How to Write a Great Resume

Having a perfectly written resume is the way to get that job interview you have always wanted. Knowing how to structure and format a resume can get a bit confusing, but here we simplify it for you.

A good resume is specific and straight to the point. It includes your qualities that are relevant to the position you are applying for. It is not an essay about your professional career. It is rather a short (1-2 pages long) paper that summarises your skills, expertise and education in a neat manner. That is why headings, sections, titles and bullet points are very frequently used in resumes. 

Note: Be careful to tailor your resume each time you apply to another position.  

Try and use the following structure for your resume in Jamaica:

• Start with a header in which you insert your name, number, email and maybe even your LinkedIn profile. 
• Mention the job title you are applying for. 
• Then get to introduce yourself by writing a small section that summarises your accomplishments and overviews your career profile. 
• In addition, dedicate a section to your best skills. You can optimise it by using keywords mentioned in the job description to show the employer that you are in sync. 
• Continue by listing your work history from latest to oldest. Include the name of the employer, the location, the position, the dates and a short description of the goals you have attained there. 
• Mention your education and training, also by starting with the most recent one.
• If you find any additional informational suitable to write about, do so. This could include awards, hobbies, languages, charity and so on.

If requested by the employer, do mention that you are willing to send out references.

Once you have your ideas summed up, it is time to choose a resume format.

The internet is full of free resume templates. Pick a simple one. Use basic and minimal fonts. 

Make sure you check out how other resumes look, so you can get inspired and avoid making mistakes.

Don’t be scared to experiment with your CV to get the best fit.