The first challenge people face when searching for a new job is the need to write a proper resume. What might seem like an easy task can actually take a considerable amount of time and effort. Crafting the right wording, choosing formatting, and transforming your experience and qualifications into a standout resume can be a lengthy process.
Luckily, there are websites that provide free tools to create resumes using templates, select a concise design, and offer formats that are convenient for downloading and sending via email.
For instance, the career network Gainrep allows its users to quickly create a professional resume. With modern templates and a proper structure, your resume will stand out among others and attract employers.
Here are a few simple tips to help you create an excellent resume:
- It’s known that, on average, employers spend roughly one minute reviewing each resume. To increase your chances of standing out and landing a high-paying job, you need to make your resume memorable. The employer should clearly see why they should hire you!
- The information in your resume should be presented clearly, logically, and without contradictions. It’s also crucial to ensure that all details are honest and truthful.
- A good resume always has a clear structure. Usually, it includes the following sections:
- Full name and date of birth
- Contact information
- Desired position and salary level
- Work experience and responsibilities
- Key skills
- Education
- Personal qualities
Photograph
A common mistake in resumes is choosing an unsuitable photo. The photo should be recent, of good quality, and match a professional image. Informal photos have no place in a resume—they could act as a red flag for recruiters and ruin the overall impression of the candidate. Choose a photo without unnecessary details or other people. The ideal photo is taken in natural light and clearly shows your face.
Contact Information
Always provide contact information that allows potential employers to quickly and efficiently reach out if they’re interested in your candidacy and want to invite you for an interview.
Position
One of the main points is the title of the desired position. How clearly you define it will affect how easily your resume can be found on job posting websites. If you’re unsure how to title your resume, look at job postings that interest you and match their requirements to your qualifications. Ideally, tailor this section for each vacancy you apply to.
On Gainrep, it’s easy to change the position title and create multiple resume versions—for instance, if you’re open to several related positions.
Work Experience
It is important to follow the principle of reverse chronological order. List your most recent job first and your first job last. It is generally accepted that working for a company for 2–3 years is the norm. Frequent job changes may raise concerns for recruiters, which is understandable. Of course, everyone has the right to make mistakes, and it’s okay if you want to change jobs for some reason. However, it’s important not to have too many such instances in your resume.
When describing responsibilities at previous jobs, list the most significant ones first and the less significant ones last. You can use job descriptions or review other resumes in your field to get a better idea of what to write.
Key Skills
Key skills are a section that can set you apart as a candidate. People often confuse this with personal qualities, such as being quick to learn or stress-resistant. Skills, however, refer to abilities required for a specific position. For example, skills might include knowledge of foreign languages, sales experience, or multitasking. Employers often list the necessary skills for applicants in their job postings—use this information before sending out your resume.
Recruiters and employers using Gainrep to find candidates search by the skills listed in resumes. Therefore, it’s crucial to complete this section as thoroughly and accurately as possible. The system allows you to specify your proficiency level for each skill and indicate when you started learning it.
Share your achievements and successes in measurable terms, such as numbers, timelines, or significant qualitative changes within the company during your tenure. For example: “Increased sales in my sector by 40% within six months,” “Participated in developing and implementing the company’s new marketing strategy,” or “Negotiated with suppliers and secured a 15% discount,” and so on.
Education
In the education section, list the educational institutions—universities, schools, and courses—that you have completed or are currently attending. Reverse chronological order is commonly used, but you may also list them by significance, starting with the most relevant for the job. Clearly state the period of study, the name of the institution, and the qualification received upon completion.
Personal Qualities
Mention your personal qualities! Employers, when selecting someone for their team, often value this section. Personal qualities that align with the job requirements can significantly help you perform your role effectively. For example, for management positions, qualities such as energy, openness, teamwork ability, initiative, and proactivity are crucial.
Be concise—your resume should include only the most relevant and essential information. An ideal resume is 1–2 pages long; typically, recruiters don’t read beyond that. Lastly, and very importantly, always check your resume for spelling errors.
