16 Resume Resources To Help You Write, Edit or Submit One

Updated June 24, 2022

Employers and other professionals often request resumes as part of their required application materials for jobs or other employment opportunities. Using resume resources can help ensure that you write or revise a resume that distinguishes you as a candidate. Depending on factors such as the type of opportunity you're applying for and your industry, some resume resources may be more useful to you than others, so it's important to know the differences between them. In this article, we discuss what resume resources are and provide you with a list of 16 to use when writing, editing or submitting your resume.

What are resume resources?

Resume resources are tools or information that can help you create, revise or submit a resume. Many people use resumes to apply for jobs, but they might also use a resume for other opportunities, such as for applications to schools, certification programs or professional organizations. A resume resource may assist you in crafting a resume that highlights your best or most relevant qualifications and distinguishes you from other candidates.

16 resume resources

Here's a list of 16 resume resources to help you craft, edit and submit a great resume:

1. Learn the basics of resume formats and sections

Discover the components and formats of different types of resumes before you begin writing. A resume is a professional document that includes your contact information, professional experience, education and relevant training. However, some resumes include additional information like career goals, skills, volunteer experience or hobbies and interests. Sections can vary based on the opportunity you're applying for and your professional history.

With a wide range of resume formats to choose from, it's also useful to know which format might best suit the position you're applying to and your qualifications as an employee. Candidates with more extensive professional experience, for example, often use a chronological resume format that showcases their past jobs. Candidates with less professional experience, however, might consider using a functional resume format instead that better highlights their skills and interest in the position.

2. Choose a template

Use a resume template to ensure that your resume looks professional and is easy for employers to read quickly. With a resume template, you get to develop a resume that already has a standardized format. You can then simply add your information in place of the template info while preserving the formatting. You can find a range of templates categorized by factors such as the type of opportunity you're applying for and your previous professional experience by searching the internet.

3. Write a resume objective

Create a resume objective that spotlights your key or most relevant experiences, skills, certifications or licenses. A resume objective uses one to three sentences to summarize your professional qualifications. Resume objectives also typically indicate your interest in the position or company.

4. Make an experience section

Create an experience section that detail your previous or current jobs, internships and other professional experiences. For each of your roles, include your position title, the dates you held the role, the company name and the location where you worked. Follow this Information with a bulleted list of your primary responsibilities or key accomplishments in that role.

5. Attend virtual workshops

Attend virtual workshops that discuss topics such as displaying your primary qualification, explaining gaps in your work history and distinguishing you as a candidate. Consider taking virtual workshops through Job Cast. Teachers of Job Cast workshops include career consultants, founders of successful companies and other distinguished business leaders. You can also read transcripts or watch videos of past workshops and register for upcoming ones.

6. Incorporate skills throughout your resume

Consider making a section on your resume dedicated to your skills. Having a section for your skills can make it easier for potential employers to read your resume and learn about your abilities. This can give them the chance to imagine how you'd fill their open position.

It's also a great idea to incorporate skills throughout your resume, such as in your experience section. For example, say you want to highlight your communication skills. While you could list communication skills in your skills section, you can also write a phrase such as managed office correspondence by connecting customers to the representative or service they needed.

7. Use an online resume builder

Use an online resume builder to simplify the process of writing and revising your resume. With a resume builder, you can use a resume template as the starting point for designing your resume. You may also create your own resume from start to finish while taking advantage of unique and expert resume tips.

8. Consult resume samples

Review samples of resumes similar to yours to get an idea of what the professionals reviewing your resume might look for or expect. A resume sample can be a resume written by someone with the same job, in your same industry or applying for the same type of role or program. Various jobs, industries and other professional opportunities often have different customs or standards for resume content, formatting or terminology, so it can be helpful to look at others before creating your own.

Related: How To Use Resume Samples

9. Have your resume reviewed by experts

Submit your existing resume and receive feedback from resume professionals through a resume review. Through this review, you can have your resume looked over by recruiting experts. These experts provide you with notes on your resume and may even provide a video explaining their thoughts in greater detail. You can then edit your resume based on the expert feedback you received.

10. Include a cover letter

When possible, include a cover letter with your application. A cover letter gives you the chance to elaborate on details or qualifications only briefly mentioned in your resume. A cover letter is also a great opportunity to explain situations that require further information. For example, if you have gaps In your employment history or if you're planning to relocate, you can tell the potential employer about these unique circumstances in your cover letter.

11. Use a free resume scanner

A resume report uses a combination of advanced AI technology and knowledge from resume professionals. With this online feature, you can upload your resume from your computer to this scanner or link the resume report to your online resume. The instant resume report provides suggestions on how to revise both the content and formatting of your resume.

12. Determine methods for passing ATS

Understand how an applicant tracking system (ATS) program works so that you can create strategies for getting your resume past this software. Some employers who receive large numbers of resumes used ATS software to quickly review each candidate. ATS software works by scanning for words or phrases related to the position or other professional opportunity. One strategy for getting through the ATS scanner is to search for words used in the job posting to describe the employer's ideal candidate. If these words apply to you, see if you can incorporate them into your resume.

13. Speak with a resume expert

Conduct a live chat with a resume professional. If you'd like to speak directly with a resume expert to discuss their feedback on your resume, consider using a real-time resume editing service. This resume resource gives you a live 20-minute chat over video with a resume expert, along with their written notes on your document.

14. Edit your resume

Be sure to edit your resume before submitting your application materials. Editing your resume includes checking for typos, grammatical issues or commonly confused words, such as the different types of the word "there." It's also important to be sure that you're using a professional format. Pick an easy-to-read font like Ariel, Garamond or Times New Roman in a size 11- or 12-point font. Use space breaks, margins and indents consistently throughout your text.

15. Ask a resume expert to create your resume

Use a resume writing service to have your resume written from start to finish by a resume professional. These resume experts begin by gathering details about your professional experiences and career ambitions. They use this information to optimize your resume for the job or opportunity you want most.

In addition to composing your entire resume, some services may give you additional rounds of editing. Depending on the service you choose, you may also get an interview guarantee. These guarantees often state that if you apply to a certain number of jobs with your resume and don't receive an interview request, the resume experts can completely rewrite your resume.

16. Upload your resume to apply for jobs

Using a job search engine makes it simple for you to look and apply for jobs. Thousands of employers use job search engines to find qualified candidates for their open positions. When you upload your resume, it can make your job search more efficient by giving you the ability to quickly apply for the roles that best fit your interests and skills. You can save your main resume online, giving you the option to customize different versions of it for each job position.