How to Write a Resume for a Job

You have big dreams for your career. Whether you’re continuing on your current path, pivoting to a new job or industry, or just beginning your journey, searching for your dream job means putting in the time and effort to make yourself stand out from the rest! Because, though your dream is uniquely yours, you might be contending with dozens — or even hundreds — of other candidates vying for the same job. That's where a great resume can make all the difference!

Check out these resume writing tips to get a leg up on the competition and land your dream job in today’s market.

Every good job application includes two parts: A resume and a cover letter. A cover letter is a direct message to the hiring manager that briefly explains why you’re a great fit for the position. It’s only a few paragraphs long and should include these elements:

Who you are. Introduce yourself and offer a brief rundown of your work experience. You can also mention one or two of your top professional achievements. And don’t forget to mention why you’re interested in working for the company you’re applying for!

Why you’re the perfect candidate. Identify several of the top requirements for the job, then write a paragraph explaining how you meet each requirement.

Wrap it up. Thank them for their time and indicate that you’re looking forward to speaking with them about next steps.

10. Proofread your resume and cover letter

Small imperfections can make a big impact on your chances of getting hired. Chances are, you’ve been starting at your resume and cover letter for so long that you can’t see those little mistakes anymore. That’s why it’s a good idea to recruit a friend or trusted colleague to proofread your resume and cover letter for any errors.

11. Send it on its way

Save your resume as a Word document or a PDF with your name, the position you're applying for, and the word “resume” or “cover letter” (whichever is appropriate) in the document name.

Then send it off however the ad requested, whether that’s by email, online or through a recruiter. When using email, check the job ad to see if they require you to include specific information in the subject line. If not, include the job title, your name and the word “resume.” If possible, find the name of the person who will be reading your resume and personalize the body of your email with that information.

Now, Prepare to Nail the Job Interview!

Now that your resume is complete, it’s time to prepare for the next step: the job interview! After all, your resume is only the first step in your job search. To really land your dream job, you also need to ace that upcoming interview.

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Check out our expert tips in these helpful guides: 7 Tips for Nailing a Job Interview and Your Guide to the Modern Day Job Hunt.

At American Family Insurance, we challenge each other to be our best. Because we believe that how we treat one another is just as important as what we deliver to our customers. If you’re looking to make a difference — we’re looking for you. Join our team. And bring your dreams.

Visit our Careers page for more information.

This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.