Top Tips and Tricks for Writing a Winning Resume

Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or thinking about reentering the job market, one important item you’ll need when applying for jobs is a resume.

Your resume is a tool to get your foot in the door for an interview. But if you’ve never created a resume before, or if it’s been a while since you last made one, you might be wondering what to include.

Luckily, resume writing doesn’t need to be difficult. Follow our simple tips, and you’ll have a resume you can give to potential employers with confidence!

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Use bullet points

Resumes are meant to be short and sweet. Long sentences in a resume aren’t necessary! Present your job goal with a few bulleted lines at the top of your resume. In the body of the resume, list bullet points of your accomplishments and skills from past jobs or training.

Include the right keywords

Sometimes, resumes are ” read” by a computer service before they ever get to a hiring manager. The computer is looking for keywords the hiring manager has listed as important to the job.

To identify the right keywords for the job you’re seeking, pay attention to the job posting. It will list the skills, responsibilities, and experiences the computer is looking for. Make sure you include these important words in your resume.

Keep it relevant

Use your resume to showcase your skills, past job experience, and training or education. Hiring managers will spend only a short time scanning your resume, so be sure you include the most relevant details about yourself that show you’re right for the job!

Energize it with action words

Effective resumes are written with shortened language and verbs. Long sentences slow the reader down and bury your accomplishments beneath too many words. Lead your bullet points with action-oriented words whenever possible.

Consider this example. You could write:

” While at my last job, I helped my co-workers with projects, worked on various tasks, and kept track of daily receipts.”

A more active and concise way would be:

” Completed multiple tasks and coordinated daily receipt tracking.”

The second version eliminated 13 extra words and sounds more compelling!

Highlight your top accomplishments

A long list of job duties under your work experience can be distracting. Pick and choose the three to five noteworthy things you performed at each job. This way, your top accomplishments will stand out on the page!

Did you know that Ohio Valley Goodwill provides help with resume writing?

Ohio Valley Goodwill’s vocational services benefit people with disabilities and veterans in Greater Cincinnati. Along with help for resume development, we also provide job skills training, career exploration, computer skills, soft skills training, and worksite support. Find out more about Goodwill’s mission and the many services and programs we offer.

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Remember, when you donate or shop at Ohio Valley Goodwill, you support our 100+ year mission to change lives through the power of work! Thanks to your help, we’re able to serve thousands of individuals each year, helping them obtain employment and personal success. Use our convenient directory to find your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill store or donation site. Thank you for supporting Ohio Valley Goodwill!