How To Write A General Resume: A Comprehensive Guide for Job Seekers

Crafting a compelling resume is a crucial first step in any job search. It’s your initial introduction to potential employers, and it needs to quickly and effectively showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to write a general resume that will get you noticed. Let’s dive in!

1. Understanding the Purpose and Power of Your Resume

Before you even start typing, it’s important to understand what a resume is. A resume is a marketing document designed to sell you to a potential employer. Its primary goal is to secure you an interview. It’s not an exhaustive list of everything you’ve ever done, but rather a curated selection of your most relevant accomplishments and skills that align with the job you’re targeting. Thinking of it this way helps you approach the writing process with a strategic mindset.

2. Essential Sections: Building Blocks of a Strong Resume

Every effective general resume includes a few core sections. While the specific order and emphasis may vary depending on your experience level and industry, these sections form the foundation:

2.1 Contact Information

This section is straightforward but crucial. Include your:

• Full Name: Make it prominent.
• Phone Number: Ensure it’s a professional voicemail greeting.
• Email Address: Use a professional-sounding email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@email.com). Avoid nicknames or unprofessional email addresses.
• LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional but Recommended): A well-maintained LinkedIn profile significantly enhances your resume.
• Location (City, State): This is usually sufficient. You don’t need to include your full street address.

2.2 Summary/Objective (Optional but Sometimes Beneficial)

This section provides a brief overview of your skills and career goals.

• Summary: For experienced professionals, a summary highlights your key accomplishments and areas of expertise. It’s a concise snapshot of your value proposition.
• Objective: For entry-level candidates or those changing careers, an objective states your career goals and what you’re seeking in a role. Be specific about the type of position you’re targeting.

2.3 Work Experience

This is the meat of your resume. For each position:

• Job Title: Use the official job title.
• Company Name: Include the company name and location.
• Dates of Employment: Use month/year format (e.g., June 2018 – Present).
• Responsibilities and Accomplishments: Use bullet points to list your key responsibilities and, most importantly, your achievements. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible. Use action verbs to start each bullet point. Focus on what you did and the positive outcomes of your work.

2.4 Education

List your educational background, including:

• Degree Name: (e.g., Bachelor of Science in Marketing)
• University Name: Include the university name and location.
• Graduation Date (or Expected Graduation Date): Use month/year format.
• Relevant Coursework (Optional): Include this if you’re an entry-level candidate or if the coursework directly relates to the job.
• GPA (Optional): Include your GPA if it’s impressive (generally above 3.5).

2.5 Skills

This section highlights your relevant skills. Categorize them for clarity:

• Technical Skills: Software proficiency, programming languages, etc.
• Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, etc.
• Languages: List languages and your proficiency level.

3. Choosing the Right Resume Format: Tailoring to Your Needs

The format you choose significantly impacts readability and how your information is presented.

3.1 Chronological Resume

This is the most common format, listing your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). It’s best for candidates with a consistent work history and who want to emphasize their career progression.

3.2 Functional Resume

This format emphasizes skills rather than work history. It’s useful if you have gaps in your employment history, are changing careers, or have limited experience.

3.3 Combination Resume

This format combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes, highlighting both your skills and your work experience.

4. Writing Compelling Bullet Points: The Art of Highlighting Achievements

Your bullet points are your opportunity to shine. Here’s how to make them effective:

• Start with Action Verbs: Use strong action verbs like “managed,” “developed,” “implemented,” “led,” “achieved,” “increased,” and “reduced.”
• Quantify Your Results: Whenever possible, use numbers to show the impact of your work. For example, “Increased sales by 15% within one quarter” is much more impactful than “Increased sales.”
• Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities: Don’t just list what you did; explain what you accomplished.
• Tailor to the Job Description: Carefully review the job description and highlight the skills and experiences that align with the requirements.

5. Keywords: Optimizing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. To ensure your resume gets past these systems:

• Review the Job Description: Identify the keywords and phrases used in the job description.
• Incorporate Keywords Naturally: Don’t stuff your resume with keywords. Instead, weave them into your descriptions of your skills and experience.
• Use Variations of Keywords: Use synonyms and related terms to broaden your reach.
• Format Your Resume Properly: Use a simple, clean format that’s easy for the ATS to parse. Avoid using images, tables, or complex formatting.

6. Formatting and Design: Making Your Resume Visually Appealing

While content is king, the visual presentation matters.

• Keep it Concise: Aim for a one-page resume for entry-level candidates and two pages maximum for experienced professionals.
• Use a Clean Font: Choose a professional font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Use Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent font sizes, margins, and spacing throughout your resume.
• Use White Space Effectively: Don’t overcrowd your resume. Use white space to separate sections and make it easier to read.
• Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: Errors can ruin your chances. Carefully proofread your resume for any typos, grammatical errors, or inconsistencies.

7. Tailoring Your Resume: Customizing for Each Application

Don’t send the same resume to every job. Customize your resume for each position you apply for.

• Read the Job Description Carefully: Identify the key requirements and tailor your resume to highlight those skills and experiences.
• Adjust Your Summary/Objective: Tailor your summary or objective to reflect the specific job requirements.
• Reorder Sections (If Necessary): If the job requires a particular skill, consider moving the relevant section higher in your resume.
• Highlight Relevant Accomplishments: Focus on the accomplishments that are most relevant to the job.

8. Action Verbs: Power Words to Boost Your Impact

Using strong action verbs is essential for making your resume stand out. Here’s a list to get you started:

• Managed: Led, directed, supervised, coordinated, oversaw.
• Developed: Created, designed, built, formulated, established.
• Implemented: Executed, applied, put in place, introduced, established.
• Achieved: Accomplished, attained, reached, delivered, succeeded.
• Increased: Boosted, enhanced, improved, accelerated, expanded.
• Reduced: Decreased, minimized, cut, streamlined, eliminated.
• Collaborated: Partnered, cooperated, worked with, assisted, united.

9. Common Resume Mistakes to Avoid

• Typos and Grammatical Errors: Proofread carefully!
• Generic Language: Avoid clichés and vague statements.
• Lack of Quantifiable Results: Back up your claims with numbers.
• Irrelevant Information: Don’t include information that’s not relevant to the job.
• Poor Formatting: Use a clean and professional format.
• Overly Long Resume: Keep it concise and focused.
• Lying or Exaggerating: Be honest about your skills and experience.

10. Seeking Feedback: Getting a Second Opinion

Ask friends, family, or career counselors to review your resume. They can provide valuable feedback on content, clarity, and formatting. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

5 Unique FAQs

What’s the best way to showcase volunteer experience on a resume?

• Treat volunteer experience like paid experience. Include the organization’s name, your role, dates of involvement, and a bulleted list of accomplishments and responsibilities. Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

Should I include a photo on my resume?

• Generally, no. In the United States, including a photo is often discouraged due to potential discrimination concerns. Focus on presenting your skills and experience.

How far back should I go with my work history?

• Generally, include the last 10-15 years of your work history. For very experienced professionals, you may need to go further back, but focus on the most relevant and impactful experiences.

What if I have gaps in my employment history?

• Address gaps honestly. You can briefly explain them in your resume or cover letter. Focus on what you did during the gap, such as acquiring new skills, volunteering, or taking time for personal development.

How important is a cover letter?

• A cover letter is often crucial. It’s your opportunity to elaborate on your resume, explain why you’re interested in the specific role, and highlight how your skills and experience align with the employer’s needs. Always tailor your cover letter to the specific job.

Conclusion

Writing a compelling general resume is an ongoing process, not a one-time task. By understanding the purpose of a resume, utilizing the right format, crafting strong bullet points, incorporating relevant keywords, and tailoring your resume to each application, you can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview. Remember to focus on highlighting your achievements, quantifying your results, and presenting your skills and experience in a clear, concise, and professional manner. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your value and helps you achieve your career goals. Good luck!