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Learning how to write a resume that stands out is your golden ticket to catching the eye of potential employers in today’s competitive job market. For queer professionals, it’s essential to present your skills and experiences in the best possible light while also showcasing your unique strengths. Let’s dive into the art of how to write a resume with a mix of practical advice and a dash of humor.
Just like a fabulous outfit, your resume should be tailored to fit each job application perfectly. Employers want to see that you’re the ideal candidate, so highlight the skills and experiences that match the job description. Use keywords from the listing, emphasize relevant work experience, and tweak your objective statement to reflect the specific role. Think of it as customizing your resume’s wardrobe for each interview runway.
A clean, professional format is like the little black dress of resumes—it never goes out of style. Whether you choose chronological, functional, or a combination format, make sure your most important information shines. Chronological is great for a steady work history, functional works for career changers, and a combination format shows off both your skills and job history. Remember, a well-dressed resume gets more compliments!
Start with a bang by crafting a compelling objective or summary statement. This is your chance to make a memorable first impression, clearly stating your career goals and what you bring to the table. For example, "Dedicated marketing professional with over five years of experience seeking to leverage expertise in digital marketing to drive results at XYZ Corp." It’s like the opening line of a great novel—you want to hook them right away.
Focus on accomplishments, not just duties. Instead of a bland list of job responsibilities, highlight the impact you made in previous roles. Use numbers to quantify your achievements, like "Increased sales by 20%," and start bullet points with strong action verbs like "Led," "Developed," and "Implemented." Think of it as telling the story of your professional heroics.
Super important when learning how to write a resume is understanding how to beat the dreaded Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), use the right keywords. Pull them from the job description and include relevant industry terms. This ensures your resume gets past the digital gatekeepers. It’s like learning the secret handshake to get into the club.
Make sure to include a section for skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Highlight both hard skills, like data analysis or graphic design, and soft skills, like communication or leadership. This section is your skills catwalk, so strut your stuff confidently.
A resume should be clear and to the point, ideally one to two pages long. Use bullet points for easy reading, clear headings for each section, and simple language to avoid jargon overload. Think of it as a well-edited movie—engaging and free of unnecessary scenes.
Detail your work history by listing your most recent jobs first, including job title, company name, dates of employment, and your responsibilities and achievements. This section is the heart of your resume, so make it beat with relevant details.
Highlight your academic background and any relevant certifications or training. List your highest degree first, the name of the school, graduation date, and any professional certifications. It’s like adding academic bling to your resume.
Proofreading your resume is critical to ensure there are no errors. Typos and grammatical mistakes can make a negative impression. Read your resume aloud to catch mistakes, have a friend or mentor review it, or consider using professional resume editing services. Remember, even the best outfits need a final once-over before stepping out.
Ensure your email address is professional, link to your updated LinkedIn profile, maintain consistent formatting, start each bullet point with an action verb, and use white space effectively to make your resume easy to read.
Writing a standout resume involves more than just listing your work history. It’s about presenting your professional journey in a way that is clear, concise, and compelling. By following these best practices, you can create a resume that not only gets noticed but also helps you land your dream job. Tailor your resume for each application, highlight your achievements, and proofread thoroughly. With a well-crafted resume, you can make a strong first impression and take a significant step toward your career goals. Happy resume crafting, and may the job offers roll in!
Resources
LinkedIn: Resume Writing
Wall Street Journal: Resume writing tips to help you stand out
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