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Writing a Resume in English


The impression your CV/resume creates can frequently determine whether you land your ideal job. For English learners, this might be a difficult challenge. The intricacies of language, cultural expectations, and the competitive employment market can all present considerable hurdles. But fear not! With the correct advice and tactics, you can create an outstanding CV highlighting your skills and experience.


This tutorial will provide the critical tools for creating a professional and powerful resume. We'll cover everything from the fundamentals of organisation to the art of concise and compelling writing. We'll also offer practical examples and advice to help you negotiate the complexity of English resume writing.


By the end of this article, you'll be well-prepared to create a resume that not only stands out but also opens doors to new opportunities. Let's embark on this journey together!


When you finish crafting your resume, head to our article on mastering your cover letter.



two women at a job interview talking in English


Understanding the resume format


Before diving into content, it's important to grasp the standard resume format used in English-speaking countries. While there are variations, the most common structure includes:


  • Header Your name, contact information (phone number, email address), and sometimes a LinkedIn profile link.

  • Summary / Objective A brief overview of your professional experience and career goals.

  • Experience Previous jobs, listed in reverse chronological order, with job titles, company names, dates of employment, and key responsibilities and achievements.

  • Education Degrees, certifications, and institutions attended, with dates and locations.

  • Skills A list of your technical and soft skills.





Key Tips for Writing Your Resume


  1. Tailor your resume

    • Research the job Understand the specific requirements and keywords in the job description.

    • Highlight relevant skills Focus on the skills and experiences most applicable to the position.

    • Use keywords Incorporate keywords from the job description to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

  2. Clear and concise language

    • Use strong action verbs Begin each bullet point with a powerful verb (e.g., achieved, managed, implemented).

    • Quantify achievements Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate your impact (e.g., "Increased sales by 20%").

    • Avoid jargon Keep your language simple and easy to understand.

  3. Proper grammar and spelling

    • Proofread carefully Errors can create a negative impression.

    • Use a style guide Refer to a style guide like the Chicago Manual of Style or the AP Stylebook for consistency.

    • Consider professional proofreading If you're unsure about your English, consider hiring a professional proofreader.

  4. Formatting and layout

    • Choose a clean and professional format Use a clear and easy-to-read font (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial).

    • Use consistent formatting Maintain consistent spacing, margins, and headings throughout the resume.

    • Keep it concise Aim for a one-page resume unless you have extensive experience.

  5. Highlight achievements, not just duties

    • Focus on results Describe how your actions contributed to the company's success.

    • Use the STAR method Structure your bullet points using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).




a man working at a table and writing in English

Example Resume Sections


Summary / Objective

  • Summary A seasoned marketing professional with 10+ years of experience in developing and executing successful campaigns. Proven ability to increase brand awareness and drive sales.

  • Objective Seeking a challenging marketing position in a dynamic company where I can leverage my expertise in digital marketing to contribute to business growth.



Experience

  • Marketing Manager

    • Company Name, City, State

    • Dates of Employment

    • Led a team of five marketing specialists to develop and implement integrated marketing campaigns.

    • Increased website traffic by 30% through SEO and PPC optimization.

    • Successfully launched three new product lines, resulting in $1 million in additional revenue.



Education

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)

    • University Name, City, State

    • Date of Graduation

  • Bachelor of Arts in Marketing

    • University Name, City, State

    • Date of Graduation



Skills

  • Digital Marketing

  • Social media marketing

  • SEO/PPC

  • Content marketing

  • Data analysis

  • Project management

  • Leadership





Additional Tips


  • Use keywords effectively Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume, including in the header, summary, experience, and skills sections.

  • Quantify your achievements whenever possible Use numbers to demonstrate your impact (e.g., "Managed a team of 10 employees," "Increased sales by 25%").

  • Tailor your resume to each job application Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific job you're applying for.

  • Practice writing in English The more you write in English, the better your writing will become.




 

Vocabulary and phrases for resume writing


General Resume Terms


  • Resume or CV (Curriculum Vitae)

  • Job seeker

  • Job application

  • Job candidate

  • Job description

  • Qualifications

  • Experience

  • Skills

  • Achievements

  • Objectives

  • Summary

  • Header

  • Footer

  • Formatting

  • Layout

  • Keywords



Sections of a Resume


  • Personal information (name, contact details)

  • Summary / Objective

  • Experience / Work History

  • Education

  • Skills

  • Certifications

  • Projects

  • Volunteer work

  • Awards

  • References



Action Verbs


  • Achieved

  • Managed

  • Developed

  • Implemented

  • Led

  • Increased

  • Improved

  • Created

  • Launched

  • Analyzed



Phrases for Describing Experience


  • Responsible for

  • In charge of

  • Provided support for

  • Collaborated with

  • Successfully achieved

  • Contributed to

  • Increased efficiency by

  • Reduced costs by

  • Generated revenue of



Additional Useful Phrases


  • Tailor your resume

  • Highlight your skills

  • Quantify your achievements

  • Use keywords

  • Proofread carefully

  • Cover letter

  • Applicant tracking system (ATS)




 

Conclusion


Mastering the art of resume writing is an important stage in your job search process. While it may appear difficult, particularly for English learners, with perseverance and the correct coaching, you can build a strong paper that successfully highlights your qualifications.


Remember to customise your CV for each job application, emphasising the most relevant abilities and experiences. Consistent practice and feedback will also significantly improve your resume writing abilities. By following the advice and examples in this article, you'll be well-equipped to create a CV that not only impresses potential employers but also leads to new employment chances.


Remember, your resume is your first impression. Make it count!



Do you need help with crafting your resume or mastering English needed in you profession? Look no further, at iLINGUA we are always happy to help!

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