Write The Perfect Resume, Cover Letter, & LinkedIn Profile
Writing a resume can be a daunting task, especially if you are approaching it for the first time. Unfortunately, many people need help understanding how to present their professional history impactfully. Therefore a simple step-by-step process on how to develop your resume is sure to benefit you.
With artsy templates readily available, people get distracted from building a resume that gets them noticed and hired. For the past 15 years, I have followed this simple three-step framework for drafting resumes, which has landed me every job I have wanted.
3-Step Framework Summary
My three-step framework focuses first on Structure, then Format, and then Content.
Structure - I am referring to the organization of significant sections on a resume. These include your education, work experience, and other credentials like specialized certifications and skills. You can also add a summary statement, publications, awards received, and any leadership or community service you participated in.
Formatting - With formatting, I am referring to the visual presentation of your resume document, which covers font style, heading size, line, paragraph, bullet point spacing, and page margins. You should have a simple, well-organized resume that is easy to read and understand by any hiring manager, recruiter, or automated tracking system (ATS).
Content - Finally, the content, which is the majority of your work, is the part where all your experience goes. These are the detailed bullet points that concisely articulate your past and present work responsibilities. You should include the kinds of projects completed and aim to quantify your impact on the business.
Only Update The Content
I nailed the Structure and Format of my resume 15 years ago, and since then, it has never changed. Over the years, I have simply updated the content and periodically worked to refine it. My framework and approach have allowed me the flexibility to develop high-value skills, work in different industries, and pursue other position titles.
Resume Writing Is Not A Creative Exercise
I want to stress that resume writing is not a creative exercise. Downloading fancy templates from Pinterest, using Canva to create a pretty resume, or even the templates offered by Microsoft Word or Apple Pages seem like good options, but are not. They may look nice at first glance, but they are often distracting and fail to pass ATS systems. Even my friends who are professional designers have proper resumes on top of their creative portfolios.
This is really important to note because ATS computerized systems, which review the majority of submitted resumes and applications, don't care what colors or images or creative elements you “liked.” They are looking for specific information that is outlined in a specific and recognizable order.
Before You Submit Your Application, Follow This Checklist
So before you submit that final application, ask yourself:
Structure - Do I have all the necessary sections and components organized?
Format - Is my resume simply formatted so that a human eye, as well as the computer, can read it?
Content - Do I have strong bullet points that convey I have the experience to do the job for which I am applying?
Don't Wait To Update Your Resume
I hear more and more these words, “oh… if someone had told me … I would be so much better off or farther ahead.” It’s never too late to learn, make changes, and evolve. And my strong suggestion is to write or revise your resume today! So that when a great opportunity comes, you are ready.
The signature 3-step Six-Figure Success framework I have outlined will work for students and professionals at any stage of their professional development. If you implement these strategies to optimize your resume, your chance of getting recognized and recruiter go up tremendously. When I work with people, we get much deeper into each area of focus (Structure, Format, & Content), but whether it be writing a resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile, this framework has never failed.
If you would be interested to learn more about me, the work I do with professionals, and how I can best support you, send me an informal email at akshay@mysixfiguresuccess.com. Please introduce yourself and let me know what prompted you to reach out. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you and see you succeed! If it’s easier, you can click here to book a free call on my calendar or via our contact page. I would love to share my strategy personally with you as well as offer any resources I think might be of value.
Contact Information:
You can also click here to book a time on my calendar.
About Akshay Ramanathan
With 10+ years of experience as a college counselor, career coach, resume writer, and corporate professional, I know firsthand the confusion and challenges both ambitious students and purpose-driven professionals face when building a career that is engaging and meaningful.
I have successfully overcome these problems myself and helped many others do the same.
Click here to book a call and learn how I’d like to help you take your career or college experience to the next level!
