How Do I Write a Simple Resume?
We’re assuming that by a simple resume, you mean an easily formattable, minimalist, textual one?
If so, this here’s the article for you!
On the off-chance you’re feeling slightly sheepish about not having a very aesthetic resume, don’t worry! In most fields, a simple text resume works best and is recommended in fact.
With that cleared out, let’s get down to the basics.
You’ll need to focus on two main elements - Visuals & Content - while drafting your resume, and ensure that it is ATS-friendly as well!
So what do these two elements comprise?
There are various subtleties & nuances to the art of resume-writing, and even while crafting the simplest of resumes, these are to be adhered to so that it does not detract recruiters from the actual content.
Visuals
There are certain unspoken rules when it comes to drafting a resume - for example, NEVER use Comic Sans MS. Sans serif fonts like Arial & Calibri are more common when it comes to resumes; however, serif fonts like Times New Roman & Cambria can also be used.
Articles (admittedly subjective) like this suggest that Serif fonts are better for print and sans serif for screens, so you can have 2 versions of your resume accordingly too!
As for font size, never go lower than 10 or higher than 12.
Overly wide or narrow margins are frowned upon, and the average ranges from 2-3 cms on either side.
Separate all the different sections using design elements like lines, but do not go overboard - it could affect your resume’s ATS-friendliness.
Lastly, draw attention to headers using various tools like bold, italics, ALL CAPS, etc., and differentiate them with apt colours.
Content
Resumes require various sections (as shown above), and you need to ensure that all of the appropriate ones have been covered. These include:
- Personal details
- Educational details
- Work experience
- Noteworthy extracurriculars
- Trainings/certifications
- Resume summary
- Key competencies
- Objective
All the details you mention under most of these sections (barring personal & educational details) and headers have one primary objective - impact. Based on the relevance of the information provided w.r.t the role, your ‘fit’ for it is determined as well - so do not overstuff it with info!
Creating this impact requires a good command over the language the resume is drafted in; especially for action verbs & leadership words, with which most of your sentences will begin.
Additionally, always quantify your responsibilities & achievements whenever & wherever possible - it adds much-needed credibility & gives a much more precise estimation of your competence.
Ensuring to adhere to these (bare essential) guidelines will guarantee that your resume doesn’t get discarded immediately.
Crafting one that lands you an interview though is a whole other ball game - that’s what professional services like MakeMyResume are for!
With their decades of experience providing thousands of resumes for a variety of roles, they undertake intensive research to ensure maximal chances of landing you an interview!
TL;DR - Focus on your Content & Visuals to make a simple, acceptable resume. Content involves creating impact through the use of quantified info, and action verbs & leadership words.
Meanwhile, Visuals involve clear demarcation between segments, mindfulness of aspects like fonts, margins, etc. as per industry standards, and adhering to minimalism.