Career Tips
7 tips for creating a great resume
In the world of recruiting, the resume is a constant. Despite changing technologies, the resume is essentially the same as it was 50+ years ago. Modernizing your resume requires making only a few changes that can seriously impact your candidacy for a role. We surveyed recruiters working at Thomson Recruiters to bring you the tools and tips you need to create a resume that will make it to the top of the pile.
Use a template
There are a lot of free, online tools that will assist you with the design and layout of your resume. Choose the one that works best for you on sites such as Canva, Novoresume, and
Keep it to one page
Your resume should only include the most compelling things you want to share with an employer. If you have more skills than you can fit on one page, have multiple versions of your resume that highlight your different skillsets. Choose the version of your resume that most closely
Include your LinkedIn profile URL
Add your LinkedIn Profile URL. Be sure it’s a customized URL (see how to customize your URL). If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, you should create one and ensure it is professional and complete. Be sure to check out the Best LinkedIn Profile Tips for Job Seekers from The Muse.
Include a summary statement
Give a 2-3 sentence summary, or elevator pitch, about your experience and what makes you the best candidate for the role. Many recruiters will read this even if they only scan the rest of your resume.
Add keywords
Most resumes are no longer scanned by humans, but by bots. These bots will look for specific keywords to see if you’re a match for the role. Be sure to review the job description thoroughly and ensure that your resume includes a lot of the keywords used in the job description. Make the bots work for you!
Add a skills section
One great way to include keywords is to add a skills section that highlights your most relevant skills. Be sure your skills match to the role(s) to which you are applying. If you are applying to a software developer position, don’t include skills like social media.
Consider creating a personal website
Personal branding is becoming increasingly important. One way to showcase your skills and experiences is to create a website or landing page that expands beyond your resume. You can include a portfolio of your work, a personal blog or links to articles where you are featured. There are plenty of free websites that provide you with a template and are easy to create, such as Wix, SiteBuilder, and
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