When I was younger, I used to think of my resume as just a tedious piece of paper that was a requirement to get a job. A barrier to entry, not a privilege or an opportunity. But after applying to jobs successfully and, more importantly, unsuccessfully for years, I can attest to the power of a good resume. And formatting your resume properly is key.
Most focus so much on the content that they overlook the value of the format. Your resume is your first introduction to every employer. Don’t make them struggle to find your value with a poorly formatted document. Let the format help you create your story and sell who you are.
I know this can be so tedious, but properly formatting your resume will help you. With a well-spaced, well-organized resume, you can stand apart from the competition. At the very least, it will keep you from being overlooked due to disorganization.
Resume Formatting Guide: What to Include And How
Here is a simple, yet effective, resume layout to help you get started.
YOUR NAME
Your current job title, profession, or position1
Email Address – Phone Number
Mailing Address2
Work & Volunteer Experience3
Your Most Recent Position Title, Dates of Employment
The Name of the Organization, Location
- List essential job functions relevant to the skills you will need for the position you are applying for.
- Mention accomplishments, not just tasks or skills. Show your future employer your value!
Your Second Most Recent Position Title, Dates of Employment
The Name of the Organization, Location
- Even if this position is similar to the first one, it’s important to list new skills, responsibilities, and achievements. Your resume is your first impression, make it count!
- Make sure you also have a mentor or friend look over your resume to check for grammatical errors.
- It’s also effective to start your bullet points with action words (managed, led, created, started, etc.)
Addition Employment or Volunteer Experience, Dates of Employment
The Name of the Organization, Location
- While it’s important to list a variety of job experiences, remember your resume is valuable real estate, so give the most space to the positions you have held that relate most to the job you are applying to.
- Don’t waste space, bullet points, or words on something that is less important. Hiring managers can tell when you are just trying to fill space just for the sake of filling space!
Education
Your Highest Degree, Year of Completion
Your School, Location
- This is a good opportunity to list any academic awards or additional studies related to the job you are interested in.
- Listing your GPA is not necessary.
Your Second Highest Degree, Year of Completion
Your School, Location
- If you have a Master’s or Doctorate, you can list your previous college-level degree here.
- You do not need to list your High School diploma if you have already listed any college experience; it is just a waste of valuable space.
Awards/Certifications
- Name of Award, Name of Organization that Granted it
- Very brief description of what it stands for or means.
- Name of the Certification, Years Active/Valid
- This section is not required if you don’t have anything important/relevant to include here.
Skills
- This is a great space to share any skills you think are valuable for an employer to be aware of that you were unable to attribute to an academic or work experience.
- If you are highly skilled in any programs, software, etc. this is a great place to show off.
- Include whichever best relates to the job you are applying for. ↩︎
- Make sure this is a permanent or current address. ↩︎
- Headers help break up your resume into digestible chunks! ↩︎
Get Expert Resume Help from ChristianJobs
This is a great reference and starting point for formatting your resume. When in doubt keep it simple, and easy to follow.
If you are unsure what is the right information to include, what should you forgo mentioning, and what can be tweaked to really make your resume shine and fit a cohesive format, it’s time to get help. Check out our resume writing services, to let a professional help you perfect your resume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions Christian job seekers might ask:
1. How often should I update my resume?
It’s a good practice to update your resume every 6-12 months or when significant career milestones, such as new skills or job experiences, occur.
2. What file format should I use when submitting my resume?
PDF is usually preferred since it preserves the formatting across different devices. Using PDF ensures your resume looks the same for every employer.
3. Is it important to customize my resume for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?
Absolutely! Use keywords from the job description and avoid complex formatting to ensure your resume passes through ATS scans effectively.
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