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Steps to follow to prepare a good resume
Steps to follow to prepare a good resume

Preparing a good resume is essential for landing a job interview. Here are some steps you can follow to prepare a good resume:


Determine the purpose of your resume:

Before you start writing your resume, determine the purpose of your resume, such as whether you are applying for a specific job, or if you are trying to showcase your skills and experience in a particular field.


Choose a format:

There are several different formats you can use to create a resume, such as chronological, functional, or combination. Choose a format that best suits your skills, experience, and the job you are applying for.


Choose a font and style:

Choose a font and style that is easy to read and looks professional. Use bold and italicized text to highlight important information.


Include your contact information:

Your resume should include your name, phone number, email address, and physical address. Make sure that your contact information is up to date and easy to find.


Proofread and edit:

Before submitting your resume, make sure to proofread and edit it for spelling and grammar errors. Ask a friend or family member to review your resume as well.


Include relevant education and training:

List your relevant education and training, including degrees, certifications, and courses that relate to the job you are applying for.


List professional experience in reverse chronological order:

List your professional experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a brief description of your job duties and accomplishments.


Quantify your achievements:

Whenever possible, quantify your achievements with specific numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts. This can help demonstrate your impact and results in previous roles.


Be concise:

Keep your resume concise and focused on the most relevant information. Aim for one to two pages in length, depending on your experience level.


Use action verbs:

Use action verbs to describe your job duties and accomplishments, such as "managed," "created," "implemented," and "achieved."


Customize your resume for the job:

Tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for by highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.


Consider using a professional resume template:

Using a professional resume template can help ensure that your resume looks polished and consistent. There are many templates available online, or you can create your own using a word processing or graphic design program.


Include a professional summary:

A professional summary provides a brief overview of your skills, experience, and accomplishments, and can help grab the attention of hiring managers. Keep it brief, no more than a few sentences.


Use white space and formatting:

Make your resume easy to read by using plenty of white space and formatting. Use bullet points, bold or italicized text, and headings to break up the text and draw attention to important information.


Focus on results:

Instead of just listing your job duties, focus on the results you achieved in previous roles. For example, instead of saying "managed a team," say "increased team productivity by 25% through effective management and coaching."


Include relevant keywords:

Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen resumes, so including relevant keywords can help your resume get noticed. Review the job description and identify keywords and phrases that are relevant to the position, and incorporate them into your resume.


Avoid using personal pronouns:

Your resume should be written in the third person, without using personal pronouns like "I," "me," or "my."


Be honest and accurate:

It's important to be honest and accurate when describing your skills, experience, and accomplishments. Don't exaggerate or lie on your resume, as this can damage your credibility and hurt your chances of getting hired.


Include volunteer work and extracurricular activities:

Including volunteer work and extracurricular activities on your resume can help demonstrate your leadership skills, teamwork, and commitment to your community. If you don't have much work experience, these experiences can also help fill in the gaps.


Use metrics and data:

Whenever possible, use metrics and data to quantify your achievements and impact. For example, you might say "increased sales revenue by 20% in six months," or "reduced customer complaints by 50% through improved customer service."


Use a clear and professional email address:

Make sure your email address is professional and easy to read. Avoid using email addresses that include nicknames or personal jokes.


Use a strong headline or branding statement:

Consider using a strong headline or branding statement at the top of your resume to grab the reader's attention and highlight your unique value proposition.


By following these steps, you can create a strong, professional resume that will help you stand out to potential employers.