6 Tips To Writing An Effective Resume

1. Simplify your resume format

   Make it easier for hiring managers to quickly find the strongest points in your resume by utilizing a simple, clean format for your resume. Follow these tips:
   • Use wide margins, readable type and clear headings.
   • Selectively apply bold and italic styles to help guide the reader's eye.
   • Use bullet points (like this article!) for important points and accomplishments.

2. Identify your accomplishments

   Employers and hiring managers are looking for candidates that go beyond expectations to create workable solutions to improve the status quo. Reflect on your time with your current/last company and detail your accomplishments and achievements.
   • Focus on what you did in the job, NOT what your job was.
   • Start with your job description as an introduction and follow it with your accomplishments.
   • For each point, ask yourself, "What was the benefit of having done what I did?"
   • Accomplishments should be unique to you, not what someone else did.
   • Avoid using generic descriptions of jobs you originally applied for or held.

3. Quantify your accomplishments

   The best way to make your resume stand out is to hone in on the achievements that align with the position you want.
   • Include and highlight specific achievements to strengthen your marketability
   • Quantify your achievements and use real numbers if possible and applicable to ensure greater confidence in the hiring manager
   • Work backwards by asking, "If I had not done ____, what could have happened?"

4. Format your resume for the industry

   Unless you are a design or marketing professional, you don't need to go above and beyond to create a flashy and stylish resume. It's best to stay on the conservative side as hiring managers might not be impressed.
   • Stick with a clean and straightforward design for your resume.
   • Allow your accomplishments and error-free writing to make the impression for you.

5. Replace ‘objective’ with ‘career summary’

   A career summary gives a brief overview of who you are and what you do. Most career objectives sound similar: "I am seeking employment in ____ where I can use my skills in _____ to contribute to the bottom line."
   • Grab a hiring managers attention by writing about who you are as a working professional.
   • Devote time to writing up a summary that describes you as the ideal candidate that can join and strengthen the team and company as a whole.

6. Network your way to work

   If you're unemployed, distributing your resume out to potential employers should be your full-time job. Reach out to everyone you know and recruiters that are in positions to hire you or provide helpful insights. Networking can include:
   • Personal business contacts that you've worked with or have worked for you
   • Vendors and sales reps that you've worked with within the past five years
   • People in the alumni directory of your alma mater

source: https://www.asme.org/career-education/articles/job-hunting/6-tips-for-writing-an-effective-resume