Did you know that competition for high-paying corporate jobs is higher than ever? Each job posting can often attract thousands of applicants, and for elite companies, this number can easily reach tens of thousands.

In 2024, Goldman Sachs received a staggering 315,126 internship applications with an acceptance rate of only 0.9%. For comparison, Harvard’s acceptance rate is 4.9%, meaning scoring an internship at Goldman Sachs is roughly five times more difficult than getting accepted into Harvard. Think about it.

Under such a competitive environment, standing out among the tens of thousands of candidates is more crucial than ever. Recruiters don’t have the time to review each resume in detail. In fact, they typically spend a mere 6 seconds reviewing each resume. That's right, just a few heartbeats to make an impression that could change your career trajectory.

Given what’s at stake, we want to ensure that all our students make the most out of their 6 seconds. In this guide we will share our secret on what makes the difference between having your resume moved to the next stage versus being tossed into the garbage can.

If you've ever thought, “Now days I can just whip something up in ChatGPT and call it a day," think again. Sure, AI can help, but it's not a magic wand. Without understanding what makes a resume truly effective, even the most advanced AI-generated resume can fall flat. If you don’t understand the nuances of a standout resume, you’ll likely end up with one that recruiters can spot as generic from a mile away—and not in a good way. That's why we’re here.

We're not just going to show you how to list your job experiences; we're taking you on a journey of self-discovery. By the end, you’ll not only have a killer resume but also a clearer picture of your skills, achievements, and career goals.

In the following sections, we’ll cover everything from the basics of resume structure to advanced techniques for tailoring your resume to specific job postings, including:

• Understand Resume Types: Learn the different types of resumes and which one best showcases your strengths.‍
• Pre-Resume Preparation: Conduct a thorough self-assessment and market research to tailor your resume effectively.‍
• Structuring the Resume: Choose the right format and organize your information to catch the recruiter's eye.‍
• Writing the Resume: Craft a compelling professional summary and detail your work experience and skills for clarity and impact.‍
• Tailoring the Resume: Customize your resume for different job applications to increase your chances of getting that interview call.

Whether you're a fresh graduate, a seasoned professional looking to switch careers, or someone who hasn’t updated their resume in years, this guide has something for you. Remember, your resume is more than just a document—it's a reflection of your professional journey and a roadmap to your future. So, are you ready to create a resume that not only beats the 6-second scan but also truly represents the best version of your professional self? Let's get started!

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Understanding the Resume Types

At its core, a resume is your professional highlight reel. It's a concise document that summarizes your qualifications, skills, and experiences, tailored to the job you're applying for. Think of it as your personal marketing brochure, designed to sell your professional story to potential employers.

The primary purpose of a resume is to:

1. Introduce yourself professionally to potential employers
2. Highlight your most relevant qualifications and achievements
3. Demonstrate how your skills and experience align with a specific job or industry
4. Differentiate you from other candidates

All these elements combined finally secure you an interview opportunity.

But here's the thing: not all resumes are created equal. Depending on your career stage, industry, and specific circumstances, different types of resumes might serve you better. Let's break down the three main types:

Chronological Resume is the most traditional and widely used format. It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job.

Functional Resume focuses on your skills and experiences rather than your chronological work history.

Combination Resume combines elements of both chronological and functional resumes. It starts with a detailed listing of skills and qualifications, followed by a reverse chronological employment history.

Choosing the right format is crucial and depends on your unique situation. As we progress through this guide, we'll help you determine which type might work best for you and how to leverage its strengths.

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Chapter 1: Pre-Resume Preparation

Self-Assessment

Crafting a killer resume isn't just about throwing together a list of your past jobs and hoping for the best. It's about strategically positioning yourself as the ideal candidate for your dream job.

But before you get into the nitty-gritty of resume writing, you need to take a step back and do some serious self-reflection. This self-assessment phase is about understanding your skills and your strength and aligning them with your career goals. It's not just about listing what you can do; it’s about recognizing what sets you apart and where you could improve.

Identifying Skills and Strengths

First things first, let's take stock of your skills. Think of this as unpacking your professional suitcase – you might be surprised at what you find!

1. Hard Skills: These are your technical superpowers. For example:

• Fluent in Python, Java, and C++
• Advanced data analysis using R and SPSS
• Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)

2. Soft Skills: The "people" skills that make you a great colleague. For example:

• Diplomatic conflict resolution (remember that time you got Sales and Marketing to agree?)
• Exceptional written communication (your emails never need a translator)
• Adaptability (you thrive in chaos, don't you?)

3. Strength: Ask Yourself:

• What tasks do you crush without breaking a sweat?
• When do colleagues come to you for help?
• What compliments do you consistently receive from bosses or peers?

Maybe you're the go-to person for turning complex data into easy-to-understand presentations. That's a strength!

4. Weakness: Be honest with yourself:

• What tasks do you consistently procrastinate on?
• Where do you often need to ask for help?
• What feedback have you received about areas needing improvement?

Remember, self-assessment is an ongoing process. As you progress in your career, regularly revisit and adjust your skills and strengths. In the earlier stages of your career, your strengths are likely focused on technical abilities and fundamental professional skills such as communication and execution. As you advance, your strengths will likely shift towards leadership, mentorship, and innovation.

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Researching the Job Market

So, you've done the soul-searching and figured out your skills, strengths, and career goals. Now it's time to put on your detective hat and dive into market research.

Trust us, this isn't just busy work—it's key to positioning yourself as the ideal candidate for your dream job by understanding the landscape of your chosen field.

Each industry (and position) has its unique set of expectations and required skills. For instance, an analyst or associate role at an investment bank require strong analytical and financial modeling skills. A backend software engineering role might require experience working with NodeJS, C#, and NoSQL. To effectively tailor your resume, you must first understand these nuances.

We have a three-pillar framework for this process.

1. Industry Deep Dive

• Identify the key players: who are the big names in your target industry?
• Identify new players: who are the upcoming players in the space?
• Identiy industry trend: any shifts in technology platforms

2.  Identifying Target Companies and Roles

• Create a list of potential employers and roles that fit your career goals
• Research company cultures: which ones resonate with your values?
• Track their hiring patterns: when do they typically post jobs?

3.  Decoding Job Descriptions

• Collect 5-10 job descriptions for roles you're interested in.
• Look for patterns: what skills and qualifications keep popping up?
• Create a "must-have" and "nice-to-have" list of requirements.

Remember, job descriptions are often wish lists. If you match 70-80% of the requirements, you're in a good position to apply. However, keep in mind that many job postings have implicit expectations that are not listed (such as graduated from a top-tier school or worked at a top-tier company), so use common sense and judgment. For example, if you only recently learned coding through a bootcamp, applying to OpenAI might not be the best idea; similarly, if you recently graduated from a community college with no internship experience, Goldman Sachs might not be your best choice for target either.

Beside researching on Google, LinkedIn is another great online research tool for visibility into individual career path. Use it to:

• See where people with similar backgrounds to yours are working.
• Track the career paths of professionals you admire.
• Connect with alumni from your school who are in your target industry.

One way to go above beyond online research is to network with people in the industry. You can reach out to people in the industry for coffee chats or phone calls to conduct information interview (learn more about their firm). These information interviews can often yield invaluable insights into the current industry recruiting trend and what each firm is truly looking for on your resume beyond what is listed on their job descriptions.

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The Takeaway: Knowledge is Power

By thoroughly researching the job market, you're not just preparing to write a great resume—you're setting yourself up for success throughout the entire job search process. You'll be able to:

• Tailor your resume to what employers are actually looking for.
• Speak confidently about industry trends in interviews.
• Make informed decisions about which opportunities to pursue.

Keep in mind fast-paced industries like tech and finance are continually evolving. Make it a habit to stay informed—not just once, but continuously.

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Gathering Information: Building Your Career Arsenal

Before you start drafting your resume, let's quickly gather the essential information you'll need and put them all in a master file. This process will help you get organized and recall important details, ensuring you don't miss anything critical.

1. Education Snapshot

• List your degrees, majors, and institutions
• Note graduation dates (or expected graduation)
• Jot down relevant coursework, GPA (if notable), and academic achievements

2. Work Experience Highlights

• Create a simple timeline of your jobs, including company names and dates
• For each role, list 2-3 key responsibilities or achievements
• Don't forget internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work

3. Skills Inventory

• Make a quick list of your technical skills (e.g., programming languages, software proficiency)
• Note any soft skills that are particularly strong (e.g., leadership, communication)

4. Achievements and Awards

• List any recognition you've received, professionally or academically
• Include projects you're proud of, even if they weren't formally awarded

5. Additional Relevant Information

• Note any certifications or training programs
• List relevant extracurricular activities or leadership roles

Keep it simple. Use bullet points or a basic spreadsheet to organize this information. The goal is to have a quick reference guide for when you start crafting your resume.

You don't need an extensive career history to create a strong resume. Focus on quality over quantity, highlighting your most relevant experiences and skills for the jobs you're targeting.

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Chapter2: Writing the Resume

Now that you've gathered all your career information and chosen the right format, it's time to roll up your sleeves and start crafting your resume. Think of this as assembling a puzzle – each section is a crucial piece that, when put together correctly, creates a compelling picture of your professional self.

In the following sections, we will break down each component of the resume— from the header and contact information to the more substantive sections like the professional summary, work experience, and education.

Each part will be explored in detail, providing you with a thorough understanding of what to include, how to format it, and the best practices for making your resume compelling and effective.

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Contact Information

Let's start with the first thing a recruiter will see: your contact information.

Here's how to nail this seemingly simple (but so-important) section:

1. Name: Make It Pop

• Place your full name at the top of the page
• Use a slightly larger font (14-16 pt) to make it stand out
• Example: JOHN Q. SMITH or John Q. Smith

2. Phone Number: Keep It Professional

• Use your personal cell phone number
• Format it clearly: (555) 123-4567 or 555-123-4567

3. Email Address: No PizzaLover123@email.com, Please

• Use a professional email address (firstnamelastname@email.com is ideal)
• If you don't have one, create a new email account for your job search
• Avoid using your current work email

4. Location: City and State Will Do

• Include your city and state (full address isn't necessary)
• If you're relocating, you can use "Relocating to [City, State]"

5. LinkedIn Profile: Your Online Resume (optional but recommended)

• Include your personalized LinkedIn URL
• Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and aligns with your resume

6. Portfolio/Website: Showcase Your Work (if relevant)

• If you have a professional website or portfolio, include the URL
• Ensure it's relevant to the job you're applying for

Here's how it might look:

This section should be clean, clear, and easy to read. No fancy fonts or graphics needed – just the essential info that allows recruiters to easily contact you.

Always double-check this section for accuracy. A typo in your phone number or email address could cost you an interview!

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Professional Summary/Objective

Your professional summary is like the trailer for a blockbuster movie – it gives a sneak peek of the exciting content to come. But here's the thing: not every resume needs one.

When to Use a Summary:

• You have several years of experience
• You're changing careers
• You have a unique value proposition

When to Skip It:

• You're a recent graduate
• Your work history speaks for itself
• You're applying for a position that matches your current role

If you decide to include a summary, here's how to nail it:

1. Keep it short: 2-3 sentences max
2. Tailor it to the job: Use keywords from the job description
3. Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences
4. Include a key achievement if possible

Example:

"Results-driven marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in digital strategy. Skilled in SEO, content creation, and social media management. Increased client website traffic by 150% in the past year."

Note that in many industries, the recruiters expect specific resume format that does not include a summary (such as in some investment banking/consulting recruiting), please check with your industry network on the format before adding in this section. A weak summary can also hurt more than help. If in doubt, jump straight to your work experience – let your achievements do the talking!

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Work Experience

Look, we get it. Not everyone has a laundry list of fancy job titles to their name. Maybe you're fresh out of college, or perhaps you've been focusing on passion projects instead of climbing the corporate ladder. No sweat! This section isn't just about "work" in the traditional sense. It's your chance to showcase any experience that makes you the rockstar candidate you are.

In this section, for every experience you pick, you should have the following information:

1. The name of the company
2. The location of the company or the office you woked at
3. Your positin at the company and the department/group
4. The time frame you worked at the company
5. Two to five point-form description on the experience

Here is a sample of how each experience should be structured on paper.

The company name, location, and time frame you worked there are all simple facts. There are very little things you can do to make them better.

Sometimes, you can apply a reasonable degree of creativity to your job title. For example, many companies, especially startups and small businesses, only use "intern" as a title. If you're applying for a business role, you can change "intern" to "Summer (or Winter) Analyst." For an engineering role, you can use "Software Engineer Intern." Make sure your title is supported by relevant descriptions. If you didn't write any code, calling yourself a "Software Engineer Intern" might be a stretch. Stay within a reasonable degree of creativity, as larger companies often check references, and any significant discrepancies will be discovered at some point.

The job description portion is where you can really differentiate from your peers. Here are three key principles that will transform your resume from good to great:

1. Make it Accomplishment-Oriented

Forget boring job descriptions. We want to see what you've actually achieved! Use the ACE model:

Try constructing an impact statement from one of your experiences using this structure. Here are some often used action verbs for your selection.

You can ACE this section of resume-writing by starting with an Action Verb to showcase your initiative, providing the Context for that action with both quantitative and qualitative details, and then demonstrating the End Result to highlight the value of your contributions.

Take a look at some example:

Marketing & Media

Before: "Responsible for social media accounts."
After: "Revitalized company's social media presence, growing Instagram followers by 200% in 3 months."

Before: "Created marketing plans and managed campaigns."
After: "Designed and executed a comprehensive digital marketing strategy that boosted online engagement by 40% and increased lead generation by 50% within six months."

Sales

Before: "Sold products to customers and met monthly sales targets."
After: "Achieved 120% of sales targets by implementing strategic sales techniques and fostering strong customer relationships, resulting in a 30% increase in repeat business."

Before: "Implemented new CRM to improve customer follow-up."
After: "Implemented a new CRM system, improving customer follow-up efficiency and increasing customer satisfaction scores by 20%."

Customer Service

Before: "Answered calls and resolved customer issues."
After: "Achieved 120% of sales targets by implementing strategic sales techniques and fostering strong customer relationships, resulting in a 30% increase in repeat business."

Before: "Worked with product team to improved customer experience."
After: "Proactively identified customer pain points, providing feedback to the product team, which led to a 15% improvement in retention."

Project Management

Before: "Managed a cross-functional team and delivered a $2 million software project."
After: "Led a cross-functional team of 15 to deliver a $2 million software project on time and under budget, improving project efficiency by 35% and client satisfaction by 40%."

Before: "Coordinated communication between stakeholders."
After: "Facilitated communication and collaboration among stakeholders, resulting in a 25% improvement in project transparency and stakeholder satisfaction."

Busienss/Financial Analyst

Before: "Worked on powerpoints presentations."
After: "Crafted and delivered high-impact presentations for client pitches and internal meetings, which contributed to securing deals worth over $300 million."

Before: "Conducted financial analysis"
After: "Performed in-depth financial analysis and modeling, including DCF, LBO, and comparable company analysis, to support M&A transactions and investment decisions. Directly contributed to the successful execution of deals totaling over $500 million."

Each statement should succinctly convey one skill relevant to your target market, detailing what you did, how you did it, and the resulting impact.

2. Keep it Relevant

Sure, your bartending skills are impressive, but do they matter for that software engineering job? Your resume isn't a dumping ground for every job you've ever had – it's a carefully curated showcase of your most relevant experiences.

Focus on experiences that scream "I'm perfect for this role!"

Remember that master list of experiences you created in the "Gathering Information" section? Now's the time to cherry-pick the most relevant ones. Refer back to your industry analysis and job descriptions to guide your choices.

Here's how to nail the relevance game:

• Tailor like a pro:
  Identify key skills and requirements, then mirror that language in your experience section.
• Highlight transferable skills:
  Switching careers? No problem. Focus on skills that translate across industries. That project management experience from your barista days might be your golden ticket to a tech startup.
• Prioritize impact:
  Lead with experiences that pack the biggest punch for your target role. Sometimes, a relevant internship trumps a longer but unrelated full-time gig.

3. Make it Easy to Read

Recruiters aren't looking for a novel. They want a greatest hits album. Keep it snappy:

• Use bullet points (3-5 per experience)
• Keep each bullet to 1-2 lines
• Use numbers and percentages to quantify achievements

Don't have much traditional work experience? No worries! You can use the same strategy for internships, significant projects, research experience, or relevant extracurricular activities. Just make sure to clearly label these sections (e.g., "Project Experience" or "Relevant Activities") so recruiters know what they're looking at.

Remember, whether you're describing your time as a Fortune 500 executive or your role leading a student organization, the goal is the same: show how you've made an impact, keep it relevant to the job you want, and make it easy for recruiters to see why you're the perfect candidate.

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Education

Now let's talk about your academic chops. Depending on where you are in your career, this section might be the start of the show or more of a supporting actor. Here's the deal:

The order of Work Experience and Education can flip-flop. If you're a recent grad or your degree is a major selling point for the job, Education might take the lead. For seasoned pros, Work Experience usually goes first. Read the room (or in this case, the job description) and decide what to highlight.

It always made up of 3 components:

1. The Basics

• Degree, major, university name, and graduation date
• GPA (if it's 3.5 or higher)
• Relevant coursework (especially for recent grads or career changers)

2. Academic Achievements

• Honors, awards, dean's list
• Relevant projects or thesis topics

3. Extracurriculars (if space allows and they're relevant)

• Leadership roles in student organizations
• Sports teams (hello, teamwork skills!)

This part isn't just about listing where you went to school. It's about showcasing the skills and knowledge you gained that make you perfect for the job. Did you lead a group project that's relevant to the role? Mention it! Took a course that's directly related to the job requirements? Highlight it!

For those of you who are wondering, "What if I don't have a degree?" No sweat. List any relevant certifications, training programs, or courses you've completed. The goal is to show you've got the knowledge to crush it in the role.

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Skill Section

Having the right skills can be just as important as your work history. This section is your chance to highlight the tools in your professional toolkit that make you the perfect fit for the job.

But here's the thing: not everyone needs a dedicated Skills section. It's like a unique equipment—use it wisely.

Who needs a Skills section?

• Career changers (show off those transferable skills!)
• Tech pros (list those programming languages)
• Recent grads (highlight what you learned outside the classroom)
• Anyone with specific technical or language skills relevant to the job

If your skills are already woven throughout your Work Experience and Education sections, you might not need this extra showcase. But if you've got relevant skills that haven't found a home elsewhere on your resume, this is their time to shine.

There are three most common categories of Skills Sections:

It’s worth noting that soft skills might not always belong in your Skills section. Unlike technical skills or languages, soft skills are often better demonstrated through your work experiences. Unless you're pursuing a role that heavily emphasizes interpersonal abilities (like sales or customer service), or if these skills are your core advantage, consider skipping them here.

Here's how to make your skills section shine:

1. Relevance is Key:
   Remember that job description you analyzed earlier? Use it as your guide. Prioritize what they want the most. If they're looking for Python wizards and you know Python, make sure it's front and center.
2. Categorize Like a Pro:
   Group your skills into categories to make them easy to scan, such as Technical Skills: Soft Skills, Language Skills etc.
3. Be Honest:
   Don't claim to be an "expert" in something unless you're ready to give a TED talk on it at a moment's notice. Stick to skills you can actually demonstrate.

If a skill is crucial for the job, don't just list it here. Make sure you've demonstrated it in your work experience or projects sections too.

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Additional Sections

Resumes aren't one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, your unique blend of experiences just doesn't fit neatly into the standard categories. That's where additional sections come in handy. Think of these as the secret sauce that makes your resume uniquely you.

Depending on your experience and the job you're after, you might want to spotlight:

These can be standalone sections if you've got a lot to say, or they can be rolled into a broader "Skills and Achievements" section if you're just dropping a few highlights.

Always ask yourself, "Does this make me look like a better candidate for this specific job?" If the answer is yes, find a place for it. If it's not relevant, save it for your memoir.

Think of the resume a custom-built race car. Every component should be there for a reason, fine-tuned to help you cross that finish line (aka land that interview).

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Chapter3: Structuring the Resume

Choosing the Right Format

You've done your homework. You've assessed your skills, researched your industry, and gathered all that juicy information about your experiences. Now it's time to choose your resume's supersuit – the format that'll make your professional awesomeness shine.

Remember those three resume types we mentioned earlier? Let's break them down and see which one might be your perfect match:

1. Chronological Resume: The Classic Hero

• Best for: Career path straight as an arrow, consistent work history
• Pros: Recruiters love it, ATS-friendly, shows career progression
• Cons: Highlights gaps, might not work for career changers

2. Functional Resume: The Skill Spotlight

• Best for: Career changers, gap-year adventurers, skill-focused roles
• Pros: Highlights transferable skills, downplays employment gaps
• Cons: Some recruiters find it suspicious, can be tricky for ATS

3. Combination (Hybrid) Resume: The Best of Both Worlds

• Best for: Experienced professionals, career shifters with transferable skills
• Pros: Showcases both skills and work history, flexible format
• Cons: Can be longer, requires careful crafting

Consider these factors when choosing your resume format:

1. Your career level:
   Entry-level candidates often benefit from chronological, while executives might prefer combination.
2. Industry norms:
   Research what's standard in your target industry.
3. Job description focus:
   If the job emphasizes skills over experience, a functional or combination resume might be best.
4. Your strengths:
   Play to your advantages. If your work history is your strongest asset, go chronological. If it's your skill set, consider functional or combination.

When in doubt, chronological is usually a safe bet. It's like the little black dress of resumes – classic and always in style.

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Basic Layout and Design Principles

Ensuring readability and professionalism.

Using consistent fonts, margins, and spacing.

Once you have selected the most suitable format, follow these steps to ensure that your resume not only communicates your qualifications effectively but also captures the attention of recruiters:

Here are the key principles to keep in mind:

1. Keep It Clean and Consistent
2. Use Hierarchy to Guide the Eye
3. Bullet Points Are Your Best Friend
4. Margins Matter
5. Color: Use With Caution
6. Length: The One-Page Debate
7. ATS Compatibility: Keep It Simple
8. Consistency is Key
9. The Readability Test

But wait, there's more! Before you hit that submit button, run through this essential checklist to make sure your resume is ready for prime time:

After you've designed your resume and checked off all these boxes, ask a few friends to glance at it for 10 seconds. Can they tell you the key points? If not, you might need to revisit your layout.

Always keep in mind that resume design should enhance, not overshadow, your content. The goal is to make it easy for recruiters to find the information they need quickly.

You're well on your way to making a great first impression before the recruiter even reads a word!

Appendices

Sample Additional Sections:

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