Are you gearing up for a job search due to a relocation, eyeing an internal promotion, or exploring fresh opportunities in your field? If you've answered 'yes' to any of these scenarios, it's high time to create or update your resume. In today's competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is your passport to moving forward in your career journey.
However, when it comes to revamping your resume after a decade or more, uncertainty often creeps in. Are the same resume sections still relevant? What elements from your job history should you retain, and what should you omit? Is it crucial to include a technical skills section? And where does your education fit into all of this?
As a Certified Professional Resume Writer and a member of esteemed organizations like the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches and the National Resume Writers’ Association, I've stayed current with the latest resume trends and understand how to position candidates effectively in today's job market. While there's a plethora of advice out there for resume writing, I'm going to share with you the top five tips that will kickstart your resume revamp process.
Tip #1 – Get Organized
Start by creating a folder or maintaining an electronic copy that houses all your past job-related information. Whenever possible, preserve your job descriptions, compile a list of former employers and job titles, note your dates of employment, and document your achievements. Additionally, make sure you have your college transcripts on hand, as they provide the official details of your educational background, including the school's name, degree earned, and any major or minor concentrations.
Tip #2 – Choose Your Format
Decide whether you're going with a chronological or functional resume format.
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Chronological Resume: This is the most common format, where you list your employment history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. It's ideal if you've had continuous employment, worked within the same industry, and experienced minimal job changes.
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Functional Resume: This format emphasizes your skills and achievements while downplaying specific dates. It's suitable if you've switched jobs frequently, have limited experience, or are transitioning to a different field.
Tip #3 – Ditch the Objective
If it's been years since you last updated your resume, you might still have an 'Objective' section at the top. Let's be honest—your objective when sending a resume for a job opportunity is to secure an interview and land the position. Since this intent is self-explanatory, make better use of this space by crafting a career summary. Compose a concise three to five-line high-level overview of your career experiences, skill set, and core competencies.
Tip #4 – Keep it Concise
With employers sifting through heaps of resumes for a single position, capturing their attention quickly is paramount. There's no need to list every task you've ever performed. Select the most significant accomplishments, use concise phrases instead of full sentences, and employ bullet points to highlight achievements. When you feel repetition creeping in, consult a thesaurus for fresh phrasing of tasks and responsibilities.
Tip #5 – Prioritize Consistency
Maintain consistency in formatting throughout your resume. Use single spacing for each job description and double spacing between different job entries and section headings. Opt for a straightforward font that's easy to read, and stick to the same font style throughout your document. The same rule applies to bullet points—stick to one style across all sections.
While working on your resume, don't hesitate to showcase your successes and achievements. Dedicate ample time to perfecting your resume, and consider having a trusted friend review it and offer feedback—sometimes, a fresh pair of eyes can spot areas for improvement. Lastly, ensure that you adhere to application instructions and conduct thorough research on potential employers to tailor your resume to their specific needs. Your resume is your opportunity to shine, so make your information truly stand out!
John Smith
123 Main Street, Anytown, USA 12345 Email: john.smith@email.com | Phone: (555) 123-4567 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Summary
Experienced Project Manager with a proven track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams and delivering projects on time and within budget. Adept at strategic planning, risk management, and client communication. Seeking to leverage my skills and expertise to drive project success at XYZ Company.
Professional Experience
Project Manager
ABC Corporation
Anytown, USA
January 2017 - Present
- Led a team of 20 professionals to execute complex projects, ensuring adherence to project timelines and budgets.
- Implemented Agile methodologies, resulting in a 15% increase in project efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Collaborated with clients to define project objectives, scope, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business goals.
- Conducted risk assessments and developed mitigation strategies, minimizing project disruptions.
- Fostered strong client relationships through regular updates and effective communication.
Senior Project Coordinator
DEF Solutions
Another Town, USA
June 2014 - December 2016
- Coordinated project activities, including scheduling, resource allocation, and quality assurance.
- Managed project budgets, reducing overall project costs by 10% through efficient resource allocation.
- Conducted regular status meetings with cross-functional teams, ensuring project milestones were met.
- Facilitated communication between clients and project teams, addressing concerns and ensuring client satisfaction.
Project Assistant
GHI Builders
Yet Another City, USA
March 2012 - May 2014
- Assisted in project planning and documentation, ensuring compliance with project requirements.
- Supported project managers in tracking project progress and updating project schedules.
- Collaborated with subcontractors and vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.
- Prepared reports and presentations for client meetings, contributing to project transparency.
Education
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Master of Business Administration (MBA)
University of XYZ
Anytown, USA
Graduated: May 2011 -
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
University of ABC
Anytown, USA
Graduated: May 2009
Certifications
- Certified Project Management Professional (CPMP)
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
Skills
- Project Management
- Agile Methodologies
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Budgeting and Cost Control
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership
- Client Relationship Management
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Communication and Presentation
- Microsoft Project, JIRA, MS Office Suite
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Member, Scrum Alliance
References
Available upon request