How to Build Your Resume Online: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to job hunting, your resume is often your first impression. A well-constructed resume can make the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked. But, in today’s competitive job market, it’s more important than ever to have a resume that stands out for the right reasons. Whether you’re starting fresh or updating an old resume, building your resume online can save time and help you craft a professional, polished document. 

Why Resume Preparation Matters 

A resume is more than simply a list of your previous positions. It’s your chance to demonstrate your abilities, experience, and potential to a prospective employer.  Proper resume preparation involves not only listing your job history but also tailoring your resume to match the role you’re applying for.

Resume preparation can be a daunting task, especially if you’ve been in the workforce for a long time. But with the right approach, it can be an empowering process that helps you reflect on your achievements and position yourself for the career you want.

The Benefits of Building Your Resume Online 

Building your resume online has many advantages over traditional methods, such as writing it in a word processor. Here are a few key benefits: 

1. Convenience: You can access your resume from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. This means you can update or tweak your resume whenever necessary, without the hassle of dealing with files on your computer.
2. Ease of Customization: Most online resume builders offer customizable templates, so you can easily tailor your resume to fit the job you’re applying for. This guarantees that the resume stands out and demonstrates your relevant expertise.
3. Instant Feedback: Many online platforms provide instant feedback on your resume’s strengths and areas for improvement, helping you create a more impactful document.
4. Time-Saving: Online resume builders often include features like pre-filled information and automatic formatting, which significantly speed up the process of creating your resume.
5. Professional Design: Resume builders offer templates with modern, professional designs that are often hard to replicate manually. These designs can help your resume catch the attention of recruiters.

Steps to Build Your Resume Online 

Building your resume online doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these steps to ensure your resume is polished and professional:  

Choose the Right Resume Builder

There are numerous online platforms for resume preparation, such as Canva, Zety, and Novoresume. Choosing the right one can depend on your needs, whether you’re looking for simple templates or advanced customization options. Select a tool that fits your comfort level and the industry you’re applying to. 

Pick a Professional Template

Once you’ve chosen a resume builder, it’s time to pick a template. Most online tools offer a variety of templates, from minimalist to creative designs. Choose one that corresponds to the job you’re applying for. A simple, clean layout is often preferred, but creative industries may allow for a bit more flair. 

Add Your Personal Information 

This is the easy part. Start by filling out your contact details at the top of the resume. Kindly provide your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if relevant). Avoid adding unnecessary personal information like your age, marital status, or a photo (unless you’re applying for a job where it’s standard practice).

 

 

Write a Compelling Summary or Objective 

Next, write a summary or objective that briefly describes your career goals and what you bring to the table. This section should be concise and highlight your key skills, relevant experience, and what makes you a strong candidate. Make it more relevant to the job you’re looking for. 

List Your Work Experience

This is the most important area on your CV. Start at your most recent position and work your way back. Include the following details on every job: 

• Job title: The position you held.
• Company name: Where you worked.
• Dates of employment: Indicate the month and year of start and finish.
• Responsibilities and achievements: Focus on what you did in each role, not just your responsibilities. To make it easier to read, use bullet points. When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs and include quantifiable results to demonstrate the impact you had in each role.

Include Education and Certifications 

List your academic background, including degrees or certifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Add the name of the school, the dates you attended, and the degree or qualification you earned. 

• Technical Skills: For example, proficiency with project management tools, programming languages, or software.
• Soft Skills: Communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are valuable to employers.

Include Education and Certifications 

List your academic background, including degrees or certifications that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Add the name of the school, the dates you attended, and the degree or qualification you earned. 

Add Additional Sections 

You may add more parts if you have space, like:

• Volunteer Experience: Showcase any volunteer work, as it demonstrates your community involvement and soft skills.
• Awards and Achievements: Highlight any professional recognition you’ve received.
• Languages: If you’re bilingual or multilingual, include this information.
• Professional Associations: Memberships in relevant organizations can add value.

Proofread and Edit 

Once you’ve built your resume, it’s time to review it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, ensure that the formatting is consistent, and make sure your contact information is correct. Having a second pair of eyes look over your resume can also help spot mistakes you might have missed. 

Tips for Building a Standout Resume 

To help your resume stand out from the competition, consider these additional tips:

1. Tailor Your Resume for Each Job: Make your CV unique for every position you apply for. Emphasize your experience and abilities that are most pertinent to the job description.
2. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Responsibilities: Employers want to know what you’ve accomplished, not just what you were responsible for. Use metrics and results to show your impact.
3. Keep It Concise: Avoid long paragraphs. Stick to short bullet points that make it easy for recruiters to scan your resume.
4. Use Action Verbs: Start each bullet point with a strong action verb to convey your accomplishments more powerfully.
5. Avoid Clutter: Keep your resume clean and free from unnecessary information. Stick to what matters most.

What Works and What Doesn’t in Resume Preparation 

In resume preparation, what works is a clear, concise, and tailored resume that emphasizes your accomplishments. Focusing on achievements rather than job duties will always set you apart. It’s also essential to keep the formatting clean and professional. 

What doesn’t work is a cluttered, hard-to-read resume that includes irrelevant information. Avoid using flashy fonts, adding unnecessary personal details, or making your resume too long. Keep it professional and relevant. 

Conclusion 

Building your resume online doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing the right tools, you can create a professional and compelling resume that will make you stand out to potential employers. The key is to highlight your skills, achievements, and experience clearly and concisely. So, whether you’re starting fresh or updating your existing resume, take the time to get it right and set yourself up for success.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Build your resume online with ScrumDojo today and ensure your next job application stands out. With the right resume preparation, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.