How to Write a Professional Resume That Gets You Hired

Your resume is often your first—and sometimes only—chance to make a great impression on a potential employer. It’s more than just a summary of your work history; it’s a marketing tool designed to show that you’re the best candidate for the job.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to write a professional, effective resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market.

1. Choose the Right Resume Format

There are three common resume formats:

• Chronological (most common): Lists work experience in reverse chronological order. Best for people with a solid work history.
• Functional: Focuses on skills rather than employment history. Good for career changers or those with employment gaps.
• Combination: Blends both formats. Ideal if you want to highlight both skills and a steady job history.

2. Write a Strong Resume Header

At the top of your resume, include:

• Full Name
• Phone Number
• Professional Email (use your name, not nicknames)
• LinkedIn Profile (optional but recommended)
• Portfolio or personal website (if relevant)

3. Craft a Compelling Summary or Objective

Your resume summary (for experienced professionals) or objective statement (for entry-level applicants) should be 2–3 lines that quickly show:

• Who you are
• What you bring to the table
• What you’re looking for

Example Summary:
“Detail-oriented marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience in digital campaigns, SEO, and brand strategy. Proven ability to increase online engagement by 30%.”

4. Showcase Your Work Experience

List your most recent jobs first. For each job include:

• Job title
• Company name and location
• Dates of employment (month/year)
• 3–6 bullet points describing your achievements and responsibilities

Use action verbs (e.g., led, developed, increased) and quantify results where possible.

Example:

pgsqlCopyEditMarketing Manager  
ABC Corporation, New York, NY  
Jan 2020 – Present  
- Designed and executed digital campaigns that increased web traffic by 40%  
- Managed a $50K advertising budget and reduced costs by 20%  
- Supervised a team of 4 marketing assistants

5. Highlight Relevant Skills

Include a Skills section that lists 6–10 key skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Examples:

• Project Management
• Data Analysis
• Salesforce
• Adobe Creative Suite
• SQL
• Conflict Resolution

Pro Tip: Tailor this section to the job description using keywords the employer is looking for.

6. Include Your Education

List your most recent and relevant education:

• Degree
• Major
• School Name and Location
• Graduation Year (optional)




7. Add Certifications or Awards (if relevant)

Stand out by showcasing certifications, licenses, or accolades that strengthen your candidacy.

Examples:

• Google Analytics Certified
• PMP – Project Management Professional
• Employee of the Month (March 2023)

8. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job

No two jobs are identical. Customize your resume for each role by:

• Using keywords from the job description
• Emphasizing the most relevant achievements
• Removing unrelated or outdated experience

9. Keep It Clean and Concise

• One page is ideal (two if you have extensive experience)
• Use a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman (10–12 pt)
• Keep margins between 0.5” and 1”
• Avoid colorful designs unless you’re in a creative field

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10. Proofread, Then Proofread Again

Grammatical or formatting errors can send your resume straight to the reject pile. Ask a friend or use a tool like Grammarly to catch mistakes. A clean, error-free resume shows professionalism and attention to detail.

Note:

Writing a professional resume takes effort, but it’s one of the most powerful tools in your job search. With a polished, customized resume, you’ll be ready to make a lasting impression—and land more interviews.

“Your resume is not just a list of your past jobs. It’s your personal brand story on paper.” https://unique-oj.com.ng/