In today’s competitive world, whether you’re applying for your dream job, an internship, or even a college opportunity, there’s one thing you can’t ignore — your resume.

But what exactly is a resume?

A resume is more than just a piece of paper. It’s your personal marketing tool. It tells your story — where you’ve been, what you’ve learned, and what you can do. Think of it as a snapshot of your professional self, packed into one or two pages.

 

So, let’s discuss all the pointers you need to keep in mind when you build your resume

Understand Your Goal

First of all in putting together an impressive resume you must determine its purpose.

Your resume is a platform to present your qualifications and to prove to employers that you are the top choice for the role. It should also clearly put forth your skills, experience, and what you bring to the table.

Key Sections of a Resume

In your resume there are key sections which tell your professional story.

  • Contact Information: At the head of your resume put in your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile.
  • Summary/Objective: Your professional summary should be a brief picture of who you are as a professional and what you aim to achieve in your career.  
  • Work Experience: List out your past jobs with an emphasis on relevant ones. For each position include the job title, company name, dates of employment and key responsibilities or achievements. 
  • Skills: Include a range of skills relevant to the job. Hard skills which may be included are things like software proficiencies, also we see value in soft skills like leadership and communication.
  • Education: List your highest level of education which includes the name of the institution and the degree you received. Also include any relevant certifications or degrees you have.
  • Certifications & Achievements: Also include here any of your additional certifications, professional development courses, which you have completed. Also put in any other achievements which support your qualification.
  • Optional Sections: Depending on the role we may put in our projects, publications, volunteer experience, and language skills. These elements which in turn present the extra value we bring to the job.

Highlight Relevant Skills

Skills play a key role in your resume. 

They allow employers to see what tools and what abilities you have. To stand out include in your skills section both hard skills (technical skills, software proficiency) and soft skills (leadership, communication).

  • Hard Skills: Here are skills that can be taught and measured. For example programming languages, project management software, or data analysis tools.
  • Soft Skills: These are personal skills which present aspects of your personality and how you interact with others. We may not be able to put a number to them as easily but they are very much of value. For example team play, issue resolution, and flexibility. Be sure to back it up with examples in your mind, in case you are asked in the interview.

Review the job post to determine which skills are the most relevant and put them on your resume.

Optimizing Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Many companies use what is known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to sort out which resumes make it forward in the process and which do not. 

For your resume to get past these systems you should fine tune it for better ATS performance.

  • Keywords: Tailor your resume to the job listing’s specific terms. Check how the job post uses specific language in which they describe skills and experience. Include the language used in the job post in your resume.
  • Simple Formatting: ATS may also have issues with complex formatting so do not use tables, graphics or atypical fonts. For best results use a simple clean layout which will also make your resume easier to pursue.
  • Job Titles & Skills: Make sure your job titles and skills are the same as what is listed in the job post. This will increase the chance your resume passes through the ATS.

Tailor Your Resume for Each Job Application

Each one of the jobs is different, also your resume should also be a tailored version of itself. Customizing your resume for each position in which you apply will see that you present your skills and experience in the best light.

  • Highlight Relevant Experience: Tailor your work experience and skills to each job you apply to.
  • Use Keywords: Tailor your resume to the language in the job post it will increase the odds that ATS will put it through to the hiring managers’ eyes.

Final Tips

  • Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and aligned with your resume.
  • A strong resume works hand-in-hand with networking and interview preparation.
  • Continue to update your resume as you gain new skills and experience.

With a powerful resume in hand, you’re ready to take the next step in your career.

In conclusion, 

Your resume is more than just a summary of your work history—it’s your professional story. By showcasing your strengths, achievements, and the value you bring, especially if you’ve completed a PGDM, you position yourself as a compelling candidate. With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to creating a resume that stands out and captures the attention of potential employers.