Tips for Writing a Resume That Will Get You the Job
The creators of theSkimm have broken down exactly how to create the perfect resume.
Think of your resume as a brag sheet and a pitch for why someone should hire you. No pressure.
Here’s what any resume guide will tell you:
Less is more. Try to fit your resume onto one page.
Put your love on top. Use reverse chronological order and put your most recent and important accomplishments on top.
Spell it out. Use spell-check.
Format is key. Save it as a PDF. Otherwise, the formatting may become wonky when your potential employer opens it.
Thanks, Captain Obvious. You’ve heard people say all of those things. Now, here are our recommendations that go a bit beyond the basics.
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
amazon.com
DO
Do Play the Numbers Game
Remember when we told you to brag? Numbers will back it up. Not talking your salary. Talking about other numbers that showcase your value. If you generated a lot of revenue for your last company, say how much. If you wrote for a site, say how much traffic your article received. Know your calculus: It says you plus numbers equals job.
Do Use Active Verbs
Produced, built, monitored. Go for unique ones like maximized, consolidated, and administered to stand out.
Do Say Mirror, Mirror
When it comes to cover letters, you can stand out by mirroring the voice of the company in your letter. If you’re applying for a job at a law firm, keep it formal. If you’re applying for a job at a tech start-up with a laid-back culture, make your prose less stiff.
DON’T
Putting an “objective” at the top of your resume is becoming obsolete.
Don't Put Your GPA on It
Unless it’s your first or second job out of college and only if it’s high. Many experts say that means 3.5 or higher. If you’ve been out of college for a while but received honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude), keep those on instead of your GPA.
Don't State the Obvious
Avoid personal pronouns. Anyone reading it knows it’s your resume. There is no “I” in resume. Leave off “References available upon request.” This is assumed, and it takes up valuable space. Avoid phrases like hard worker, ambitious, highly qualified, extensive experience, team player, people person, hit the ground running, think outside the box. These should be a given and won’t help convince someone to hire you.
Don't Short Yourself
Eliminate short-term jobs (that is, those that lasted less than six months) from your resume, unless they directly relate to the position you are applying for. If there are gaps in your resume, consider just putting the years you worked instead of the month and year. But if you were involved in something like an election or a community service–oriented role in between jobs, consider listing it instead of minding the gap. And including work in the hospitality or food service industry shows hustle and the ability to (literally) juggle many plates.
Excerpt from How to Skimm Your Life by theSkimm, copyright © 2019 by theSkimm. Used by permission of Ballantine Books, an imprint of Random House Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
-
Taylor Swift Matches Her Versace Sandals to a 'Reputation'-Coded Bag
Swifties are convinced the pop star is preparing for a big announcement after back-to-back date nights.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Rihanna Sizzles in an Opulent Lace Bodysuit and Fur Coat
"Lingerie to me should be worn anyway and anywhere that you want."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
King Charles Will Travel With Two Doctors During His First Royal Tour Since Cancer Diagnosis
The physicians will join the royal entourage after news broke that the monarch decided to “pause” cancer treatments while abroad.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Peloton’s Selena Samuela on Turning Tragedy Into Strength
Before becoming a powerhouse cycling instructor, Selena Samuela was an immigrant trying to adjust to new environments and new versions of herself.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Published
-
This Mutual Fund Firm Is Helping to Create a More Sustainable Future
Amy Domini and her firm, Domini Impact Investments LLC, are inspiring a greater and greener world—one investor at a time.
By Sponsored Published
-
Power Players Build on Success
"The New Normal" left some brands stronger than ever. We asked then what lies ahead.
By Maria Ricapito Published
-
Don't Stress! You Can Get in Good Shape Money-wise
Yes, maybe you eat paleo and have mastered crow pose, but do you practice financial wellness?
By Sallie Krawcheck Published
-
The Book Club Revolution
Lots of women are voracious readers. Other women are capitalizing on that.
By Lily Herman Published
-
The Future of Women and Work
The pandemic has completely upended how we do our jobs. This is Marie Claire's guide to navigating your career in a COVID-19 world.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Black-Owned Coworking Spaces Are Providing a Safe Haven for POC
For people of color, many of whom prefer to WFH, inclusive coworking spaces don't just offer a place to work—they cultivate community.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Where Did All My Work Friends Go?
The pandemic has forced our work friendships to evolve. Will they ever be the same?
By Rachel Epstein Published