How To Write A WINNING Resume - Resume Examples INCLUDED

Summary

This video explains a proven, practical strategy for writing a resume that attracts more interviews and better job offers. Heather Austin walks viewers through five simple steps, starting with crafting a strong summary that clearly communicates value, skills, and results. She explains how to add brief job description paragraphs, write accomplishment-driven bullet points with measurable outcomes, and optimize resumes for applicant tracking systems by using exact keywords from job postings. The video also emphasizes clean, ATS-friendly formatting over creative designs. Viewers are encouraged to download a free resume template and tailor it for each role.

Takeaways

• 😀 Create a stand-out resume summary that highlights your credentials, experience, results, and personality.
• 😀 Your resume summary should act like a movie trailer, giving just enough information to spark interest without revealing everything.
• 😀 Include a title (or identifier), a list of key skills, a brief paragraph about your work, and core competencies (keywords) to make your summary compelling.
• 😀 Use job description paragraphs under each role to clearly define your responsibilities and objectives, making your resume more unique and relevant.
• 😀 Accomplishment-driven bullet points are the backbone of your resume and should include action verbs, tasks, and quantifiable results.
• 😀 Use the three-part formula for writing strong bullet points: Action verb + Task + Result (preferably with numbers, percentages, or time frames).
• 😀 Tailor your resume to each job posting by using keywords and lingo directly from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• 😀 To optimize for ATS, avoid using terms that might be recognized differently across companies. Stick to the exact terminology used in job listings.
• 😀 Ensure your resume is ATS-friendly by avoiding tables, columns, graphics, and text boxes which could hinder ATS processing.
• 😀 Maintain a clean and simple format that ensures easy readability, helping hiring managers find the necessary information quickly and efficiently.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a resume summary?

The resume summary serves as a teaser, showcasing your credentials, experience, results, and even personality. It should provide a clear value proposition, highlighting the problems you solve and the skills you bring to the table.

How can you create an impactful summary on your resume?

An impactful summary includes four components: 1) Your title or identifier (the job title you're seeking), 2) Your key skills (use at least three), 3) A detailed paragraph about your work and how you help solve company problems, and 4) Core competencies (keywords from the job posting).

Why is it important to use keywords from the job posting in your resume?

Using keywords from the job posting helps both Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers identify that you are a good match for the position. It shows you are speaking the company’s language, which increases your chances of passing through ATS and getting noticed.

What should be included in a job description paragraph under each job title on a resume?

A job description paragraph should provide a brief summary of your main responsibilities, including one or two sentences about your daily tasks or objectives. It can also mention the company's main goals to give context to your role.

How do you write strong, accomplishment-driven bullet points for your resume?

Accomplishment-driven bullet points should follow a three-part formula: 1) Start with an action verb, 2) Describe the task you performed, and 3) Explain the result or impact of the task. Including quantifiable results (like percentages or dollar amounts) can make these points even more impactful.

What is the importance of using action verbs in resume bullet points?

Action verbs make your resume dynamic and showcase your ability to take initiative. They help recruiters quickly understand your role in achieving results, making your accomplishments more clear and compelling.

How can you optimize your resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)?

To optimize your resume for ATS, use keywords and keyword phrases from the job posting, follow the company's language (e.g., 'customer engagement' vs. 'customer success'), and avoid using complex formatting like tables or graphics that ATS may not be able to read.

What should you avoid when formatting your resume?

You should avoid using tables, text boxes, columns, and graphics as they can prevent your resume from being read by ATS. Instead, focus on a clean, simple layout that allows hiring managers to quickly find the necessary information.

Why is it important to format your resume for visibility?

Formatting your resume for visibility ensures that hiring managers, recruiters, and ATS can easily find the information they need. A clear and straightforward format makes it easier for the reader to evaluate your qualifications and increases your chances of landing an interview.

What is the recommended way to structure core competencies in your resume summary?

Core competencies should be listed as a series of keywords or keyword phrases that highlight your expertise. Placing the words 'core competencies' above this section can help with ATS recognition, and separating the phrases with a vertical line helps in maintaining clarity.