How to Make a Resume (EASY)

Creating a resume can seem like a daunting task. Let’s make it easier!

1. Find a Template

Resume templates can be found nearly anywhere. One of my personal favorite places to look is Canva. They always have super cute, chic, and classy templates. These are a perfect way to present a first impression of who you are, while also giving an overview of your experience. On Canva, you can use the free tools provided to adjust the phrasing, any design styles, and download the completed work as a PDF. 

Word and Google Docs also have resume templates available for free. They have multiple design styles that can be used and adjusted as needed. Many other online websites have free resume templates, but always be sure they are trustworthy websites before downloading anything. The best part about using a template is you don’t have to come up with the design choice, you can just change the phrasing and input your information. Work smarter, not harder.

*Some templates show that you need to input a photo. This is not required on resumes. You can add one if you want, but it’s usually a good idea to not include any personal information such as ethnicity, gender, age, etc. on a resume, as it is more a presentation of your skills, achievements, and work history. Companies are not allowed to hire on a bias of ethnicity or gender, so eliminating the photo can help with ensuring there is no bias. You can always adjust any templates that have a space for a photo and delete that portion completely.

2. Use ChatGPT or Grammarly

When writing your resume, it’s important to be concise and use keywords that will highlight how your skills relate to the company or job position. Always come up with your own description, but you can use ChatGPT or Grammarly as a free source to help refine the way your description is phrased. This may allow for some of the descriptions to be condensed or more concise.

3. Create Multiple Resumes

I know, this seems ridiculous, but hear me out. When you are applying for jobs, you need to have some kind of a goal. Your goal can be a specific job setting, environment, or a specific type of job. If your skills are multifaceted and you don’t have too much of a preference, then I recommend narrowing your skills down to 3 options. 

For example, if your top choice is to work with kids, but you would be fine if you worked in an office instead, or just working in a customer service environment as a last resort, you would create a resume for all three options. Your first resume would have your experience relating to childcare. Your second resume would have only your experience relating to office tasks, and your third resume would focus on your customer service experience.

Often, resumes are not initially reviewed by a human, they are processed through a keyword finder and the resumes that complete that phase are then reviewed by an actual person. Because of this, it is important to try to have common keywords in each of your resumes. Always be sure you have access to edit your resume template and re-download it if needed. That way, you can adjust the phrasing as needed to make sure your skills match the key words in the job listing.

4. Don’t Underestimate Your Skills

If you are using a resume that focuses on childcare and submitting it to a reception job, they will most likely not take a second look at the resume. But, many jobs are versatile. Even when working in childcare, there are often office tasks that are completed during the course of the day. Examples of this are data entry and tracking, time management, teamwork, managing work in a high stress environment, and ensuring that goals are met on a quarterly or semester basis.

When completing a resume, be honest and truthful about your experience and skills, but also recognize that you may have experience in tasks, even if they may not have been the forefront of your job description. 

5. Volunteer Experience is Applicable

If you have never worked an actual job in your life and this is the first time you are trying to get a “regular” job, any type of work and achievements can be put on a resume. Volunteer experience is beneficial as it shows you contribute to the community and you can consistently show up on a schedule. You can also use the skills you gain when volunteering, such as customer service or conflict resolution, as skills on a resume.

Furthermore, any accomplishments you have achieved can be put on a resume. Did your team compete and win 1st place? Great! Put it on your resume. That shows teamwork and dedication to work until a goal is achieved. Many hobbies require some kind of skill or tenacity. These can be included on a resume, just be mindful of how you phrase it. Again, go back to step 2 and use Grammarly or ChatGPT to help with the phrasing.

Some Tips:

Always be willing to take constructive feedback and be malleable. If you notice your resume isn’t landing you any interviews, then adjust your resume. You can also have someone else, such as a friend or relative, take a look at your resume. They can tell you what stands out to them or what they would change based on the information provided. There is always room to refine and improve. Adjusting your resume is not changing who you are as an individual, but it is highlighting the skills and qualities you already have. While you are applying to jobs, you can also take online courses to earn certificates or work on refining your skills so that when the time comes, you are prepared for the tasks at your new job. I wish you the best of luck!

Once your resume is complete, take a look at how to get a job you’ll actually enjoy!