Resume Writing 101: How to Craft a Resume that Opens Doors

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Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs- it’s your personal highlight reel. Whether you’re re-entering the workforce, switching careers, or gunning for a promoting, a clear, focused resume is your foot in the door. At Promoting Harmony, I’ve helped countless individuals turn their experience into opportunity- and today, I’m sharing some of the resumes tips I swear by. 

  1. Start with a Master Resume
    1. Before you tailor anything, build a master document that includes everything- your full work history, volunteer roles, achievements, education, and certifications. This becomes your “resume toolbox”, making it easier to pull relevant experience for different applications. 
  2. Tailor It Every Time
    1. Hiring managers spend an average of 7 seconds scanning a resume. That means yours needs to reflect the job description- clearly and quickly. Use keywords from the posting, match your skills to their needs, and highlight the accomplishments most relevant to the role. 
  3. Lead with Impact
    1. Swap out vague duties for strong results. Instead of:
      “Responsible for managing team operations”
      Say:
      “Led a 6-person team to streamline operations, improving project delivery times by 30%”
      Numbers Speak. Use them. 
  4. Use a Clean, Professional Layout
    1. Your resume should be easy to read at a glance. Stick to:
      * 1-2 Pages
      *Simple fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
      * Clear Headings (Experience, Education, Skills, etc.)
      * Bullet Points instead of paragraphs
      Pro Tip: Save as a PDF unless the employer asks for another format. 
  5. Include a Summary, Not an Objective
    1. Ditch the outdated “Objective” section. Instead, use a short professional summary at the top to showcase who you are and what you bring to the table. Example:
      Strategic career coach with 10+ years helping professionals navigate transitions, rewrite their personal narrative, and land aligned opportunities. 
  6. Proofread Like a Pro
    1. One typo can ruin a great first impression. Use tools like Grammarly, and ask a friend (or a coach!) to review it. Fresh eyes catch what yours might miss. 

Need Support?

Your resume should reflect more than just your past — it should point toward your future. If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or simply want professional insight, I offer personalized resume coaching as part of my 1:1 services.

Let’s make your next opportunity a perfect match.
Book a Discovery Call

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