An unprofessional resume—one that is difficult to read, confusing, covered in errors, or unrelated to the job the person is applying for—will get tossed in the trash right away. Hiring managers often get dozens, even hundreds, of applicants for each job. An unprofessional resume makes you look unprofessional as a job seeker and will cost you a possible interview. Sloppy resumes that are riddled with typos will be ignored and resumes that are inconsistent —bullets in some places, dashes in others, bold in some headings, plain text in others—may not get a second look either.
Tips for Creating a Professional Resume
Grab your current resume (or organize your work experience and education information) and give it a professional boost with these tips:
Select the Best Resume Type
There are several basic types of resumes used to apply for job openings. Depending on your personal circumstances, choose a chronological, functional, combination, or a targeted resume. Taking the time to choose the best type of resume for your situation is well worth the effort.
Choose a Simple Font
Your resume should be easy to read. You want the hiring manager to easily read and absorb your work history and accomplishments. Therefore, use a legible font (such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri). Make sure the font is not too big or too small (choose a size between 10 and 12). Avoid dense blocks of text and use standard margins. Use white- or cream-colored paper if you are sending a physical resume; colored paper can be very distracting.
Keep Your Formatting Consistent
Professional resumes need to have consistent formatting. For instance, if you use bullet points to describe your responsibilities and achievements at one position, be sure to use bullet points in all other positions as well. Also, make certain that the bullet points are formatted the same way throughout. For example, don’t use circle bullet points in one section, and diamond bullet points in another section. Be consistent with font, font size, and style (such as the use of bold and italics).
Keep it Focused
It’s important not to include extraneous information. More isn’t necessarily better. Your resume should focus on the skills and attributes that qualify you for the job. It will be helpful to leave out anything that won’t help you get the job you want. A resume shouldn’t be several pages long for the average job seeker, a one-page resume is probably enough, or two pages at most.
Give It a Makeover
It’s always a good idea to periodically refresh your resume. Be sure you have included all your latest achievements, and your employment and educational history are current. Updating your resume will increase your chances of getting it noticed by the hiring manager.
Use Resume Examples and Templates
Use a resume example or template to help you write your resume. An example can help you decide what information to include. Templates can help you format your resume. However, whenever you use a resume example or template, be sure to customize your resume, so it reflects your skills and abilities, and the jobs you are applying for. A simple copy/paste isn’t enough.
Get Creative (Maybe)
If you’re in a creative field, you might use a free resume website to build a creative resume that includes all the facets of a traditional resume, with add-ons like video, infographics, and links to your accomplishments. However, only do this if you are in a creative industry. Otherwise, you definitely need to stick to a traditional resume.
Carefully Edit Your Resume
Spelling and grammar errors can make an applicant seem inattentive to details. Review proofing guidelines to ensure that your resume is consistent and error-free. Then check it again. And, if you can, find someone else to look at it too, because it’s so easy to miss your own typos.
Get Resume Help
Writing a resume is hard work and it’s important to get help, or at least have your resume reviewed before you send it to employers. Consider using a career counselor or other professional resume service to help you make sure your resume is professional and polished. Having a friend or family member check for typos and formatting errors is another option to make sure it’s perfect.
Check Your Resume Before You Send It
Before you send it, use a resume checklist to make sure you have included all relevant information in your resume. Avoid common mistakes on your resume and use writing strategies that lead to success in resume reviews.
Review a Resume Example
This is a professional resume example. Download the resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or read the example below.
Review More Sample Resumes
Review 100+ professionally written resume samples that you can download and customize to create your own resume. Production TechnicianStrong and able-bodied Production Assistant with 8 years’ experience in assembly of components and sub-components for automotive and aviation parts manufacturers.
Process-oriented, ensuring safe and quality assembly line production within hazardous factory settings.Skilled in use of weld guns, air-actuated tools, forklifts, manual tools, and automated machinery.Diligent in completing daily production reports and timesheets.Outstanding work ethic and team building skills; willing to work overtime and flexible shifts.
Professional Experience Hughes Automotive Company, Canton, MSProduction Technician, July 2017-PresentWeld automotive components as technician on fast-paced assembly line. Operate welding tools and automated machinery; perform quality control and pack parts for shipping.
Maintained perfect attendance record throughout tenure.Created a process checklist to help train new hires.
Pine Hills Avionics Manufacturing, Jackson, MSAssembly Technician, June 2014-June 2017Skillfully set up and operated assembly department test stands. Interpreted schematics; utilized hand tools and testing instruments including micrometers and venire calipers.
Earned “Employee of the Month” awards at least twice each year.Selected by supervisor to train summer workers in assembly line, packing, and cleaning tasks.
Southern Lumber Supply, Mayhew, MSWarehouse Assistant, June 2011-June 2014Concurrent with education, operated forklift during 2nd shift in warehouse receiving and shipping operations.
Willingly worked overtime and weekend shifts as requested.Earned top scores on quarterly performance reports.
Education Associates Degree in Machining Technology, 2010East Mississippi Community College, Mayhew, MS
