Introduction

A journey to a dream job often starts with a small step - building a great resume. Such a document can be the difference between landing an interview and getting lost in the pile of applications. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to create a resume that showcases your talents and gets you noticed by employers. And guess what? nPloy has got your back with tools to make this process a breeze.

A resume isn't just a list of your experiences and skills, in a way it’s your personal marketing tool. Recruiters usually spend seconds scanning a resume, so making yours stand out is crucial. Resumes with clear, concise, and well-structured formats tend to have a much higher chance of grabbing a recruiter’s attention.

Difference between a resume and a CV

We go into more details about the difference between a resume and a CV here, but it's important to remember that resumes are short, tailored, and skills-focused, and CVs are longer, detailed, and history-focused.

Common struggles young talents face when creating a resume

Young talents often struggle to decide what to include and what to leave out.

Many young job seekers worry their limited work experience will make them less attractive to employers.

Many resumes get filtered out by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) before a human even sees them. But hey, this is not something to worry about if you’re using nPloy - we're fully integrated with the world's most commonly used ATS so you can apply with a single swipe without leaving the app.

3 steps to follow when creating a resume

Focus on showcasing relevant experiences and skills. Use bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements. Focus on using action words and use verbs like "developed," "managed," or "led."

Lacking professional experience shouldn’t be something you’re afraid of. Skills from volunteer work, internships, or school projects can be highly valuable. And don’t worry, one page is ideal for entry-level positions.

Another great idea is to quantify achievements - numbers stand out. For example, you can say "Increased social media engagement by 30%."

Use standard headings, avoid fancy fonts, and include keywords from the job listing.

When creating a profile on nPloy, you can upload a resume you already have and we’ll automatically prefill the information. You can also enter the data manually, but why bother when you already have a great CV you created yourself? 

The great thing about nPloy (or actually, one of the great things about it), is the skills matching. So don’t forget the filters - this is where you set your salary expectations, employment preferences, seniority level, and all the other good stuff that help our smart AI pick the best job ads for you.

What should be included in a Resume: a complete checklist

Feel free to use this as your guide.

Personal Information

☑️ Full name
☑️ Contact information (phone number, email address)
☑️ Location (city and country is enough)
☑️ Personal website/portfolio 

Professional profile (a few words about you)

☑️ Brief overview of your skills and career goals
☑️ Highlight your unique value to potential employers

Work experience

☑️ Job title(s)
☑️ Company name and location (city, country, or remote)
☑️ Dates of employment (month and year)
☑️ Key responsibilities and achievements for each role
💡 Use bullet points, action verbs, and measurable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%”)

Education

☑️ Degree(s) earned and field of study
☑️ University name and location
☑️ Graduation date (or expected date, if applicable)

Skills

☑️ List of technical, professional, and soft skills relevant to the job

Certifications 

☑️ Relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Google Analytics, etc.)
☑️ Training programs, workshops, or online courses completed

Projects 

☑️ Key projects relevant to the role
☑️ Brief description of your role, responsibilities, and results achieved
☑️ Include links to portfolios, code repositories, or reports, if applicable

Languages 

☑️ List languages spoken and proficiency levels ‍

Conclusion

Creating a standout resume is your first step toward landing that dream job. By understanding the key elements, addressing common challenges, and utilising tools like nPloy, you can craft a resume that not only gets noticed but also opens doors.

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FAQs

What should I keep in mind when creating a resume?

Focus on relevant experiences and skills, use bullet points to outline responsibilities and achievements, and use action verbs like "developed" or "managed."

How can I make my resume stand out if I have little work experience?

Highlight transferable skills from internships, school projects, or volunteer work. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as "Increased social media engagement by 30%," to make your contributions stand out.

How does nPloy help with resume creation?

nPloy allows you to upload your existing resume, automatically filling in your profile details. You can also enter data manually. Plus, nPloy integrates with popular Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to ensure your resume gets seen by recruiters.

What are some common resume challenges young candidates face?

Common struggles include deciding what to include, worrying about lack of experience, and ensuring the resume is compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

What formatting tips should I follow when creating a resume?

Use clear headings, avoid fancy fonts, and ensure your resume includes keywords from the job listing. Keeping the resume to one page is ideal for entry-level positions.

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