10 Fundamentals to Build A Resume – Tips & Free Tools

Whether applying for your first job or looking to advance your career, a well-crafted resume is essential. This guide will walk you through the 10 fundamentals of building a professional resume, incorporating insights from top industry sources and adding valuable tips to help your resume stand out. Additionally, we’ll provide a list of top free resume maker tools to streamline the process.

10 Essential Steps to Build A Resume

Creating the perfect resume is a complicated and tedious task because your resume will be in the hands of the top hiring managers to give you the right job. Review these tips for choosing the right style, format, font and keywords.

1. Choose The Right Format

• Choose a basic font ex: Verdana, Tahoma, or Arial.
• Choose an A4 page with 1-inch margins on each side.
• Write your name in a larger font of about size 16 at the top, followed by contact details.
• No need to write the word “Resume” on top.

Three types of Resume

You can choose one of the below three formats of resumes, basis on your experience.

• Chronological: Ideal for those with a steady work history.
• Functional: Best for individuals with gaps in employment or changing careers.
• Combination: A mix of both, suitable for showcasing skills and experience.

2. Write a Compelling Summary

Keep your resume concise. Keep necessary information. Exclude all irrelevant information. HR Managers have to go through hundreds of resumes every day. Use bullet points if necessary. Also, keep your sentences short. Do not worry about fragments. Use plain English. Avoid the use of complicated phrases.

• Use “Operated” instead of “Engaged in the operation of”.
• Be specific rather than general. Example: “Supervised training of seven toy-making elves. Responsible for all toy-making and customer-related activities in Kochan’s workshop. Answered customer complaints during peak season. ”

3. Include your contact Details

Include all your contact details including your full name, telephone, cell phone numbers, address, both present and permanent (if you have more than one) and most importantly at least one email id that you check regularly. Prefer email addresses that are relevant to your name or date of birth. Avoid email addresses like rockstar2020@email.com.

4. Use Keywords

Include the right resume keywords that are relevant to your job description. This will increase the chances of your resume getting selected. Also include keywords in your cover letter. Relevant keywords will help you pass the ATS (Applicant Tracking System), which is being used broadly by employer and HR now a days.

5. Include Your Education

Make your resume chronological. I prefer reverse chronological order, i.e. your graduation or Class 12 details first, then Class 10 and so on.

Include Certifications To Attract HR

Vendor Certifications help a lot in getting the job. Vendor certifications related to the job you are applying for are a key to getting the job. So, if you have any, be sure to include them.

Also Read: How To Write A Student Resume

6. Include Important Achievements

Include important achievements/accomplishments, starting from the most important or relevant to the type of job or the position you are applying for. Include hobbies that are relevant to the job. Include hobbies that show your creative and intuitive side as well.

7. Use Free Resume Maker Tools

Use a resume template with free resume maker tools. There are many resume templates and free resume maker tools available on the internet. Download any and use it accordingly. 

8. Don’t Use False Information

Be well aware of any information that you include in your resume. HR Managers often ask critical questions from your resume during the interview, failing to answer may lead to a bad impression that you have copied your resume from others.

9. Make A Single Page Resume

Stick to a single page. Yes, that is right; make your resume within one page. It may be difficult for you to get it in the first attempt. Cut your sentences. Be clear and precise. Ask the help of a professional if necessary. As a fresher, you are expected a single-page resume of A4 size.

10. Proofread and Edit

Read and review your resume multiple times to find and correct the errors, if any. Consider asking a friend or using a grammar tool for additional review.

Conclusion

Apart from these tips, it is necessary that you keep lies strictly away and regularly update your resume. As a fresher, you are not expected to have any job experience but if you have any experience whatsoever, then you should include it in your resume, provided it is related to the job you are applying for.

Read Also: Tips To Improve Your Resume