How to Write a Resume
[Updated 25-04-2026]
A resume is more than a list of where you have worked; it is a strategic sales document designed to appeal to a specific audience. To stay competitive in today’s job market, your resume must be customized for every application, moving away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach
1. The Power of Industry Research
Before you begin writing, you must understand what your target industry is currently demanding.
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Review Job Advertisements: Carefully analyze current job postings for your desired role.
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Identify Requirements: Look for recurring skills and qualifications to understand the industry’s specific needs.
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Underline Keywords: Note the specific terminology used by employers, as these will guide your customization.
2. Navigating the ATS Gatekeeper
Modern hiring relies heavily on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). An ATS is software that scans and ranks resumes based on specific criteria before a recruiter ever sees them.
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Why Keywords Matter: Strategic keyword use confirms to the ATS that you have the expertise required for the position. Without these industry-specific terms, your resume may be filtered out regardless of your experience.
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Format for Success: Use a clean, minimalist layout with standard headings to ensure the ATS can accurately parse your data.
3. From Duties to Value-Added Achievements
Avoid simply listing your daily tasks. A compelling resume highlights your quantifiable, value-adding achievements on behalf of your employers.
Ask yourself these processing questions to brainstorm your “wins”:
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What is the size of the budget or the value of projects I managed?
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How did I improve a process, reduce costs, or increase income?
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How did I impact the customer experience or contribute to innovation?
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How many people did I supervise or develop?
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How did I adapt to new technology or AI tools to increase my output?
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What specific feedback or “commendations” did I receive from stakeholders or cross-functional teams?
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How did I contribute to the company’s culture or diversity and inclusion initiatives?
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A RESUME TEMPLATE
4. Modern Resume Structure
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Header: Insert your name, phone number, and email address. If you have an optimized LinkedIn profile, include the URL. For creative or technical industries e.g. IT, Graphic Design, or Marketing, ensure you include a link to your online portfolio.
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Professional Summary: Move beyond just a job title. Use this section to highlight your most outstanding accomplishments relevant to the specific role.
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Core Competencies: Based on the job advertisement, list your main skills and expertise in a 2 or 3-column format.
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Experience & Accomplishments: List employers in reverse-chronological order, focusing on what you achieved rather than just your duties.
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Education & Professional Development: Highlight your academic qualifications and certifications most relevant to the job.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A RESUME TEMPLATE
Optional Sections (Insert if space allows, to demonstrate that you are a well rounded professional)
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Awards: Insert awards you have won over your employment history, including the date and source. Recent graduates should list awards won in school or university. Always begin with the last award earned.
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Professional Associations: List the positions you held and the names of the clubs, societies, or associations you have been a member of. Begin with your most recent membership.
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Service: Include voluntary assignments you have participated in and the organizations that coordinated them. Begin with your last voluntary assignment.
Would You Feel More Confident in Your Job Search with the Help of a Professional Resume Writer & Career Coach? Contact Us Today!
Cheryll Messam, CPC
Professional Resume Writer | Career Coach
You in Mind Jamaica
876-357-6397
cheryll@youinmindjamaica.com
www.youinmindjamaica.com
