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Learn how to create a resume or to expand your job opportunities

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Having a resume is crucial in every field in today’s job market. Resumes play a vital role in your job search as they allow you to showcase your skills and qualities in one or two pages. They help employers make hiring decisions and increase your chances of getting an interview. How you structure your resume and what you include are important factors. To create an effective resume that grabs the attention of employers and helps you find a job, follow these simple steps and best practices.


Next, we will answer the following questions:


  1. What is the importance of a resume?
  2. How do I choose the correct resume format?
  3. What are the steps to create an effective resume?
  4. Are there any common mistakes to avoid when writing a resume?
  5. How can you make your resume stand out in a competitive job market?
  6. Where can I find free resume examples or templates?

What is the importance of a resume?

A resume is a document that summarizes your work experience, education, skills, and relevant achievements. It is a vital tool in job searching, providing employers with an overview of your professional profile. Resumes allow you to highlight your strengths and most relevant abilities for the desired position.

How do I choose the correct resume format?

Choosing a resume format depends on your background, career goals, and the specific job you’re applying for. Here are three common layouts to consider:

Chronological: This format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position. It is suitable if you have a consistent work history and want to showcase career progression.

Functional: This format emphasizes your skills and achievements rather than focusing on the chronological order of your work experience. It is useful if you have gaps in your employment history, changing careers, or limited work experience in the desired field.

Combination: As the name suggests, this format combines elements of both chronological and functional formats. This resume format emphasizes both your work experience and relevant skills.

What are the steps to create an effective resume?

To create an effective resume, follow these steps:

  1. Choose the correct format.
    First, choose one of the three formats (chronological, functional, or combination) to help you organize your resume. 
  1. Add your contact information.
    Your contact information is one of the most vital sections of your resume. Most employers recommend including your full name, phone number, and email address. 
  1. Include a professional summary or resume objective.
    A professional summary highlights your skills, qualities, and how they can benefit the company you’re applying to. The objective is to demonstrate to potential employers the value you can bring to their organization based on your unique skill set. However, whether or not to include a professional summary should be made on a case by case. It is best to exclude if it repeats information already mentioned in your resume or sounds generic.
  1. Add your work experience.
    Write your work history section in reverse-chronological order. Start with your most recent job and put a short description that includes the company name, period of employment, job title, and any significant accomplishments during your time with the company. You can also include relevant learning and growth opportunities while employed there. 
  1. Include your education.
    List your highest level of education completed first, then subsequent degrees and diplomas. You may also choose to include any active licenses or certifications. 
  1. List relevant skills.
    Near the end of your resume, you should include a section for any skills that may be relevant and can enhance your appeal as a candidate. Include both hard and soft skills related to the role. Soft skills may be abilities like communication or leadership; hard skills could be computer programs or technical knowledge.

Below is an example of a resume using a combination format provided by JobHero. 

Are there any common mistakes to avoid when writing a resume?

To create a focused and professional resume, avoid the following:

  • Irrelevant work experience: Exclude experiences unrelated to the job you’re applying for unless they showcase transferable skills.
  • Personal information: Avoid including details like age, marital status, or social security number unless specifically requested.
  • Unprofessional email addresses: Use a professional email address that includes your name for a more credible impression.
  • References: are not necessary to include on your resume. State that references are available upon request.
  • Lengthy paragraphs: Opt for concise statements and bullet points to enhance readability and make key information easily scannable for hiring managers.

How can you make your resume stand out in a competitive job market?

To make your resume stand out, personalize it for each job application. Tailor your work experience and skills to align with what the employer is seeking. For instance, if applying to a non-profit organization, highlight your social or community work experience. If pursuing a teaching position, emphasize your leadership and public speaking skills. Review the job description for keywords and incorporate them into your resume. This makes your resume more compatible with applicant tracking systems (ATS) and demonstrates to recruiters that you are a suitable candidate for the job.

Where can I find free resume examples or templates?

You can become familiar with the format, language, and sections commonly found in professional resumes. There are two approaches to finding samples. First, look for general resume samples that illustrate common qualities such as format and standard sections. Then, seek out examples specific to your field. These samples may include optional sections or use language and skills relevant to your industry. For professional resume examples, click here. You can also find more examples by typing “resume examples” into your Google search bar.

In addition, using a resume template can simplify the resume-building process. Templates provide pre-designed layouts that can easily be filled in with your information, resulting in a complete, professionally formatted document. Here are a few examples of free resume templates you can explore:

Mitzi Colin Lopez is a Digital Ads Content Creator and Experimenter at Noticias Para Inmigrantes. Her origin as a Mexican immigrant characterizes and drives her to empower the Latinx, Hispanic and immigrant communities. She is a recent graduate of West Chester University, where she obtained her bachelor’s in Political Science and Spanish. Her passions include social justice, advocacy, hiking, traveling, and weightlifting.