How to Design the Perfect Resume for Any Job

With so much competition for good jobs these days, you want to know that you’re putting your best foot forward when submitting your resume for consideration. You may be well-qualified for a position, but someone with less experience that has a more attractive resume may get the interview over you.

The right knowledge of what impresses employers is important to have if you want to land that job. Additionally, knowing how to format and present your resume to impress computer software and algorithms (which usually review initial submissions) is paramount.

Here are some tips that will make your resume more likely to be chosen from the stack.

Cover Letters

A well-written cover letter can increase your chances of landing that interview you’ve been pursuing. This is your chance to impress your potential employer by showing off your skills and accomplishments. You should also take this opportunity to tell the reader how your expertise makes you the best person for the position; confidence makes a big difference.

A good cover letter should be written in a polite tone. Thank the reader for their time and consideration. To make sure your documents aren’t mistaken for someone else's, your name and contact information should be at the top of the page in a large font. Templates and examples can go a long way in demonstrating good cover letter writing principles. Services like I Resume Cover Letter even show you samples from different industries if your work is highly specialized.

Formatting Matters

You may think that the information presented on your resume is the most important aspect of your document. While it is obviously important to have a well-written resume, your formatting will determine if it’s ever even read. The overall aesthetic of your resume can really set it apart from the rest and make it stick in the mind of the reader.

When writing your resume, stay with a font that is easily readable. Use text decoration like italics and bold font sparingly; it will have more of an effect when done right.

Highlight Your Most Relevant Information

Keep in mind when writing your resume that the hiring manager in charge of sifting through all the applications for that position you want has probably looked through a massive stack of papers before getting to yours. You want all your important details to be easily readable near the top of your page to entice the reader to keep going.

A summary statement before leading into the finer details can be used as a means to tell the reader why you’re the person they need to fill that job opening. This can be a good way to list your credentials in an easily-digestible package for the reader. Just below your statement – but still near the top – consider adding a formatted list of skills. A well-presented list of mastered skills can make it easier for your employer to verify your qualifications without having to analyze your job history in great detail.

Your would-be employer needs to be wowed from the very beginning of your document to give them a reason to finish it. Starting strong with a good cover letter will always set you miles ahead of the competition. Follow your cover letter with a strong summary and a well-formatted list of skills to really seal the deal. With these tips, you'll be sure to increase your chances of securing that special job!