Category: resume writing

This year appears to be a promising year for job hunters. With the labor market recovering from the pandemic, there is significant projected job growth from 2020 to 2030. However, this does not mean that landing their preferred jobs is simple for everyone. Even in current market, prospects differ greatly based on the industry, skill level, and competencies.

If you’re looking for a new job, knowing the trends and what is a resume for job seekers and employers means you’ll have a better chance of landing one. Are you struggling with writing the perfect resume? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. Let’s take a closer look on what a resume is before you take the leap on your next career.

What is a Resume?

While people may have different notions on what a resume is, others think that its sole function is to help them land a job. This isn’t completely the case. A resume summarizes an applicant’s work experience, competencies, skills, and accomplishments. This job search tool, whether it’s on paper or in electronic form, is a vehicle for you to market yourself to potential employers. If you are running a business or applying for college admission, you will also need a resume.

Moreover, your resume contains information about your professional experience. This comprises a list of all of the jobs you’ve held as well as a list of skills you’ve acquired during the course of your career and schooling. As a result, you must be succinct and precise, highlighting all of your academic and career experiences that convince the company that you are suited for the position.

What is a Resume’s Purpose?

Your resume is a means for you to communicate to a potential employer your desire to apply for a job. Keep in mind, though, that your resume is different from a biography. On average, an employer spends no more than 20 seconds screening and selecting all incoming resumes. Your prospective employers may simply glance at your resume for a few seconds before deciding whether or not to give you an interview.

Make sure your resume is tailored to particular employers by stressing your relevant talents for that position and highlighting any past experience that might be beneficial to them. Regardless of how many hours you spent preparing it, if your resume is written well and equipped with powerful resume keywords, you will be invited to an interview.

Why is Resume Important?

Now that you have an idea what is a resume, you must also understand its importance in today’s ever-changing job market.

You are a regular person to your potential employers. They can tell how well you communicate by glancing at your resume. It also shows your ability to arrange data and write clearly, as well as your attention to detail. Rather than utilizing the same resume for all job applications, you should personalize your resume and cover letter to the specific demands of the business.

Make sure your resume is chock-full of employer benefits, not simply listing the skills that you have. This way, it will help you stand out from the crowd. Today’s resumes, rather than the skills-based resumes of the past, must be results driven, according to resume experts. The employer must instantly realize what benefits you provide to his organization by reading your resume.

What to Include on a Resume

Choosing what to put on a resume can be a real struggle even if it’s not your first time writing a resume. After all, not every resume has the same sections. Depending on your experience level and where you’re applying, your resume might look completely different.

• Previous work accomplishments
• Soft, hard, and technical skills are all part of your career history
• Information about your past positions
• Information on your education
• Certifications, accolades, and awards
• Anything else you might want to add on your resume at some point in the future

1. Contact Details

Your first and last names, phone number, and email address should all be included. Make sure to add your complete address. You may also include your LinkedIn profile if it’s up to date, as well as your postal address if you want to convey that you reside in the area where you’re applying.

2. Goal or Resume Summary

A resume summary (also known as a career headline, credentials profile, or summary profile) is a short statement that emphasizes your essential talents and expertise in order to catch the attention of the hiring manager. The part, as the name implies, is a summary of your qualifications, the contents of which are drawn from other sections of your resume. Your major career highlights, areas of specialization, licenses and certificates, technical aptitude, and language competence are all included in this section.

3. Skills or Areas of Expertise

The skills part of your resume demonstrates to employers that you have the talents needed to succeed in the position. Employers frequently pay close attention to the skills part of your resume when deciding whether or not you should advance to the next stage of the recruiting process. Include any resume abilities that are relevant to the post in this section. To show that you’re a well-rounded applicant, include a good balance of hard and soft abilities on your resume.

Soft Skills Include:

• Active Listening
• Communication
• Customer Service
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Management Skills
• Problem-Solving
• Time Management

Hard Skills Include:

• Copywriting
• Statistical Analysis and Data Mining
• Cashier Skills
• Video Editing
• Social Media
• Graphic Design
• Project Management
• Accounting and Finance
• Business and Data Analysis
• Patient Care
• Server Maintenance
• Database Management
• Engineering

4. Work History

List every previous job you’ve held and put them in chronological order, starting with the most recent experience and working backwards. Put the names of the companies, the dates of employment, and locations of assignment. List each of your responsibilities and major accomplishments for each job you’ve held.

5. Education

Include the names of your schools, your highest degree, and your majors and minors. If you don’t have any experience or it’s relevant to the position, you may also provide your GPA. Take not to include numbers when it’s higher than 3.5. Plus, relevant courses taken while completing your undergraduate or graduate education. Aside from education, you may list your certifications or training.

Types of Resume Formats

You may use various resumes to apply for job vacancies. A chronological, functional, hybrid, or targeted resume are all options. Each resume kind serves a distinct function. As a result, you must consider your present job situation while determining the best format to write. Read on to find out which resume format is right for you.

1. Chronological Resume

For years, people have thought of the chronological resume as the standard of what is a resume. A chronological resume is a resume format that lists your work history in order in terms of dates of each position. It starts with your most recent job listed at the top of the section. This type of format is particularly advisable for those with rich work history, the chronological resume prioritizes and lists your work experience and achievements from most to least recent.

2. Functional Resume

What is a resume format with skills as the highlight instead of work experience? It’s the functional resume structure. If you’re a new graduate with limited job experience or switching fields, you can utilize a functional resume. You’ll want to get your skill summary section just right if you want to create a compelling functional resume.

3. Combination Resume

A combination resume, often known as a hybrid resume, combines the approach of a chronological and functional format. In other words, it gives equal weight to your talents and job experience. This format enables you to give a fast overview of your actual work experience as well as transferable skills. 

Note: The combination format shouldn’t be selected in writing a resume unless you:

• Are in the process of changing careers.
• Have some gaps in your employment history.
• Are a senior-level applicant with a broad variety of abilities and experience.

4. Targeted Resume

The core of creating a targeted resume is about scrutinizing the job posting you wish to fill in. In most cases, recruiting managers include the abilities, responsibilities, and characteristics that they are looking for in the job post. Then, on your resume, emphasize these skills to show that you’re a good fit for the job.

5. Infographic Resume

In today’s competitive job market, some job seekers are resorting to tools like visual resumes to help them stand out. In comparison to standard resume layouts, an infographic resume incorporates visual design components. An infographic resume combines style, color, and font styling to present work history. On the other hand, a typical resume merely uses plain text to list information from top to bottom.

Related Article: Resume Trends for 2022 to Kick-Start Your New Career

Resume Writing for Every Job Seeker

List prior successes and important contributions to show the company or hiring manager what you can bring to the table, and you’ll enhance your chances of landing an interview. Are you not putting your best foot forward on your resume? Do you require any further assistance? Our expert writers can review your resume for free or craft a compelling resume to get you noticed!

Have you ever wondered how high-rise buildings are constructed? How airplanes are made? Or how bridges are built over water? Simple answer: They all started with outlines. This is also the same when creating a job application tool. Through a resume outline, you’ll be able to produce a well-structured, job-winning document that will help you take one step ahead of the competition and increase your chances of landing job interviews.

In this article, we’ll discuss what a resume outline is and its importance, the parts of a resume outline, and tips on how to create one. Plus, we’ll share with you an example to give you an idea how it should look like. Read on.

What is a Resume Outline?

First things first: Let’s define what a resume outline is.

Basically, a resume outline is a checklist, blueprint, or framework of your application document outlining what information and key components you should include in your resume. This helps you break down the details and identify what skills, qualifications, and experience you’ll highlight to match the job post you’re applying for. Furthermore, it helps you present what you can bring to the table.

Importance of Resume Outline

Since sending your resume is the best way to reach out to employers to express your interest in the job post, it’s crucial that you have a professionally written and well-structured document. Take note that the more organized and well-presented your resume is, there’s a higher chance of impressing hiring managers and acing your job search. And through a resume outline, this will help you organize your thoughts and guide you in creating a well-thought-out tool.

Parts of a Professional Resume Outline

Resume Heading

Resume Summary

Skills Section

Work Experience

Education

Training, Certifications, and Licenses

Other Possible Sections on Your Resume Outline

Aside from the abovementioned parts, you can also add another section for your professional affiliations, awards and honors, activities and community involvement, technical skills, and projects handled.

Tips in Creating a Resume Outline

In order to outline your resume, you need to collect first all the important details such as your skills, qualifications, experience, accomplishments, and credentials and place them under their proper resume sections, as mentioned above. To help you, here are some tips on how to create a resume outline.

1. Carefully think of and gather all the details relevant to your target job.

Read the job posting thoroughly to identify the skills, qualifications, achievements, and requirements your target employer is looking for. Doing so will help you easily narrow down and highlight your relevant information on your document that will match the job requirements.

2. Put your information on your resume template.

On your resume outline, fill in the fields with your details including contact information, resume introduction, skills, work history, education, and training and certifications.

3. Customize your resume sections.

Depending on your information, list down all applicable sections to present what you have to offer. Make sure that the order of your sections showcases what you can contribute to the company.

4. Pick the best resume format.

5. Choose your resume layout.

Aside from resume outline, you should also pay attention to the layout of your job search tool—whether it is traditional, modern, or creative. Keep in mind that content and design work hand in hand to produce a professionally written, well-structured resume.

Example of a Resume Outline

To give you an idea how a resume outline is created, below is a sample you can consider as your guide in writing your own.

Customer Service Representative Resume Outline

Name
• First and last name

Contact Information
• Complete mailing address
• Phone number
• Email address
• LinkedIn URL

Resume Summary
• In three to five sentences, showcase what you can bring to the table by mentioning your experience in the industry, your soft and hard skills, and other qualifications.

Skills
• Aside from resume summary, list here your industry-specific and soft skills.

Work Experience
• Company name and location
• Specific job title
• Inclusive employment dates
• Job descriptions and accomplishments/contributions

Education
• Degree
• Course title
• Minor, focus, or concentration
• School name and location
• GPA, awards, honors, scholarships, and recognition
• Activities

Training
• Training title
• Granting institution

Certifications and Licenses
• Name of certification and license
• Granting institution
• Expiration date

Professional Affiliations
• Organization name
• Position

For more ideas, you may take a look at our resume examples prepared by our expert resume writers.

Let Our Experts Help You Write a Job-Winning Resume

Now that you have an idea on how to create a resume outline and how it should look like, are you ready to start with your first step in achieving your career goals? However, if you’re still struggling writing your own resume, you can rely on the experts.

At Resume Professional Writers, we are composed of a team of professional resume writers and career coaches committed to helping job applicants secure job interviews. Check out our best resume writing services to get started.

Rise above other job searchers with the help of a well-designed resume. Learn how to add color in a resume layout—and make your job application stand out!

Should You Use Color on Your Resume?

Short answer, yes!

Many are hesitant to use colors in a resume, believing that doing so may leave a negative impressive to hiring managers. However, many employers today are open to fresh perspectives and using colors in a resume design can help your document standout.

There are things to remember despite the practice being accepted. First, you must take into account your industry. If you are searching for a job in digital and creative industries, then using color on your resume can help you showcase your design skills and standout from others. In contrast, traditional industries may need a more straightforward resume. So, choose darker colors to match the formal theme.

Second, you must look into your personality. You must find a balance between colors and spaces to make your resume format more appealing. The key is to make your resume clear and eye-catching. For more tips, read on.

Advantages of Using Color in a Resume

Draws Attention

Hiring managers receive a handful of resumes and cover letters each day. So, there is a high chance that you are competing with a hundred other job searchers for a single job post. Set yourself apart from the pile of applicants using a unique resume. One way to catch their eyes is through a well-made design using color in a resume.

Improves Layout

After standing out from other job searchers, your next challenge is to let them see your winning feats. If done right, resume colors and layout can do this trick. Hiring managers may quickly scan your document so you must be able to highlight your topnotch skills within a short time. Also, colors can provide a smooth transition to your sections and improve your entire resume layout.

Shows Creativity

Applying for jobs in a creative industry? You may want to start strong with a creative resume. Showcase your skills with colors and design through your resume. Choose the right hues, best resume fonts, and resume layout based on your job post. If the company uses a color scheme, you may also want to use it. This can show that you did your research prior to the job search.

Conveys Personality

Aside from skills, you can also include a glimpse of your personality into your resume. Adding color and choosing the color palette can already give hints about you. Some hiring managers also look for one’s personality and assess their compatibility with the rest of the team early on. So, having a good first impression is crucial in winning the job posting.

Disadvantages of Using Color in a Resume

Affects Readability

There are hiring managers who use software, such as applicant tracking systems, to screen through the resumes they receive every day. The system scans the resume to find keywords for a job role. At times, an overly designed resume may not be scanned properly. Nonetheless, using more graphics or mismatched colors over words may affect this process.

Distracts Reading

As said previously, adding colors can improve the resume layout. However, if done wrong, it can also make your resume difficult to read. Thus, choose colors that would match your tone. Also, select areas that need more emphasis and focus the colors on those parts to achieve balance on colors, white background, and texts.

Tips in Choosing the Best Colors in a Resume

Adding colors in a resume might be a bit tricky at first. Therefore, we’ve listed below useful color guides to help you choose the best palette for your job application.

• Dark Colors – Perhaps the safest color scheme for starters are dark colors such as green or blue. Darker colors might not be striking, but they provide enough color variation to your resume. Avoid using dark font color over dark background for it may be hard to read.
• Bright Colors – In contrast, bright colors are harder to pull off than dark colors. Wrong colors can instantly put your resume into a bad light. On the contrary, for creative job posts, this may be a good chance to show your skills in design. Also, avoid using more than three main colors for it may appear too cluttered.
• Black and White – As much as adding colors can be fun, there’s nothing wrong with black and white. This scheme is the safest option for traditional companies.

How to Use Colors in a Resume

Drafting your colored resume soon? Here are guides to follow:

1. Draft your resume. Write a resume without colors yet. You may use the black-and-white color scheme at this stage. This step will help you organize your skills and feats into your chosen resume format. This will be the core of your job application.
2. Choose a color palette. After reading the pros and cons of each color scheme, decide which one fits your taste and industry. Plan which colors will be used for the document. Also, consider the companies color scheme and apply it to show that you know them.
3. Select sections to highlight. Choose areas that you want to highlight. This may be your core skills and experiences. Adding colors will draw the reader’s attention to the right places if included properly.
4. Apply colors to layout. Combine the basic resume with the color scheme plan. Add the chosen colors and improve the sections that need emphasis. At this point, you may still change the colors based on the initial output.
5. Check design. View the entire resume and check if the colors matched. Read and spot the areas that can be hard to read. Revise accordingly until the desired design is achieved.

Perfect Your Job Search with the Right Color in a Resume

Win more job chances with a well-made resume. Partner with a resume writing expert to help you add the right color in a resume. Gain more edge in today’s job competition and take the latest resume trends to your advantage. Contact us to learn the best resume offers for you!

The job market is constantly changing and becoming more competitive each day. With the current pandemic, landing a job has become more difficult than ever. Whether you are applying for a job or changing careers for the first time, you need to stay abreast with the resume trends to outdo your rivals. If you would like to gain an edge over other job seekers today and in the next few years, write a resume that reflects the latest resume writing styles.

Writing a resume could be challenging at times because you have to make sure it showcases your skills and qualifications. Plus, it has to be tailored to your target position. Since the competition is fiercer than before, hiring managers now have higher expectations with the resumes they review since those are job seekers’ tool to market themselves as the most qualified for the post. Want an effective job search tool? Check out the resume trends for this year to get started!

Heed These 2022 Resume Trends

Trends in recruitment and career change over time, and these highly affect how one must prepare for their job hunt. Hence, knowing the resume trends helps you write an effective job search document that could impress hiring managers. As mentioned earlier, your resume is your ticket to focus on what you can bring to the table. That said, read on this year’s resume trends and get ready to revamp your resume.

Industry-Fit Resume

Don’t let those free online resume templates fool you. Generic resume patterns and formats may jeopardize your chances to land the job. To leave a huge impact on potential employers, you need to tailor your resume and cover letter to your target job. Use both a format and layout that complement your selling points and highlight the features of your application.

Resume Format

It’s very common for job seekers to use the chronological resume format because it’s the most widely known. However, you need to consider your qualifications and the job you’re applying for, too. If you’re in the middle of a career change or a fresh graduate, it’s advisable to consider using other formats such as functional or targeted resumes.

Remember, using the right resume format for your current situation helps you gain the interest of hiring managers. Furthermore, translating your resume to skills-based is an advantage in this new decade because most employers value skills more than other things.

Resume Length

Aside from the resume format, length is also being considered by recruiters and hiring managers. If you’re still thinking that “the longer a resume, the better,” then you should think twice because it’s actually the other way around. To date, the standard length is one page.

Don’t worry, however; you don’t need to box yourself in with that. You can still exceed two pages given that you have years of relevant work experience and hundreds of related achievements. The whole point, ultimately, is that hiring managers prefer concise resumes.

ATS-Ready Resume

As usual, employers will seek candidates who they think can succeed in the firm. But since they are too busy to scan every document, recruiters and hiring managers will only pay attention to resumes that will attract them the most. Hence, make sure that your resume can beat the ATS to get into the hands of hiring managers.

Readable Design

One of the most overlooked resume trends yet important to consider when writing a resume is its layout. This is the first thing that the reader notices prior to scanning the entire document. Worse, it becomes the basis of the hiring manager whether to read it further or not.

Don’t pack content in multi-lined paragraphs with little white space in between. Leave some white spaces in your resume to make the text visually pleasing and appealing to the readers’ eyes. Also, avoid using fancy designs and unreadable fonts.

Job Search Engines

Online Resume Writing Services

Taking this year’s resume trends into account is helpful in landing a job even in this time of pandemic. However, with the global crisis we’re facing, many people are anxious and writing a resume could be an additional challenge. Thus, considering online resume writing services is the most convenient option. This helps you ensure that your resume is tailored for the job you’re eyeing. Not to mention, you don’t need to worry if your tool is in trend.

Related Article: Key Components of an Effective Resume

Top 10 Resume Tips to Follow for Career Success

Knowing the resume trends for this year can get you a better chance of landing your target if you’re able to apply them on your resume. To boost your way to winning in this job search game, we have listed some practical tips for you to heed to secure a post.

1. Don’t forget to use a professional email and make sure your contact info is correct.

You need to make sure the contact details on your resume are correct because that’s the only way recruiters can reach you if you passed the screening. Also, having a professional email says a lot about you.

2. Use action words in stating your responsibilities from your previous jobs.

You wouldn’t want to risk your application due to a generic word choice in your resume. Instead, choose action words that can best describe and demonstrate how effective you are as an employee.

Moreover, use this technique when talking about your relevant work experiences and listing your notable accomplishments. Action words improve your resume’s impact as recruiters can easily spot your competencies through these words, which also serve as powerful resume keywords.

3. Make use of keywords relevant to your target position.

With the advancement in technology and the rise of resume shortlisting robots, more and more firms are now using computer software to screen applications. Thus, make sure your piece is rich in industry-specific keywords so you can make the cut. You’ll see—these buzzwords will surely make a huge impact on your job search.

4. List work experience that is relevant to the job.

Writing your career highlights is a plus. It’s your golden chance to share how qualified you are for the job. Having an achievement bank and the relevant work experience are important, so whenever you’re writing your resume, list the ones related to the position you’re eyeing. Make sure to write them in the most effective way and not as if you’re bragging. You can use bullet points to list this.

5. Quantify your achievements.

Your resume serves as your elevator pitch for yourself. So this year, aside from talking about the soft and hard skills you possess, don’t forget to also focus on your quantifiable achievements. Use numbers as you talk about your accomplishments. This lets recruiters have a better grasp of how you can deliver the job well and how much you can contribute to the company.

6. Highlight your technical and people skills.

More than your work experience, highlighting soft skills and hard skills is a must. What you can do is more important than when and where you last worked. Thus, put emphasis on the skills that are helpful to do the expected deliverables in your target work. In doing so, hiring managers can easily identify if you’re fit for the job.

7. Keep it simple, yet optimized to pass the ATS.

It’s an advantage if you can optimize your resume. Use the right keywords aligned to your target job. Note that most companies use the applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter the pool of applicants. Hence, it’s important to use action words and phrases that would emphasize your qualifications. With this in mind, sending a generic resume to different employers is a no-no!

8. Keep your tool short and on point.

Regardless of the format, it’s part of resume writing trends to make sure your resume is short, easy to read, and on point. There’s no need to include details that aren’t related to the job or your work experience from 15 years ago. Highlight credentials related to your target job. Focus your job application on the position and the industry you’re applying for.

Having a resume that’s one to two pages long is also recommended. In order to do this, read the job posting carefully and take note of the qualifications and skills required by your potential employer.

9. Link your social accounts and sites.

As you write your resume, consider listing your social media accounts, personal sites, blogs, or even your online portfolios as you deem fit. Just make sure before you link them on your resume that your online profiles can help you win your target job. Besides, hiring managers would refer to these sites to further assess your skills, competencies, and even character.

Related Article: Top Reasons Job Seekers Must Hire a LinkedIn Profile Writer

10. Don’t send it unless you’re sure it’s error-free.

Proofread! Do it for several times and, if possible, ask someone to proofread your work to be sure that your resume is error-free. Your resume is your key to the door of work opportunities. In addition, it’s your way to market yourself to potential employers, so make sure that there are no grammatical errors and misspelled words.

Related Article: A Comprehensive Guide to Writing a Resume

Top 10 Best Companies to Work in 2022

Now that you know the resume trends for 2022, it’s time to take another step to level up your career. Knowing the best companies to work in helps you choose your career path. Thus, after considering the resume trends, it’s time to check the 10 best places in the US to work in this year.

1. ADP
Industry: Human Resource
Locations: Austin, TX, Chandler, AZ, Charlotte, NC, Elk Grove Village, IL, Manchester, NH, New York, NY, Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ, Phoenix, AZ, Pleasanton, CA, and Roseland, NJ

2. Allstate
Industry: Insurance
Headquarters: Northbrook, IL

3. Canva
Industry: Software
Location: Austin, TX

4. IMC Trading
Industry: Fintech | Software
Location: Chicago, IL

5. Moveworks
Industry: Artificial Intelligence
Location: Mountain View, CA

6. Prove (Formerly Payfone)
Industry: Fintech | Mobile | Security | Software
Location: Denver, CO

7. Tableau Software
Industry: Big Data | Software
Location: Seattle, WA

8. Nuance
Industry: Artificial Intelligence | Sales | Security | Software
Location: Burlington, MA

9. Tinder
Industry: Mobile | Social Media
Location: West Hollywood, CA

10. 360Learning
Industry: HR Tech | Software
Location: Fully Remote

Tick the List of Resume Trends with the Help of the Best Resume Writers

Following the resume trends can help you secure a job as long as your tool is effectively written. However, if you don’t have the time to write a winning resume or struggling to write one, there’s no need to worry. You can still start this year with a better career with the help of Resume Professional Writers.

RPW offers the best professional resume writing services that fit your needs to secure a job you’re hoping to have even in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. There’s no need to hesitate, check out our services and jump-start your career.