How to Create a Resume to Win Your Dream Job | 2022 Guideline

Farah Ali Khan
16 min readMay 31, 2022
Blog Banner with text How to create a resume to win your dream job with a picture of the author
Your Resume is the first thing that presents you. Write, Design & Present it after research & personal efforts.

Are you struggling to create an attention-grabbing Resume? But, like many others, you don’t know the latest trends & templates. Well, do not worry. I am right to help you create a resume to get you, your dream job.

A job search can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have much experience. It is tough to stand out from the crowd when you are applying for your dream job. You must update your resume more often.

If you’re finding it hard to create a resume for a specific job title, don’t worry. You can still put together an impressive resume, even if you don’t have a lot of experience.

Most job seekers are just like you. Focus on highlighting your best qualities and technical skills and make sure your resume summary is error-free.

A good resume can help you land your dream job with just a little bit of effort.

How to Make Your Resume Stand Out

Most job seekers do not realize the fact that they should update their resume time-to-time. This can be difficult, especially if you don’t have much work experience.

To make a good resume, focus on highlighting your best qualities and accomplishments. List your relevant work experience prominently on your resume. Bullet points are preferable to paragraphs.

There are different resume formats, but the 3 most popular ones are chronological, functional, and combination resumes.

  1. The Chronological Resume Format lists a person’s work experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job at the top of the list.
The image with text about Chronological Resume Format with an image as an example
In Chronological format, the most recent job is on top

2. The Functional Resume Format highlights skills section and abilities instead of their employment history.

The image with text about Functional Resume Format with an image as an example
The skill section is the most important one in the functional resume format

3. The Combination Resume Format is a blend of both the chronological and functional resumes.

The image with text about Combination Resume Format with an image as an example
The Combination Resume Format is the most comprehensive & acceptable one

It depends on the hiring process and your potential employers, what is the right resume format for you.

If you don’t have much work history, you can still highlight your other accomplishments. List your volunteer work and special skills. If you’ve taken any relevant courses, mention them as well. Include all the relevant information that makes you unique and qualified for the job. Remember the following 10 points.

1. List any relevant work experience you have, even if it’s not full-time work.

2. Highlight your best qualities and accomplishments.

3. Focus on anything that makes you unique and qualified for the job.

4. Make sure your resume layout is attractive & error-free.

5. Use strong action verbs to describe your professional achievements.

6. Keep your resume concise and to the point. The summary statement should be on-point & professional.

7. Use simple language that is easy to understand by everyone.

8. Tailor your resume according to the potential employers that you’re applying for. The resume Education section is the most important part of your CV.

9. Skills section can be a gamechanger for you. Highlight the hard and soft skills and experience that are most relevant to the job.

10. Make sure you write a professional resume with a prominent Education section & Academic achievements. Your content should showcase your career progression urge.

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What Employers Look for in a Resume

When employers are reviewing resumes, they’re looking for job applicants with certain qualities in candidates. They want to see job seekers who have the relevant skills and experience necessary for the job. They want to know if you’re a good fit for their company.

A design about what a Workplace need with icons & text about teamwork, professionalism & communication
Let the potential employer know that you will be a valuable addition to their workplace

To land your dream job, make sure your resume includes the qualities that employers are looking for. Create each resume according to the particular job title.

1. Relevant Skills and Experience

Employers want to see that you have the skills and experience necessary for the job. If you don’t have much work experience, focus on highlighting your other accomplishments. Resume objectives are outdated now. Focus on the skills section, good resume summary & bullet points.

2. A Good Fit for the Company

A good hiring manager wants to see that the job seeker will be a good fit for their company culture. Include information about your personality, skills section, and values on your resume.

3. Personality

Employers want to see that you have a personality that will fit well with their company culture. Write information about your hobbies and interests on your resume.

4. Values

Employers want to see that you have the same values as their company. Follow the most updated resume writing tips and create each bullet point according to the job posting.

5. Achievements

Employers want to see that you’re capable of achieving great things. Include any awards or accomplishments you’ve received, both professional and personal. A good resume gives all the information in bullet points and avoids long paragraphs.

6. A Positive Attitude

Employers want to see that you have a positive attitude and are enthusiastic about your work. Be sure to show this in your cover letter and during your interviews.

7. Professionalism

Employers want to see that you’re a professional and that you take your work seriously. Be sure to proofread your resume and cover letter carefully.

8. Teamwork Skills

A good hiring manager would always prefer teamwork in the workplace. If you have any teamwork experience, be sure to include it on your resume.

9. Communication Skills

A professional resume shows that you’re capable of communicating effectively. Include any public speaking experience you have on your resume.

10. Flexibility

Hiring managers love to see the flexible and adaptable job seekers. If you have any work history in a fast-paced environment, mention it on your resume.

A typographic image about 10 Qualities every Employer notices in a resume
Your resume should be on-point, clear & outstanding

Tips for Creating your Resume for the desired Job — 2022

1. Use the job listing as a guide. When you are tailoring your resume to a particular job, use the job listing as a guide. Include the same keywords and phrases in the listing.

2. Highlight your relevant experience. While writing your resume, highlight the experiences relevant to that specific job. Make an About Me page on relevant, professional & popular forums to present yourself.

3. Use keywords and phrases. When you create your resume, be sure to use keywords and phrases relevant to that specific job.

4. Focus on your strengths. While creating your resume, mention your strengths. Highlight the qualities that make you a good fit for the job.

An image about the outdated sections on resume that are not considered important anymore.
Do not waste space on your Resume by adding outdated sections

5. Show how you are a good fit for the company. Include information about your values and personality on your resume. This will show employers that you are a good fit for their company.

6. Include relevant achievements. Be sure to include any relevant awards or accomplishments on your resume. It shows that you are capable of achieving great things.

7. Showcase your positive attitude. Be sure to show your positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job in your cover letter and during your interviews.

8. Be professional. Be sure to proofread your resume and cover letter carefully. It shows employers that you are a professional applicant who takes the work seriously.

9. Technical skills are a prime section on the resume. Demonstrate your soft skills but be sure to include hard skills as well. Be sure to showcase your teamwork and communication skills on your resume. This will show employers that you are capable of working well with others.

10. Highlight your flexibility. If you have any experience working in a fast-paced environment, be sure to mention it on your resume. A good resume encompasses every aspect of your personality.

How to Market Yourself as a Brand in the Resume

  1. Include a Professional Headshot
A design with text & icon of headshot. A resume should have a close-up of face.
A professional close-up of the face represents confidence

A professional headshot is a great way to market yourself as a brand. It shows employers that you are serious about your career and that you are willing to put in the effort to present yourself professionally.

2. Use a Modern Resume Template

A modern resume template will help you create an impression on the hiring manager. It shows you are up-to-date with the latest trends and that you are willing to put in the effort to make your resume look its best.

3. Highlight your Unique Selling Points

Market yourself as a brand. It is vital to highlight your unique selling points. These qualities set you apart from other candidates and make you a better candidate among them.

4. Showcase your Confidence

Confidence is a quality that employers look for in candidates. Be sure to showcase your confidence on your resume and during your interviews.

5. Familiarity with Updated Tools

Familiarity with updated tools shows that you are keeping up with the latest trends and that you’re willing to put in the effort to stay up-to-date. It will show employers that you’re a good fit for the job.

6. Express that you are Inclusive

Being inclusive shows that you are open to working with a diverse group of people. Employers look for this quality on resumes.

7. Be sure to Use Industry-specific Keywords

Using industry-specific keywords will make your resume prominent to employers and the applicant tracking system. It shows your familiarity with the industry by using the most up-to-date language.

8. Use Social Media for Marketing

Social media is a great way to market yourself as a brand. Include links to your personal social media profiles on your resume. Make all your profiles look professional and decent.

9. Create a Personal Website/Blog

Creating a personal website is a great way to show employers that you have the confidence to market your work. Use blogs to showcase your achievements and professional portfolio. Use your Linkedin Profile for Career Growth, use Medium to showcase your work & there is a list of networks where you can build a strong portfolio like WordPress, Github, Behance, Twitter, Quora & Tiktok.

10. Attend Industry Events

Attending industry events is a great way to network and show employers that you’re interested in the industry. It will help you make PR and stay updated about job opportunities.

Formatting the Resume for Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Your resume is the first thing the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) will see when applying for a job. The ATS is a software application that enables employers to collect, store, and organize job applications.

The design tells 3 important steps to optimise your Resume for Applicants Tracking System (ATS)
Many companies are using ATS in their recruitment process. Optimize your Resume to get picked up by the system

To ensure that your resume makes it through the ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter, you need to format it in a way that the ATS can understand. That means using simple, straightforward language and avoiding any fancy formatting or design elements. Avoid traditional resume style & long paragraphs. The resume layout should be clean & precise.

Here are some tips for formatting your resume for an ATS.

  1. Use simple, easy-to-read fonts such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri. Avoid fancy or decorative fonts.
An image about which fonts are suitable or recommended to use on a resume
Fancy Fonts are not for professional documents & your Resume is the most important document that showcases your qualifications & abilities

2. Use standard headings for your sections, such as the Education section, Experience, or hard and Soft Skills. Avoid creative or unusual headings.

3. Use bullet points to list your information. Avoid long paragraphs of text.

4. Use action verbs to describe your experiences and accomplishments. Avoid passive language.

5. Include keywords relevant to the specific job listing. Avoid using jargon or unnecessarily complex language.

6. Use a Resume summary statement, language skills, Volunteer work, and Job duties (under work history) & follow the best resume writing tips.

Remember, the goal is to make it easy for the ATS to read and understand your resume. By following these resume writing tips, you can improve your chances of getting through the ATS and into the hands of a human recruiter.

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10 Common Mistakes People Make on their Resumes

One of the most common mistakes job seekers make when writing their resume is not customizing it for specific jobs. Your resume should be a unique reflection of your skills, experience, and qualifications that match the requirements of the job you are applying for.

I have compiled a list of 10 common resume writing mistakes.

1. A Generalized Resume

Many job seekers use a generic resume for every job they apply for. This is a huge mistake. Customize your resume for each job you apply for. The only way to do this is to read the job ad carefully and make sure your resume hits all the key points that they are looking for. Use the right resume format according to the job description provided in the job ad.

An image about Not to use a generalised & outdated Resume for all the jobs you are applying for
If you are using the same Resume today that you created after your internship, you seriously need to make a new one immediately

2. Using a Resume Objective Statement

Objective statements are outdated and unnecessary. A better way to start your resume is by using a resume summary under the heading of Profile statement. It is a brief paragraph that outlines your key skills and professional experience. A resume summary can be named a Career summary, or Career Highlights.

3. Incorporating too Much Personal Information

A great resume should be about your professional qualifications, not your personal life. There is no need to include information such as your date of birth, marital status, number of children, etc anywhere in your job application, or CV. Use a precise bullet point for each of your information.

4. Using Outdated Contact Information

Make sure your contact information is up to date and easy to find. Provide your current email address and telephone number. Include your most recent technical skills. Follow the most updated resume format.

An image representing 10 common mistakes that people do while creating a Resume
Use & Prominent the important sections in the Resume. No hiring manager wants to read lengthy stories on a Resume

5. Listing too Many Jobs

If you have a long work history, only include the jobs that are relevant to the position for your current job hunt. For jobs that are more than 10 years old, just include the job title and work history.

6. Going into too Much Detail

A great resume should be a brief overview of your qualifications & should emphasize skills in bold. There is no need to go into great detail about every job you have ever had. Just include the information that is relevant to the job you are applying for.

7. Using Complex Language

Keep your language simple and easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the average person would not understand. Do not use foreign language terminologies.

8. Making Spelling and Grammar Errors

Proofread your own resume carefully to avoid any spelling or grammar errors. Some small mistakes can make you look unprofessional and leave a wrong impression on your future employer, even if you are short-listed.

9. Using False or Misleading Information

Do not include any false or misleading information on your resume. It can get you into trouble and damage your credibility. Use a professional email address, honest job history, and correct contact information.

10. Not mentioning relevant Tools/Software

Make sure to list any relevant tools or software that you use. It will show the employer that you have the skills for day to day responsibilities they are looking for.

Following these resume tips will help you avoid making common mistakes.

You can increase your chances of impressing the hiring managers by creating an outstanding document & proofreading it.

A well-written resume is essential if you want to get the job you want. Avoid these common mistakes to make sure your resume stands out from the rest.

Pro-Tip to Write an Impressive Resume

· Use Canva to design your resume. With Canva, you can easily create a professional and eye-catching resume that will help you stand out from the rest.

· There are many resume builder applications & software available online. Search & learn the updated section of resume formatting from there.

· Use Grammarly to check your spelling and grammar. Grammarly is a free tool that will help you avoid making common grammatical mistakes.

· Use keywords from the job posting to help you tailor your resume. By using the same keywords that the employer is looking for, you will be more likely to catch the attention of hiring managers.

· Use different writing tools to beautify & optimize your content.

Power words Example to write in a Resume

Following is the list of power words that you can use in your resume to make it more impressive:

Image represents a number of Power Words to use on a Resume
Power Words to Use in a Resume

· Achieved

· Adapted

· Advanced

· Analyzed

· Assisted

· Built

· Created

· Demonstrated

· Enhanced

· Executed

· Expanded

· Generated

· Improved

· Installed

· Maintained

· Negotiated

Soft Skills Examples to write in a Resume

Image represents a list of Soft Skills to use on a Resume
Soft Skills are now an important section of a Resume. Here is the list of Soft Skills you can use on your Resume

Following is the list of Soft skills you can write on your resume.

· Communication

· Leadership

· Teamwork

· Problem-solving

· Creativity

· Organization

· Flexibility

· Interpersonal skills

· Patience

· Customer service

· Decision-making

Job Seekers Must Remember to

· When writing your resume, always use simple and clear language.

· Avoid using jargon or technical terms that the average person would not understand.

· Use an attention-grabbing resume template.

· Also, proofread your resume carefully to avoid any spelling or grammar errors.

· Prefer bullet points.

· Do not use too many colors.

· Always be honest.

Conclusion

When applying for a job, it is essential to have a well-written resume to make you stand out from the rest. By following the tips in this article, you can avoid common mistakes and create a resume that will help you get the job you want.

If you still face trouble creating a resume that stands out, I can help. Share your problems or weak points that you face while creating a resume in the comments section below, and I will be happy to help you out. Contact me to get a professionally written & beautifully designed resume.

FAQs

What is a Resume?

A Resume is a document that lists an individual’s work experience, education, and skills. Using this document, you apply for jobs, and it is often the first step in the job application process.

How many types of resumes are there?

There are many types, but the three main types of resumes are chronological, functional, and combination.

Three types of resume formats are Chronological, Functional & Combination.
Combination Resume Format is a complete & most powerful Resume format

1. Chronological resumes list work experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job at the top of the list.

2. Functional resumes highlight skills and abilities instead of their employment history.

3. Combination resumes are a combination of both chronological and functional resumes.

What is the difference between a chronological resume & reverse chronological resume?

A chronological resume lists an individual’s work experience in reverse chronological order, with the most recent job at the top of the list. A reverse chronological resume is similar, but it lists a person’s work experiences in chronological order, with the most recent job at the bottom of the list.

Which type of resume is the most updated & acceptable these days?

The most updated and acceptable resume these days is the combination resume. It combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes, which makes it a more comprehensive overview of skills and experience.

What is the difference between a functional resume & a skills-based resume?

A functional resume highlights a person’s skills and abilities instead of their employment history. A skills-based resume is similar, but it also includes a section that lists specific skills.

Which sections of resumes have become outdated currently?

Some outdated resume sections are “Objective,” “References,” and “Personal Information.” These sections are no longer common on resumes. Also, one precise bullet point is worth more than a lengthy paragraph.

What is the difference between a CV & a resume?

A CV (curriculum vitae) is a long and detailed document that lists work experience, education, and skills. A resume is a more concise document that only includes relevant information for the job you are applying for.

What are some common mistakes people make on their resumes?

Some common resume mistakes include listing irrelevant information, using unprofessional language, and making typographical errors.

How can I make my resume stand out?

There are many ways to make your resume stand out. You can use a unique format, highlight your skills and experience, or use stylish fonts and colors.

What should I include in my resume?

You should include your name, contact information, work experience, education, and skills. It is suggested to use a clear picture (headshot) in your Resume.

Is it okay to have a two-page resume?

Yes, it is okay. However, you should avoid making a resume of more than two pages. Employer hardly bothers to look beyond important sections & bullet points.

How often should I update my resume?

You should update your resume every time you have a new job or experience to add. You should also update your resume if you have any new skills or qualifications.

What is the best font to use on a resume?

The best fonts for resumes are Arial, Times New Roman, and Calibri.

What size font should I use on my resume?

The best font size to use on a resume is 12 points. It looks more professional.

Should I use a chronological or functional resume?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your skills and experience. If you have a lot of work experience, a chronological resume may be the best option. If you have a lot of skills and qualifications, a functional resume may be the best option.

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Farah Ali Khan

I am currently working in the fields of Content Writing & SEO. A Published Author, Multilingual, Quick Learner | Mother | Student of Digital marketing.