How to write a resume, in my opinion

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Writing a resume, if I had a dollar for every time I’d been asked “Does my resume look okay?” I’d be writing this article from Bora Bora. But seriously, it’s an important question that needs looking at. What is a great resume? What defines something that stands out on paper and what sets you apart from the rest?

The answer? Anyone’s guess! Resumes are incredibly unique to the individual, no two people have the same experiences, history, skills or experiences so it’s completely bespoke to the person writing it. However I can help by pointing you in the right direction when it comes to writing a resume. I can also help to give you tips on what a recruiter or hiring manager looks for in a resume. It’s a known thing that we’ll look at a resume for about 5 seconds before making a decision on whether to engage in conversation or not.

It’s worth remembering that resumes are hugely important as the door opener, but you as a person are what makes a resume come alive, so write it with this in mind, write it to who you are, don’t let the hiring managers be surprised by how amazing of a person you are after reading a dull piece of paper outlining yourself!

Here are some tips that I feel could help you to write a resume that reflects who you are, hits the mark with the readers and gets that door open for you to showcase your talent in interview.

Keep it concise and well formatted:

Recruiters and hiring managers often review numerous resumes, so yours should be easy to read and concise. Aim for a resume length of one page for entry-level or early-career positions and up to two pages for more experienced roles. Use a clean and professional format with clear headings, bullet points, and a consistent font style. Ensure that your resume is error-free, as typos and grammatical mistakes can be a red flag, you’d be shocked at how many people don’t proof read the very document that represents them.

A strong marketing resume is your ticket to securing that dream job in the competitive field of marketing. By focusing on metrics, showcasing analytical skills, highlighting achievements, and tailoring your resume to specific roles while maintaining a broad skill set, you can create a resume that grabs the attention of employers and positions you as a top candidate in the world of marketing. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to marketing success.

Follow an easy to see chronological order starting with your most recent role and ending at the beginning of your career.

Be metrics-driven:

Marketing is all about results, and hiring managers want to see concrete evidence of your impact. Use quantifiable metrics to demonstrate your achievements. Instead of simply stating, “Increased website traffic,” say, “Drove a 30% increase in website traffic within six months through SEO optimisation and content marketing strategies.” Specifics make your accomplishments more compelling and provide evidence of your ability to deliver results.

Showcase your analytical mindset:

In today’s data-driven marketing landscape, analytical skills are highly prized. Mention your proficiency in using analytics tools such as Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Adobe Analytics. Highlight instances where you’ve used data to make informed decisions and optimize marketing campaigns. For example, “Leveraged data analysis to refine ad targeting, resulting in a 25% decrease in cost per acquisition.”

Focus on achievements, not just responsibilities:

Rather than listing your job responsibilities, emphasize your accomplishments in each role. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your bullet points. Describe the situation or problem you faced, the tasks you undertook, the actions you implemented, and the positive results you achieved. This approach provides a clear picture of how you contribute to a company’s success.

Tailor your resume for specific roles:

While having a general resume is useful, tailoring it to match the requirements of the job you’re applying for is crucial. Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. Then, customize your resume to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that align with those specific requirements. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and that you’re a perfect fit for it. I know it’s time consuming but in a tight labor market, it’s the marginal gains that will make all the difference.

Aligning skillsets, include the fringe skills!

While customisation is essential, it’s also important to maintain a broad skillset on your resume. Marketing is a multifaceted field, and versatility is highly valued. Even if you’re applying for a specialised role, demonstrate your ability to adapt and contribute to various aspects of marketing. Mention your proficiency in various digital marketing channels, content creation, social media management, and traditional marketing methods. Go further to detail systems you have proficiency in, ‘Automation or Lifecycle’ is too broad, mention Salesforce Marketing Cloud, Braze or Eloqua for example. Trust me, it helps!

Use action oriented language:

Make your resume dynamic by using action verbs and power words. Begin each bullet point with strong action verbs like “implemented,” “optimized,” “achieved,” “led,” and “generated.” This conveys a sense of proactivity and demonstrates your ability to drive results. Clients, especially in financial and professional services businesses want DOERS, they need to to see that their potential candidates are hungry for success and can get in, get on and prove their worth.

Be real, be yourself and NO PICTURES

Overarchingly, it’s important to be yourself when it comes to writing a document that details who you are, your profile, career and experience. Write in a tone of voice that befits you as a professional individual. Writing resumes can be time consuming, boring and frustrating but it’s the one document that will aid you in getting that dream role and accelerating your career and progression, so spend the time and effort on it that it deserves!

Oh and one last point, no pictures, ever, please.

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