A Good Resume Example 2019: How to Craft the Perfect Resume for Success

In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is your key to standing out among other candidates. Whether you're a recent graduate or an experienced professional, knowing how to build a resume that catches the attention of hiring managers is crucial. This article will walk you through what makes a good resume, providing expert advice, examples, and helpful tips to ensure your resume is the best it can be.

Table of Contents

• What Is a Good Resume?
• How to Structure Your Resume
• Key Resume Sections
• Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid
• Expert Resume Tips
• FAQ: All About Resumes

What Is a Good Resume?

A good resume is one that highlights your skills, experience, and qualifications in a clear and concise way. It should be tailored to the job you're applying for and reflect your strengths as a candidate. A resume that stands out is not just a list of your jobs; it is a strategic document that demonstrates how your abilities will contribute to the success of the company you're applying to.

In 2019, resumes are evolving with more emphasis on digital formats, clean design, and keywords tailored to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). A well-designed resume can help ensure that your document gets noticed by both software and human readers. Let's break down what makes a good resume:

• Clear Structure: The resume should be easy to read, with distinct sections and headings.
• Relevant Information: Focus on your skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job you're applying for.
• Quantifiable Achievements: Use metrics to highlight your successes, like "increased sales by 30%."
• Keyword Optimization: Incorporate keywords that match the job description to pass ATS checks.

How to Structure Your Resume

The structure of your resume is crucial in helping hiring managers quickly scan and assess your qualifications. A good resume layout should be clean, professional, and easy to navigate. Here’s a recommended structure:

• Header: Include your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL (if relevant).
• Professional Summary: A brief summary of your career, tailored to the job you're applying for. Highlight your strengths and what you can offer to the employer.
• Experience: List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Include your title, the company name, and bullet points highlighting your key responsibilities and achievements.
• Education: Include your degree(s), school(s), and any relevant certifications or licenses.
• Skills: List key skills that are relevant to the job, like software proficiency, languages, or technical skills.
• Additional Sections (optional): Include any additional information, such as volunteer work, awards, publications, or professional affiliations.

Ensure your resume fits on one page (two pages if you have extensive experience). Be mindful of font size and spacing for readability.

Resume Template Example:

Key Resume Sections

Now that we know the structure, let’s dive deeper into the most important sections of your resume:

1. Professional Summary

The professional summary, sometimes called a resume objective, is your chance to give hiring managers a snapshot of your career. In a few sentences, you should explain who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you're the perfect candidate for the job.

2. Experience

Your work experience is the heart of your resume. For each position, provide specific examples of how you contributed to the success of your previous employers. Quantify your achievements whenever possible. For instance:

• Increased sales by 25% in six months by implementing a new customer service strategy.
• Managed a team of 10 employees, improving efficiency and morale.

For more detailed examples, check out our athletic resume template for specific guidance.

3. Skills

Your skills should reflect your qualifications for the specific role you're applying to. Don't just list soft skills; include hard skills like software tools, programming languages, or industry-specific certifications. A skills section with 6-8 key skills is ideal.

Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best of intentions, many job seekers make common mistakes when writing their resumes. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using a one-size-fits-all approach: Tailor your resume for each job you apply to, focusing on the qualifications and skills that matter most for that role.
• Being too vague: Provide specific examples of your achievements rather than just listing duties.
• Failing to proofread: Spelling and grammar errors can make a big negative impact.

Expert Resume Tips

Here are five expert tips to elevate your resume to the next level:

• Use action verbs: Words like "managed," "led," and "created" make your resume more dynamic.
• Keep it simple: Use a clean, professional design. Avoid excessive graphics or complicated layouts.
• Include relevant keywords: This is crucial for passing through ATS software.
• Focus on results: Hiring managers want to see how you will contribute to their company’s goals.
• Use numbers to quantify achievements: Numbers (like sales figures or customer satisfaction scores) make your contributions more tangible.

FAQ: All About Resumes

• What is the most important part of a resume? The work experience section, as it showcases your accomplishments and qualifications.
• How long should my resume be? For most candidates, one page is ideal. If you have extensive experience, two pages are acceptable.
• Should I include references on my resume? No, references should be provided separately if requested. Simply note "References available upon request."
• What should I do if I have no work experience? Focus on internships, volunteer work, or academic projects that demonstrate your skills.
• Can I use the same resume for every job? No, always tailor your resume to fit the specific job you're applying for.
• Do I need to include an objective statement? It’s optional. A professional summary is often more useful and relevant.

If you're unsure how to create the perfect resume or need expert help, our specialists can guide you. Register here to get personalized assistance and stand out in the job market.