What should your new resume be like?

You submitted your resume to one of those online resume critiques and the website said that everything needs to go. You are just hours away from applying for a great job, and you have no idea what to do. Lucky for you, there’s Resume Mansion. We will craft the perfect resume for you in just enough time for you to make that application deadline. Or better yet, we will teach you how to create the perfect resume on your own, for free!

Avoid cramming your resume full of details

Your resume does not need to mention each and every job you have had in the past, including that one summer back in ’89 when you were dog walking. A resume is a critical piece of marketing material for your job search. Each resume you submit for a job application should only highlight the skills, accomplishments, and experiences related to the job description.

Create a master resume

Do you know what can help you create a winning resume in record time? Having a master resume. A master resume is a longer version of your actual resume. It contains every job you have had in the past and all of your skills. Be sure to describe each job with multiple bullet points that highlight different skills when you create your master resume. That way, when you spot a job advertisement you really like, you can remove the unrelated stuff from your master resume and apply for the job in no time.

Take a great start

Did you know that the first one-third of your resume needs to be as sharp as obsidian? Hiring managers scan the top portion of your resume when they are giving it a quick look. When you take a strong start to the document by mentioning your best skills, achievements, and experiences first, you have more chances of getting noticed. Some candidates choose to lead their resumes with the key skills section to grab the attention of recruiters.

Select the right resume format

If you want to showcase your chronological work history, the traditional chronological resume format is the best choice for you. This resume format highlights work experience over skills. However, if you have had a bit of a rocky career journey with multiple career gaps, you should consider writing a functional resume. The functional resume format emphasizes skills. If you are a recent graduate or a professional with less work experience, you should use a hybrid resume format to highlight your skills and experience equally.

Keep it short

Your previous resume may have been rejected by employers due to how long it was. No one wants to devote an hour to going through a six-page resume. Although there are no rules saying your resume must be one page to win a job application, having a short resume certainly benefits you in the job search game. What you should aim for is to present the necessary information about your career in the most concise way possible so that your resume has a powerful impact on the recruiter.