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How to create an attractive resume that will catch the attention of recruiters?

You’re sitting in front of a blank document and wondering: “How can I show everything I can do? Is my experience good enough? What should I emphasize, and what should I leave out?” We know the feeling! Creating a resume can be stressful, especially when you’re returning to the job market after a break, planning a career change, or simply want to refresh your application documents.

But don’t worry—we’re here to help! In this article, you’ll find practical tips to help you create a resume that will catch the attention of recruiters. Because your professional story is unique, and we’ll show you how to tell it right.

Why is a good resume crucial for women in the job market?

Women in the job market often face unique challenges – breaks related to motherhood, multitasking, and underappreciated soft skills. That’s why it’s so important that your resume not only presents the facts, but also shows your true value and potential.

A well-prepared resume is your calling card, opening doors to job interviews and new career opportunities. It is a tool that helps recruiters see you as the ideal candidate – even before you meet in person.

Resume structure – where to start?

Contact details – be professional and accessible

At the top, include your first and last name, phone number, and email address. Remember to use a professional email address – preferably in the form of imie.nazwisko@domena.pl. If you have a LinkedIn profile, be sure to add a link – it’s a great way to showcase your professional activity.

What to avoid:

  • Unprofessional email addresses (e.g., cute_kitty@…)
  • Photos that do not match the nature of the industry
  • Providing your full home address – the city is enough

Career objective or summary – your story in a nutshell

This is a short section (2-3 sentences) that answers the question: who are you as a professional and what are you looking for? This is especially important if you are returning to the job market after a break or changing industries.

Example: “Experienced marketing specialist with 7 years of experience, currently seeking new challenges in digital marketing. I specialize in creating engaging social media campaigns and data analysis. After a break for maternity leave, I am ready to bring my energy and fresh perspective to a dynamic team.”

Work experience – showcase your achievements

This is the most important section of your resume! This is where recruiters spend most of their time. Don’t just describe your responsibilities – showcase your achievements.

How to describe your professional experience?

Instead of: “I was responsible for social media management”

Write: “I increased engagement on the company’s social media profiles by 45% in 6 months by implementing a content marketing strategy”

A few golden rules:

  • Use action verbs: I managed, I developed, I implemented, I increased
  • Add numbers and specific results whenever you can
  • Start with your most recent experience
  • Tailor your description to the job you are applying for

What about a career break?

If you took a break to care for children, don’t hide it! It’s normal, and more and more employers understand this. You can write briefly:

“2020-2023: Break related to motherhood and childcare. During this time, I developed my skills through online courses (e.g., Google Analytics certification), volunteering at XYZ organization, and running a parenting blog.”

Show that this time was not wasted—you used it to develop in other ways!

Education and development – an investment in yourself

List your education, starting with the highest degree. If you have completed courses, training, or certifications related to your career path, be sure to add them! This shows that you care about your professional development.

What to emphasize:

  • Schools and universities attended (name, field of study, years of study)
  • Online courses (Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning)
  • Industry certifications
  • Workshops and conferences

For women in the job market, it is particularly important to show that you are up to date with trends in your industry, even if you have had a break from work.

Skills – hard and soft

Divide your skills into two categories:

Hard skills: specific, measurable competencies

  • Foreign languages (e.g., English – C1 level)
  • Software skills (Excel, Photoshop, SAP)
  • Professional certifications

Soft skills: qualities that make you a great team player

  • Communication and teamwork
  • Time management and multitasking
  • Creativity and problem solving
  • Empathy and emotional intelligence

Women often underestimate their soft skills, but these are highly valued by employers! Don’t be afraid to emphasize them.

Additional sections – what else is worth including?

Foreign languages

Nowadays, knowledge of foreign languages is a huge asset. Be honest about your level (e.g., according to the CEFR scale: A1-C2) and add any certificates confirming your language skills.

Interests and hobbies

This section is optional, but it can help you stand out from other candidates. Choose interests that:

  • Show your personality
  • Are related to the job you are applying for
  • Show your skills (e.g., blogging = writing skills)

Example: Instead of writing “reading books,” you could write “passionate about business literature and personal development podcasts.”

CV formatting – aesthetics matter

Recruiters spend an average of 6-7 seconds on their first review of a CV. That’s why it’s important to make your CV clear and easy to read.

Rules for good formatting:

  • Use one or two fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
  • Keep consistent spacing and margins
  • Use bullet points for better readability
  • Highlight headings with an appropriate font size
  • Avoid bright colors – go for classic ones
  • Length: 1-2 pages (no more!)

Common CV mistakes – what to avoid?

Even the best experience can be overlooked if you make basic mistakes. Here is a list of what NOT to do:

  • Spelling and grammar mistakes – always ask someone to read your resume before sending it
  • Using templates from the internet without customizing them – your resume should be personalized
  • Sending the same resume to every company – tailor it to the specific job offer
  • Overly general descriptions – “I worked in sales” does not say anything specific
  • Excessive personal information – marital status, number of children, or date of birth are no longer required
  • Unprofessional photo – if you add a photo, make sure it is professionally styled

CVs for different stages of your career

Returning to the job market after a break

If you are returning to the job market after a maternity leave, don’t panic! You have valuable experience and skills. The key is to show how you have used this time:

  • Online courses and training
  • Volunteering or social projects
  • Running a business or blog
  • Household management and multitasking (these are skills too!)

Changing industries

Planning a career change? Focus on transferable skills—those that can be used in different industries:

  • Teamwork
  • Analytical thinking
  • Customer service
  • Project management
  • Communication

Show how your previous experience can be valuable in a new industry.

A young professional at the beginning of her career

If you are just starting your professional adventure, don’t worry about your lack of experience! Focus on:

  • Internships and work placements
  • Student projects
  • Volunteering
  • Activities in student organizations
  • Courses and certificates

Every experience counts – show your motivation and willingness to learn!

Cover letter – your ally

Although this article focuses on CVs, we cannot overlook the cover letter. This is your chance to tell your story and show why you are the perfect candidate.

In your cover letter, show:

  • Why you are interested in this particular company and position
  • How your experience and skills meet the employer’s needs
  • What unique qualities you can bring to the team
  • Your motivation and passion

Optimizing your resume for ATS systems

Many companies use ATS (Applicant Tracking System) software, which automatically scans resumes for keywords. How can you make sure your resume passes this first filter?

Tips:

  • Use keywords from the job ad
  • Avoid tables, graphics, and unusual formats
  • Save your resume in .docx or .pdf format
  • Use standard section names (Work Experience, Education)

Your career path is in your hands

Remember that a resume is not just a list of facts—it is a story about your career path, your achievements, and what you can offer a future employer. Each of us has a unique history and experiences that are valuable.

Don’t compare yourself to other candidates. Your path may be different—and that’s okay. Maybe you’ve had a career break, maybe you’ve changed industries several times, or maybe you’re just starting out. All of this is part of your unique professional history.