Crafting the Perfect Resume: Guide to Creating a Standout CV from Scratch

If you’re on the hunt for a new job, having a top-notch resume is crucial. Your resume serves as your first impression to potential employers and can often determine whether or not you’ll be invited for an interview. With so many resources available for crafting a resume, it can be difficult to know where to start. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create a resume from scratch, including the best software and apps to use.

The Importance of a Resume

Your resume is (unfortunately – as it is full of noise and bias when being “read”) one of the most important tools in your job search arsenal. It serves as a marketing tool that showcases your qualifications, experiences, and achievements, highlighting why you’re the ideal candidate for a job. The main goal of a resume is to demonstrate your value to an employer and to convince them to invite you for an interview.

Creating a Resume from Scratch

To create a resume from scratch, here are a few things to include:

• A clear and attention-grabbing headline
• A professional summary that highlights your skills and experiences
• A list of relevant work experiences, including job titles, companies, dates, and achievements
• A list of relevant education and certifications
• A list of skills, including both hard and soft skills
• Awards and recognitions, additional certifications, volunteer experiences (optional) 

Tips for Making a Resume that Stands Out

In order to create a resume that stands out, you should:

• Tailor your resume to each job you apply for.
• Use keywords from the job description to optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• Keep your resume concise and to the point, no longer than one or two pages.
• Use bullets to highlight your achievements and make your experiences easy to read.
• Use active language and strong verbs to describe your experiences and accomplishments.
• Proofread your resume for errors and typos before submitting.
• Network and make connections in your industry.
• Customize your cover letter for each job you apply for.
• Showcase your personality and unique qualities in your resume and cover letter.
• Highlight your achievements and quantifiable results, not just your responsibilities.
• Consider using a modern and professional resume template to stand out visually.

We’ve got two valuable articles on this subject under “How to make your CV stand out” and under “Tips for a Modern Resume” that can also help you learn how to make your resume stand out.

Should I Use a Resume Builder? Choosing the Best Resume Creator 

There are many resources available for creating a resume, including software and web apps. Some popular options include Zety, Resume Genius, Resume.io, and Gyfted. When choosing the best software or app to use, consider your needs and budget, as some options are free and could be sufficient to get the job done. 

To learn more about it read our Best Free Resume Builder Apps post on this precise topic. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Gyfted and Resume.io are great options. They both offer templates, tips, and tools to help you create a professional-looking resume with ease. If you’re willing to invest in a premium option, Resume Genius and Zety are great choices. These platforms offer more advanced features.