📥8+ Excellent Resume Templates Download

As a former recruiting captain at J.P. Morgan, I’ve reviewed over a thousand resumes throughout my career. I’ve seen it all – from resumes that immediately catch my eye to those that get tossed aside within seconds. The reality is that recruiters and hiring managers often spend mere seconds scanning each resume before deciding whether to move a candidate forward.

That’s why it’s crucial to craft a resume that makes a strong first impression and clearly communicates your qualifications and achievements. In this in-depth blog post, I’ll share 7 must-know resume tips that can help you land your dream job.

1. Focus on the Essential Sections

In my experience, the only four sections you truly need on your resume are:

• Education – Include your university, GPA, relevant coursework, and any awards or honors.
• Professional Experience – Detail your work history, including the company/organization name, your title, location, and dates.
• Leadership & Activities – Highlight your involvement in clubs, organizations, and volunteer work.
• Skills & Interests – List your technical skills, language proficiencies, and unique personal interests.

You don’t need an objective statement, as most recruiters find these outdated. The four core sections above will give a comprehensive overview of your background and qualifications.

2. Perfect Your Formatting

The formatting of your resume is just as important as the content itself. Here are some key tips:

• Reach the Right Margin – Ensure each bullet point reaches all the way to the right side of the page. Avoid leaving large gaps of white space.
• Consistent Styling – Bold the company name and location, italicize the position title and dates. Use square bullets for a clean look.
• Readable Font – Choose a classic font like Goudy Old Style, Garamond, or Times New Roman in a 10-12 point size.
• Maintain Consistency – Keep the formatting, spacing, and styling uniform throughout your entire resume.

The goal is to create a resume that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to scan. Attention to these formatting details can make a big difference in how your resume is perceived.

3. Leverage Subsections

If you have extensive professional experience, consider breaking it down into relevant subsections. This is especially helpful for roles in fields like investment banking, where you may want to highlight specific transactions or projects you’ve worked on.

For example, my investment banking resume included subsections like “M&A Transactions” and “Restructuring Engagements” to showcase the breadth of my deal experience. This level of detail can be a major differentiator when applying for roles that require specialized skills.

4. Lead with Impact

The first words and lines of each bullet point on your resume are critical. They should be in the past tense and use action-oriented language that aligns with the job description you’re applying for.

For instance, if the job posting mentions keywords like “analyze,” “construct,” or “build,” try to incorporate those into the opening of your bullet points. This shows the recruiter that you have directly relevant experience.

Additionally, focus on leading with the impact you made, not just the tasks you completed. For example, “Analyzed 3,000 job descriptions to identify key skills and qualifications” is more compelling than simply “Analyzed job descriptions.”

5. Follow the “What + Impact” Template

Speaking of impact, a great way to structure your bullet points is by following a simple template: “What you did” + “The impact you made.”

This format ensures that you’re not just listing responsibilities, but quantifying the tangible results and contributions you delivered. It’s a powerful way to demonstrate your value to potential employers.

Here’s an example of how this might look:

• Analyzed 3,000 job descriptions to identify key skills and qualifications, informing the development of a targeted resume and cover letter strategy that resulted in a 40% increase in interview callbacks.

Notice how the first part outlines the specific task, while the second part highlights the positive impact. This is a winning formula for crafting impactful resume bullet points.

6. Quantify Your Achievements

Whenever possible, try to quantify the information you include on your resume. Metrics and numbers help bring your experiences to life and demonstrate the scale and significance of your accomplishments.

Some examples of quantifiable achievements include:

• Managed a team of 8 interns and oversaw the completion of 15 client projects.
• Spearheaded a marketing campaign that drove a 25% increase in website traffic and a 15% boost in lead generation.
• Processed and analyzed over 10,000 financial transactions as part of month-end close procedures.

Even if you don’t have the exact figures, providing reasonable estimates can still be effective. The key is to showcase your ability to deliver measurable results.

7. Make Your Skills & Interests Shine

Your Skills and Interests section is a prime opportunity to make your resume more memorable and engaging. Don’t just list generic skills – try to highlight unique or specialized capabilities that set you apart.

For your interests, go beyond the typical “traveling” or “reading” and get creative. For example, you could list “Competitive 8-ball pool player” or “Avid collector of vintage vinyl records.” These types of personal details can spark conversations and help you connect with the interviewer on a more personal level.

You can also consider including a “Favorite Books, Movies, and Personal Feats” subsection, as I’ve done on my own resume. This gives the reader a glimpse into your personality and interests beyond just your professional background.

Putting It All Together

Crafting a standout resume takes time and effort, but it’s a crucial investment in your career. By following these 7 tips, you can create a resume that makes a strong first impression and clearly communicates your qualifications and achievements.

Remember, your resume is often the first thing a recruiter or hiring manager will see, so it’s important to get it right. Take the time to perfect your formatting, highlight your most impactful experiences, and showcase your unique skills and interests.

With a well-crafted resume in hand, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job. Good luck!