In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is essential. With the rise of digital tools, building and preparing a resume online has never been easier. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to make a career shift, using the right resources to build your resume online will help you stand out from the crowd. This guide will walk you through the key steps to create a professional resume using modern tools.
Why It’s Important to Build Your Resume Online
The traditional way of writing a resume has changed and with good reason. Using online platforms to build your resume offers several advantages over the old paper-and-pen method. First, it allows you to format your resume more professionally with ease. Modern resume builders are designed to streamline the process, making it easier for you to focus on showcasing your skills and experiences effectively.
Furthermore, building a resume online allows you to customize it quickly and make changes as needed. You no longer have to worry about mistakes or outdated formatting. Plus, many online resume tools allow you to access your resume from anywhere, giving you flexibility and control over your job application process.
How to Build and Prepare a Resume Online
Building and preparing your resume online is a straightforward process when you use the right tools. Let’s break it down into simple, actionable steps.
Choose the Right Online Resume Builder
The first step is to select the right online resume builder. With so many options available, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs. Look for a tool that offers customizable templates, an easy-to-use interface, and features that allow you to highlight your skills and experience effectively. Some of the most popular options include:
- Canva
Known for its easy-to-use design features, Canva offers a wide range of customizable templates to help you build your resume online. - Zety
Zety is a powerful online resume builder that lets you customize your resume step by step. - Novoresume
Novoresume provides both basic and premium resume templates with an emphasis on clarity and organization.
Each of these platforms offers both free and paid options, so you can choose the one that suits your budget and professional needs.
Fill in Your Contact Information and Personal Details
When you begin building your resume online, you’ll start by adding your personal information. This includes your name, phone number, email address, and links to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio, if applicable. Make sure all the information is current and accurate. This section is essential as it’s the first thing potential employers will see.
Select a Resume Template
After entering your personal information, it’s time to choose a template. A good template will reflect your professional style and be easy to read. Most online resume builders offer various templates designed for different industries, such as creative, technical, or business roles. Choose one that aligns with your career field, keeping it simple and clear.
Write a Strong Summary or Objective Statement
The summary or objective statement is a crucial part of your resume. It’s the section where you can briefly introduce yourself and highlight your most important qualifications. Keep it concise and focused on your strengths. Tailor the summary to the specific job you’re applying for, emphasizing what makes you the right candidate.
In this part, it’s important to prepare your resume to show your achievements rather than just listing tasks. For example, instead of saying “Responsible for managing customer service inquiries,” you might say, “Improved customer satisfaction by 20% through effective management of customer service inquiries.” This approach gives more weight to your accomplishments.
Add Your Professional Experience
Once your summary or objective statement is in place, move on to the professional experience section. This is where you will list your previous roles and responsibilities. Start with your most recent job and work backward. Include job titles, company names, dates of employment, and specific accomplishments or projects that demonstrate your skills.
When preparing your resume online, focus on quantifiable results. Employers want to see measurable achievements, so wherever possible, include numbers or percentages to show the impact you made. For instance, “Increased sales by 15% over six months” sounds much more compelling than simply stating “Increased sales.”
Highlight Your Education and Certifications
The next section of your resume should focus on your education and certifications. Include your degrees, the institutions you attended, and the dates you graduated. If you’ve earned any certifications related to the job you’re applying for, be sure to include them here as well. Certifications such as project management or software proficiency can be key differentiators in your job application.
If you’re still in school or have recently graduated, place your education section towards the top of the resume. If you have several years of work experience, place your education section further down, focusing more on your professional achievements.
Add Skills Relevant to the Job
An essential part of your resume is the skills section. Employers are looking for candidates with the right skill set, so it’s important to highlight both hard and soft skills that are relevant to the position. Hard skills might include things like proficiency in certain software, technical abilities, or foreign language knowledge. Soft skills could include communication, teamwork, or leadership.
To make this section stand out, tailor it to the job description you’re applying for. Many resume builders allow you to adjust the skill set depending on the role, which makes it easier to build your resume online.
Include Additional Sections (If Relevant)
If you have room and it’s relevant to the position, you can add additional sections to your resume, such as:
- Volunteer Experience
- Awards and Achievements
- Professional Associations
- Publications
- Languages Spoken
These sections can give you an edge, particularly if they demonstrate qualities or experiences that are directly applicable to the job.
Review, Edit, and Proofread
Once your resume is complete, it’s time to review it. Look for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. A resume with mistakes can leave a negative impression on potential employers. Many online tools provide proofreading assistance to help with this process.
After proofreading, ask a friend or mentor to review your resume as well. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot errors you might have missed.
Tips for Preparing Your Resume
Building your resume online is just one part of the process. You also need to prepare it for submission. Here are a few tips for ensuring your resume is ready to go:
- Save in the right format: Most employers prefer resumes in PDF format, as it preserves the formatting. Some job boards may also ask for resumes in Word or text format, so be prepared to save multiple versions.
- Tailor your resume for each job: While it’s tempting to send the same resume to every employer, taking the time to customize it for each job shows you’ve done your research and are truly interested in the role.
- Use keywords: Many companies use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they reach a hiring manager. Be sure to use relevant keywords from the job description to help your resume pass through these systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preparing a resume online using modern tools offers several advantages that make the process more accessible and efficient. By following a step-by-step approach and leveraging the right tools, you can build a resume that effectively highlights your strengths and increases your chances of landing the job you desire.
Ready to build your resume online? Start today with Scrumdojo, the best tool to create a standout resume and prepare your resume for success in your job search.