Hello! Have you thought about conquering the job market? If so, then that is a great decision. Our country offers many opportunities for qualified professionals, and the job market is constantly looking for new talents. But what do you need to do?
The first step towards your dream job is creating a clear and concise resume. This document is your chance to make a good first impression with potential employers, so it is important that it is flawless. Our article on filling out a resume template can help you structure the process and ensure that you include all important information. A well-filled template increases your chances of being positively perceived.
Don't worry if you don't know where to start. In this article, I will guide you through the process of creating a resume template and provide you with clear instructions and tips to help you create a document that sets you apart from other applicants.
Table of Contents
Structure of the Resume
In the image below, I show an example of the structure of a resume. Regardless of the design, the structure and elements remain the same.
- My Profile: This section contains personal information such as name, contact details, address, date of birth, and nationality. Optional links to professional networks like Xing or LinkedIn can also be added.
- Career Objective: Describe your career goal and what you aim to achieve in your future position. It should be clear and concise.
- Work Experience: This section lists your previous work experiences, starting with the most recent position. Each position should include the employer, location, duration of employment, and a brief description of your tasks and achievements.
- Education: This section lists your academic and professional education. Each entry should include the institution's name, location, duration, and degree or field of study.
- Skills and Competencies: In this section, you can showcase your language skills and technical abilities. This information can be presented in the form of bar graphs or a list to illustrate your proficiency levels.
- Certificates and Further Education: List relevant certificates and additional training you have completed. These could include certificates for specific software or professional development courses.
- My Interests: In this section, you can mention personal interests and hobbies that may be relevant to the position. This information gives the employer insight into your personality and shows that you have diverse interests.
A well-structured resume with all these elements will help you make a professional impression and increase your chances of a successful application.
You can download this resume template for free by following the link below. On this page, you will find instructions on how to save the resume as a PDF, as well as the download link.
Personal Information in the Resume: Who Are You?
Your section "Personal Data/Contact Information" should immediately catch the eye. It is not just a collection of information but the first impression you leave. So make sure that every employer who reads this section wants to learn more about you.
- Name: Your name is your brand. Write it clearly and distinctly. No pseudonyms or abbreviations. You are a professional and your name should reflect that.
- Address: Let the employer know where to find you. Provide your complete address. This shows stability and willingness to collaborate. If you are willing to relocate, mention that clearly.
- Phone Number: Your phone number is the direct line of communication. Provide it and ensure that it is always reachable. Employers do not like to wait. Are you available around the clock? Write that! Show your readiness for quick contact.
- Email Address: Forget old, funny email addresses. Your email should be professional. FirstName.LastName@gmail.com is the right format. No strange nicknames. You are not a teenager, but a professional.
- Professional Social Networks: LinkedIn can be your additional business card. Provide the link to your profile. Don't have a LinkedIn profile yet? Create one immediately! This is not a recommendation but a necessity in some industries. Professional contacts and networks should always be at hand.
- Job Application Photo: A must in many countries, but keep in mind that it should not be a vacation selfie. Add a professional photo in a business style that shows your seriousness and readiness to work. Look directly into the camera with a confident expression.
Do not overload this section with unnecessary details. All information should be clear, precise, and understandable. Your goal is for the employer to immediately understand who you are, where you are, and how they can reach you.
Career Objective in the Resume: What do you want to achieve?
Do you want to grab the employer's attention at first glance? Then your career objective must be clear, compelling, and straight to the point. This is not the place for contemplation or doubts. You are here to show your ambitions and prove that you are exactly the one they are looking for. So:
- Be specific and confident: Forget generic phrases. "I want to advance in your company" is too weak. Your career objective must be specific. For example: “My goal is to become the leading sales manager at Company X, increase revenue by 50% in the first year, and develop new strategies for customer acquisition.” Show that you have a clear plan and are ready to act.
- Highlight your strengths: The "Career Objective" section should shine. Emphasize your key skills and accomplishments that are relevant to the position. “Thanks to my ten years of project management experience and leadership qualities, I am ready to take on the responsibility for developing new initiatives in your company.” The employer should recognize that you are not just a candidate but a professional with specific advantages.
- Define your short and long-term goals: Show that you think strategically. Describe your goals for both the near future and the long-term perspective. “Short-term, I plan to introduce new methods for process optimization, and long-term, I aim to lead the department and take the company to a new level of productivity.”
- Align with the company: Your career objective should align with the company’s goals. Research and understand what they are looking for. Then tailor your objective to match their needs. “I want to join Team Y to support your ambitious expansion plans in the European market by leveraging my experience in international sales.”
- Be ambitious but realistic: Employers like to see ambition, but do not overestimate yourself. Your goal should be achievable. “My goal is to become the department head in customer support in two years and increase customer satisfaction by 40% by introducing new service standards.”
- Avoid clichés: Remember, you are here to stand out. Avoid cliches and generic phrases. Every word should be thoughtful and aimed at demonstrating your uniqueness and professionalism. Forget “Aiming for professional development.” Write about concrete achievements and how you plan to implement them in this company.
Ensure that the employer takes a second look at your resume through the information in this section. Do not be afraid to be ambitious, be confident and precise. This is your chance to show that you are the best candidate.
Education in the Resume: What do you know?
The "Education" section should not just be a dry list of schools and universities. This is your opportunity to show that you are not only a professional but also an intellectual who is capable of learning and evolving. Forget standard formats and make this section a strong argument for you. Here are some tips on how you can aggressively and effectively present this from a job seeker's perspective:
- Prioritize: Start with the most recent. No one wants to sift through your school years if you already have a university degree. Begin with your last educational institution where you obtained the highest degree. “Master of Business Administration, University of Heidelberg, 2021.” Clear, precise, without unnecessary words.
- Add details: Don't just limit yourself to the name of the educational institution and the years of study. Include specific details that highlight your accomplishments. “Specialization: International Management. Graduated with honors. Captain of the Debate Team.” Show that you not only studied but were active and achieved success.
- Highlight your achievements: Your education is more than just attending lectures. If you have received scholarships, awards, or won competitions, talk about them! “DAAD Scholarship for outstanding academic achievements. Winner of the international startup competition.” Show that you are always aiming for success.
- Courses and Certificates: Do not forget about additional learning. Courses, certificates, training – all of this adds weight to your resume. “Project Management Course, PMP Certificate, 2020.” Show that you are constantly evolving and ready to learn new things.
- Internships and Trainee Programs: If you have completed internships or trainee programs, these should also be listed here. “Internship at Siemens, Marketing Department, 6 months.” This shows that you already have practical experience and are ready for the real world of work.
- Emphasize your readiness for further development: Do not stop at your past achievements, but also show your willingness for future education. Write about your plans for future studies, if any. “Plan to obtain the CFA certificate in 2024.” Show that you are ambitious and never stop evolving. Be specific and precise, no unnecessary filler!
This section should present your educational background in a way that the employer immediately recognizes you as a committed and capable individual who is constantly striving to improve and develop.
Professional Experience: What Can You Do? Here's the Template to Fill Out!
Now is the time to show that you are a true professional in your field. The "Professional Experience" section is the heart of your resume. If this section is not powerful and convincing, you can forget about your dreams of a prestigious job. It should be designed in a way that makes the employer immediately want to invite you for an interview.
- Reverse Chronology: Start with your most recent job and work backwards. No one wants to know where you worked ten years ago if you have current experiences to showcase. Your latest achievements should take the spotlight. "Sales Manager, BMW, 2022-2023." Clear, precise, without unnecessary details.
- Describe Achievements, Not Tasks: Forget listing tasks. That's boring and uninteresting. Write about specific achievements and results. "Increased sales by 40% in the first quarter. Introduced a new marketing strategy that led to a 25% increase in customer base." Show that you are not just an executor but a successful leader.
- Use Numbers and Facts: Numbers are your best friends in this section. They vividly demonstrate what you have achieved. "Increased team productivity by 30%, reduced costs by 15%, gained 20 new customers." Write concrete, verifiable facts.
- Highlight Key Skills: Emphasize your most important skills at each job. "Managed a team of 10, strategy development, analytical skills." The employer should see that you possess the necessary skills and are ready to apply them in your new job.
- Show Career Progression: Explain how you have advanced in your career. "Started as Manager's Assistant, promoted to Project Manager after a year." This shows that you are ambitious and constantly striving to achieve more. Employers appreciate when you don't stand still.
- Add Relevant Details: If you have worked for well-known companies or on significant projects, be sure to mention them. "Lead the project to implement an ERP system at Siemens." This adds weight to your resume and shows that you have experience with major players.
- Don't Be Modest: This is not the time for modesty. You must show that you are the best candidate for the job. Seize every opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and demonstrate that you deserve this position.
Show with your resume that you are a professional who understands their work and is ready for new challenges. Every word should work for you, every goal achieved should emphasize your strengths.
Skills and Language Proficiency in the Resume: What Can You Do?
Your skills and language proficiency are your arsenal that shows the employer that you are ready for any challenge. Forget boring lists and generic phrases. You must fill out this section in a way that speaks directly to the employer's heart and makes them want to work with you immediately.
- List of Key Qualifications: Don't just list them, be aggressive and confident. Use strong words that showcase your mastery. "Expert in project management, master of data analysis, team leader." Your skills must impress and show that you are an indispensable professional.
- Specificity: Forget general skills. Specify each one. "Developed marketing strategies that led to a 30% revenue increase. Process optimization that reduces costs by 15%." The employer must see how you apply your skills in practice.
- Highlight Professional Certifications: These are evidence of your competence. "PMP certificate, certified Scrum Master, Google Analytics certificate." This shows that you not only talk about your skills but also officially certify them.
- Language Proficiency: Do you speak multiple languages? Fantastic! Write about it in a concise and clear way. "English - Level C2 (fluent), German - Level B2 (professional), Spanish - Level A2 (basic)." Show that you can communicate at a professional level and are ready for international challenges.
- Emphasize Relevance: Your skills must match the job. Emphasize the most relevant ones. "Expert knowledge in Microsoft Office - 10 years of experience. Development and implementation of CRM systems." The employer must see that your skills exactly match their requirements.
- Add Soft Skills: Don't forget the skills that make you a versatile candidate. "Strong communication skills, conflict management, adaptability to change." These skills are just as important as technical ones.
- Use Evidence: Confirm your skills with facts. "During my time at Company X, I introduced a new accounting system that increased efficiency by 20%. I created a training program for new employees that reduced onboarding time by 50%." Numbers and facts speak louder than words.
When filling out the section "Skills and Language Proficiency," be determined and uncompromising. Your knowledge and experience make you a unique candidate. Show your best sides and do not hesitate to highlight your achievements. You deserve the best job, so make sure your resume screams it loud and clear!
Fill in Additional Information on the Resume: What Else Can You Offer?
Additional information about you should be your secret weapon that makes your resume unforgettable. Here you can showcase your uniqueness, highlight special qualities, and add some personality.
- Professional Achievements: Forget the small stuff. Talk about your best accomplishments that demonstrate your capability for more. "Winner of the 'Employee of the Year' award at Siemens, winner of the international startup competition." Your employer should see that you are a star who won't take long to find a new job.
- Volunteer Work: Show that besides work, you are also changing the world. "Organized a charity marathon that raised 50,000 euros for children's treatment. Coordinator of volunteer projects at an animal shelter." This highlights your social commitment and leadership qualities.
- Hobbies and Interests: Your hobbies should demonstrate that you are a versatile individual. But choose those that highlight your skills and ambitions. "Active marathon runner, competitive level chess player, captain of the football team." This is not only interesting but also shows your determination and teamwork.
- References: Place here the contacts of your professional references. "Dr. Johann Müller, Head of the HR Department at Bosch, +49 123 456 789, johann.mueller@bosch.com." Keep in mind that your references should come from people who can genuinely confirm your professional qualities.
- Professional Certificates and Awards: These are evidence of your competence. "PMP Certificate, Project Management Certificate from Harvard University, Award for the best project of the year at the IT conference." Show that you are constantly evolving and reaching new heights.
- Publications and Presentations: If you have publications or speak at conferences, mention them here. "Author of an article in Forbes on innovations in marketing, Speaker at TEDx." This underscores your expertise and recognition within the professional community.
- Special Projects: Your special projects should demonstrate that you are not afraid of challenges. "Development and implementation of a new CRM system that increased company efficiency by 30%. Coordination of an international project restructuring production processes." This highlights your ability to handle extensive changes.
- International Experience: If applicable, this is another ace up your sleeve. "Internship in France, work on projects in China, participation in international conferences in the USA." This shows that you are capable of working globally and ready for international challenges.
Additional information should be your key element. Do not hesitate to showcase everything you are proud of. Every detail should highlight your strengths and make your resume unforgettable. You deserve the best, so make sure the employer recognizes this at first glance.
Creating the Perfect Job Application and Preparing for the Interview
In this article, we discussed the specifics of filling out a resume using concrete examples. We covered important aspects such as personal data, work experience, education, skills and language proficiency, as well as additional information. However, a well-crafted resume is just one part of a successful application. To maximize your chances of landing the desired job, you also need to focus on the cover letter, the job application photo, and preparing for the interview. For that, we offer the following articles:
- Creating a Job Application Photo – Important Tips
In this article, you will receive valuable advice on how to have a professional job application photo taken. A high-quality photo can strongly influence the first impression and should therefore be carefully selected and designed. - Job Application Photo – How to Take a Professional Photo Yourself
If you do not want to have a professional photo taken, we will show you in this article how to create a high-quality and professional job application photo yourself. With the right tips and techniques, you can also create an appealing image at home. - Cover Letter – Structure and Tips
A convincing cover letter is just as important as a well-structured resume. In this article, you will learn how to structure your cover letter and what tips to consider to convince the employer of your suitability. - Interview Questions – Best Preparation for a Job Interview
Preparing for a job interview is crucial for your success. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most common questions in a job interview and gives you tips on how to prepare to answer confidently and self-assuredly. - Strengths and Weaknesses in a Job Interview
Knowing how to present your strengths and weaknesses in a job interview is an art. In this article, we explain how to highlight your strengths and present your weaknesses honestly and positively.
By engaging with these additional topics, you can complete your application and increase your chances of being invited to an interview. Prepare thoroughly and make use of the resources we offer you to successfully start your professional future.
We have extensively covered the topic "Fill in Resume Template" to help you create a professional and compelling resume. With our tips and guidance, you can ensure that your resume is clearly structured and that your qualifications and experiences are optimally presented. We wish you much success in your job search and hope that you quickly find a job that truly brings you joy and matches your skills. Use the information and templates to apply in the best possible way and take the next step in your career! Good luck!
Filling out a resume template: The first step to your dream job
From Vitalii Shynakov