How to write a good resume?

It's well known in the world of work that it only takes a recruiter 6 seconds to decide whether to continue reading or discard a resume. And since a professional resume is one of the first sections that is read, it should be written with full commitment. It is the one that will help you get the job you are looking for.

What is a professional resume ?

A professional resume, also known as a professional profile, is a short story about yourself. It is a short paragraph, about 4 to 6 lines, that objectively explains who you are. As the name suggests, it is a brief description of your career, reflecting your experience, skills, training and strengths. It is a description that is placed at the beginning of the resume, after the contact information, and serves as a teaser for the rest of the content. You're probably wondering how to fit so much information into one paragraph, but it's not as difficult as it sounds.

To make it easier to understand, imagine you want to watch a movie but you don't know what it's about. A good idea is to read the synopsis, which, like the professional profile, is a short paragraph that explains the plot of the movie. In this way, the professional synopsis becomes an introduction to the script you are going to develop in your resume. Don't use the same professional resume for every resume format you send out. Every job is different, so you need to tailor your presentation according to the job offer.

How to write a professional resume?

You should not describe your entire career in one paragraph. This means that you should choose only the information that is most relevant to the specific job opening. Not waiting for him to read your entire resume will keep the hiring manager interested. To write a successful professional resume, you should consider the following:

1. Introduction: Start with something that describes your professional profile, preferably with a sentence that grabs attention from the start. There are several ways to accomplish this, but the most common are as follows: Write the last category in which you work. For example: specialist, responsible, manager, secretary, supervisor, etc.

2. Development: you should choose the most striking data for the job offer by analyzing your strengths throughout your career. Some of the most recommended choices include:

1. Most important positions;
2. Years of experience;
3. Occupational sector;
4. Academic experience;
5. Specializations;
6. Positions of responsibility;
7. Soft and hard skills and abilities;
8. Companies you have worked for;
9. Quantifiable accomplishments.

If you feel that the professional resume is too short to describe your entire profile, don't worry. You can supplement your resume with a cover letter and give more information about yourself.

3. Keywords in your description: Keywords are what will enhance the effectiveness of your resume. These are phrases that are used in a job offer, particularly in the job requirements. For example, imagine a job opening for an administrative assistant with drafting skills. Mentioning your communication and writing skills on your resume will make you a better candidate. Look at what is required and use keywords to emphasize what is most important in your profile and how it fits the job opening.

When to use a professional resume?

Using a professional profile to present your resume is your best bet if you have a lot of experience. If you already have more than five years of experience, it's worth using this resource. You'll be able to highlight the most significant responsibilities, accomplishments, and results in your career. Otherwise, your resume will be less appealing and you won't get off to a good start. In fact, the resume is one of the first sections that recruiters look at when reading a resume.

If you look at the requirements for a professional resume, you will notice that the most important thing is experience. A track record, accomplishments, quantitative data - something that only someone who has been in the job market for many years can achieve. Don't use a professional profile. For recent graduates or people with no experience, there is an alternative - a professional objective. The purpose of a resume is the same: to explain who you are and why you are the best candidate.

Example:

"Administrative Assistant with 10 years of experience in large and small companies. I am a strategic planner and technology resource implementation specialist. Over the years I have increased productivity by 15% in 5 companies. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a Master's degree in Resource Management and am currently studying for a PhD in Economic Sustainability."

In a few lines, this candidate explains everything a recruiter needs to know in the hiring process. If you notice, he follows the order we have established. He makes a short presentation in which he mentions something important about his positions and then develops the information further.

Another example: An open position is for a computer programmer

"Computer engineer with more than 8 years of experience in online software programming. I developed the virtual platform of the Central Bank of Spain, increasing user satisfaction by 35%. During my career I have created more than 30 websites with a minimum user traffic of 10,000 visits per day. I have a deep knowledge of C++, Python, HTML and Java. I'm currently pursuing a Master's degree in Application and Video Game Development."

Here are some interesting tips:

• Write in the first person: Make sure you describe who you are and why your profile is the best fit for the job. Giving your resume a personality is the best way to stand out in the hiring process.
• Be short and concise: Choose only the most interesting or relevant points to the job. Try not to exceed 5-6 lines.
• Highlight keywords.
• Combine biography, skills and achievements: In other words, emphasize not one of these aspects, but all three at the same time, but in a concise manner. This will make the resume more complete and appealing.
• Don't focus only on yourself: Analyze the company's needs and build your professional profile so that you are considered the best candidate to meet them.

Common mistakes to avoid in your text:

• Use of clichés: Too common and hackneyed words such as "motivated", "expert", "multitasker" or "proactive" are not original. Use phrases that stand out from the rest of the candidates.
• Saying you're unemployed: The purpose of the passage is to show a professional image, but without mentioning that you don't have a job, as this can come across as a bit desperate.
• Exaggeration: Telling exuberant facts about yourself will sooner or later land you in an embarrassing situation that may even disqualify you from employment. Avoid exaggeration and never lie about your profile.
• Saying you have no experience: If you have no work experience, it is not something you should mention on your resume. If this is your case, choose a professional objective, a resource created specifically for this purpose.

Taking all these aspects into account, you will be able to compose a competent and lengthy resume that employers will definitely not put aside. Do not rush and take the process with all responsibility, because the beginning of your career may depend on it.