How to Write a Winning Résumé

A résumé is not an end in itself; it’s a tool to get the employer’s attention. You need a well-written, up-to-date résumé to market yourself effectively.

An attention-getting résumé is one that conveys your personal brand — the unique combination of skills, achievements and abilities that shows you are an outstanding candidate for the job.

The must-do’s

• Tailor your résumé to each specific job you’re applying for. Don’t send the same résumé to every employer.
• Keep it brief — maximum two pages.
• Proofread several times. One typo can send your résumé to the trash.
• Always include a cover letter with your résumé.

Basic elements of a résumé

• Contact information: name, email address and phone number
• Brief statement of your key experience and strengths. This is optional, but many career experts recommend it as a way to convey key information at a glance.
• Work experience that is specifically relevant to the job for which you are applying
• Skills, areas of expertise and specific accomplishments
• Education, training and certifications
• Awards, professional memberships and volunteer work — if relevant to the job

Keywords — the key to success

• Keywords are the industry-specific terms necessary to get attention
• Sprinkle keywords throughout the résumé. Use them when referring to job titles, accomplishments, experience, skills, education, career objectives and training.
• In your résumé, use the exact keywords and language that the employers uses in the job posting, or your résumé likely will be discarded by the software that filters applications.

What to include

• Your most recent relevant jobs — within the past 15 years.
• Accomplishments, not just job duties. Avoid phrases like “responsible for” or “duties included.”
• Results and outcomes. Quantify your achievements and use action verbs. For example,  “increased sales by 40%,” “expanded program,” “exceeded fundraising targets.”
• Skills and experience that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. Include the specific computer skills that are mentioned in the job posting.
• Transferable skills from nonwork settings such as volunteering — especially if you have gaps in your work history.