How do you write a good resume? A complete checklist

The key to a successful resume is to showcase your skills, achievements, and the impact you've made in your previous roles. However, it's not just about what you say but how you say it. Your words should be carefully chosen and strategically placed to highlight your strengths and set you apart from the competition.

Here's a checklist to guide you through the process:

Review your content before making any changes

Before making any changes to your resume, take the time to review your content thoroughly. This will allow you to identify areas that need improvement and those that already stand out. Remember, your resume should be a reflection of your professional journey, so be sure it's representing a full and accurate picture of who you are as a candidate. 

Identify key achievements

Outlining your key achievements is an important step in crafting an effective resume. This not only gives your potential employer a glimpse into your capabilities but also demonstrates the value you can bring to their organization. Make sure to be specific and include any awards or recognitions you've received.

Highlight specific skills you’ve used

Employers often look for specific skills that align with the job role. If you have heard people talking about keywords, these skills and specifics are your keywords. Highlighting these skills in your resume can increase your chances of being considered for the position. Whether it's your proficiency in a particular software or your ability to manage a team, or commuicate effectively, make sure to include it in your resume.

Practice turning one response into a clear statement

The key to writing a resume is to say a lot with as few words as possible. In other words, be succinct. Practice turning your responses into clear and concise statements. This will not only make your resume easier to read but also ensure that your potential employer gets a clear understanding of your skills and experiences.

Prioritize relevance

Always prioritize relevance when writing your resume. Circle the most relevant experiences, skills, and achievements and make sure to highlight them. This will help your potential employer see that you are the right fit for the role.

Focus on the outcome or impact you have made

Don't just list your responsibilities; focus on the impact you've made in your previous roles. Did you increase sales? Did you improve a process? Whatever it is, make sure to include it in a relevant way.

Use any data or numbers you have available

Numbers speak volumes. If you have any data or numbers to back up your achievements, make sure to include them. This can be the number of people you've managed, the percentage you've increased sales by, or any other relevant figures.

Practice taking another statement and make it more succinct (to demonstrate how valuable this is we will do it twice)

Practice taking your statements and making them more succinct. This will not only improve your writing skills but also ensure that your resume is clear and concise.

Use action verbs at the beginning of each statement

Action verbs give your resume a sense of energy and accomplishment. Use them at the beginning of each statement to grab your potential employer's attention and make your resume more compelling.

Highlight your impact in a confident and honest way

Lastly, highlight your impact in a confident and honest way. Don't shy away from showcasing your achievements, but also don't exaggerate them. Be truthful and let your skills and experiences speak for themselves.

Remember, writing a resume is an art, and like any art, it takes practice. So, use this checklist, review your resume, make the necessary changes, and don't worry if it takes a few times to get it right. It's worth the effort!

Also be sure to do this BEFORE you need a resume to get a job or another opportunity. You can see from this list that there is a lot involved to making a great resume, and you want to be able to submit quickly if the right job comes along. Make sure it's ready before you need it and you can feel confident and excited during this process.