Mastering the Art of Resume Drafting

There is a famous saying which goes, ‘the first impression is the best impression’ it couldn’t be truer in the case of a resume. A resume’s role in the job hunt process is significant; it goes ahead creating the first impression of the candidate much before an interview itself. One may be skilled and accomplished professionally, but if that does not reflect on the resume, job prospects may be lost. So, you see the importance a resume has here?

The purpose of writing a resume should be to (1) generate the interest of the hiring manager and (2) Convey your professional accomplishments. The best thing about resume building is that, it gives enough room to express ones individuality and creativity. Here are a few tips you can follow to build a professional resume. These tips are not ‘the rules’ but guidelines to present your life’s achievements on a paper.


1. Template: A resume template helps to categorize information making it easily readable and presentable. Choose a resume template which is creative, simple and makes provision for all the necessary details. There are several websites that offers downloadable resume templates where you can skim through and pick the best.
   Some links are:
   https://resumegenius.com/resume/resume-templates,
   https://www.hloom.com/download-professional-resume-templates/,
   https://resumizer.com/free_resume_templates.htm
   
   
   
   
2. Objective/ Summary: An objective describes your career goals while a summary briefly elucidates your professional achievements. You can choose to write either one or both. You can get ideas from the internet to write the perfect objective/summary, but modify the sentences to suit your goals and achievements. Avoid copy pasting. Ensure that there are no grammatical errors and your sentences don’t sound too monotonous.
   
   
3. Key skills: Make a list or bullet points of the professional skills you posses. For those from a Technical/ IT background, here is where you need to list out your technical skills. I have placed below an example of ‘key skills’ for an IT professional but this can be modified to suit any profession.
   

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4. Employment History: If you are someone carrying work experience, state the name of the company, designation held, month &year of joining and resignation. If you were working on contract, mention it too. Shed light on your contribution to the company by listing out the roles, responsibilities and tasks you performed while on the job. You can also mention achievements and awards won by on while on the job.

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5. Educational qualifications: Providing clear information on your education background is very important and the best way is to present it is in tabular form. Start from the latest course (Degree/PG/Diploma) pursued and move down to 10th standard (in reverse chronological order). Mention the names of the courses, specialization, year of enrollment and pass-out along with percentages secured. If you have done any course in distance mode, specify it as well. A sample is given below for a clear picture:
   

   Course	Institution	Year	Percentage
   B.Tech (CSE) (Distance)	PQR Institute of Technology & Science (PQRITS), X University –Telangana.	1999-03	90.26 %
   Intermediate (MPC)	A123 Junior College –Telangana.	1997-99	90.50 %
   Xth Standard	BCD High School– Telangana	1996-97	89.00 %

   
   
6. Internship:
   If you are a fresh college graduate, you can spell out the companies you interned with and the duration of internship. Elucidate on your role as an intern and the contributions made. Internships showcase the real time work knowledge you have. So it is very important students to pursue internships and mention them in resume. For a clearer picture I am giving you an example below.
   
   
   
7. Certifications:
   In case you have taken up any short term certification courses on technical skills, soft skills or any training pertaining to your profession, state the name of the course, institute offering it, and the year of the certification. Preferred format would be as below:
   

   S.No	Name of the course	Institute	Duration	Year
   1
   2

   
   
8. Research papers presented:
   Research papers showcase your research skills and your knowledge base. In case you have presented any research paper at conferences (National/ International) ensure that you mention it on your resume. If you have authored an article which got published in any of the journals make sure you cite it on your resume.
   
   
   
   
   
9. Other Activities: Extra-curricular activities include volunteering for social welfare organizations, formal events including taking part in college fests, social events. These activities project your social commitments, leadership skills, organising skills, team building skills, communication skills and the like.
   
   
   
    
10. Awards/ Achievements:
    If you have won awards or achieved something significant during your academic or professional career ensure that you add it on your resume. It reveals your dedication and zeal for excellence, which is something every employer looks for.
    
    
    
    
11. Personal Details:
    Here is where you mention your father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth present and permanent address and preferred work location (if any).
    
    
    
    
12. Declaration. Keep it short and simple. Avoid complex words and sentences.
    Things to remember: While writing a resume, the general rule of thumb is, state the most important details at the top, (first page, if possible) and gradually progress to the less important details ensure that there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
    
    The best way to grow in your career is to learn and keep adding to your knowledge base all that pertains to your profession. Up-skill yourself on the latest trends, technologies and update what you learn on your resume. While you apply for jobs, send them the latest copy. Good luck! Also remember, Luck favors the brave and smart, so be smart in your approach.

Published date : 29 Jul 2015 12:48PM