reverse chronological order is an alternative format that focuses on listing the most recent positions first. This format emphasizes your most recent work experience, making it easier for hiring managers to scan your document. Using this format can also make your resume stand out from the competition. While you should include the latest job, make sure to organize your resume to highlight your skills and achievements. Keep in mind that resumes must be tailored to the job you’re applying for.
Use a combination format
Combination resumes feature several benefits, allowing you to focus on the most important achievements from your professional career. It also allows you to highlight your other skills and accomplishments in one document. This resume format allows you to include the relevant work experience in reverse-chronological order. The resume format also allows you to include advanced degrees and certifications. You can list them after your qualifications summary. Combination resumes are great for highlighting all of your assets in one document.
A combination format makes it easy to highlight your transferable skills while minimizing gaps in employment history. If you’ve held several positions with the same company, this format is the perfect choice. It also shows that you have relevant professional experience, even if you’ve been out of the workforce for a few years. If you’ve worked in a different industry, use the functional format. However, if you’ve had a long career and a recent degree, a functional resume might be a better choice for you.
