How to Make An Impressive Resume for FREE (in 2024)

In this introductory paragraph, Aon McGoff, a filmmaker and career educator, welcomes viewers to his channel and introduces the topic of the video: remaking resumes. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong resume to stand out in job applications. Aon shares his expertise in helping millions of people improve their resumes and secure their dream jobs. He also mentions that the process will be done using Google Docs, making it a free and accessible method. Aon acknowledges that redesigning a resume might not be everyone's idea of fun but encourages viewers to stay engaged for the benefits it can bring in their job search.

This paragraph delves into the misconceptions about resumes. Aon clarifies that a resume is not a comprehensive list of everything one has ever done. He advises against submitting lengthy resumes, citing an example of a six-page resume that was unnecessary. Aon stresses the need for conciseness, recommending a one-page resume as the preferred format, with a two-page resume being acceptable only under special circumstances. He also dispels the idea that a resume is a platform for showcasing personality or design skills, explaining that the primary purpose of a resume is to convey relevant information quickly. Aon highlights the importance of making a resume ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly, which involves keeping the format simple and avoiding complex graphics or fonts.

Aon introduces the concept of a 'brain dump' as a preparatory step before starting to build a resume. He suggests opening a blank document to list all professional experiences, education, and skills. This document is meant to be a living record that individuals update throughout their careers. Aon provides a detailed guide on what to include in the brain dump, such as educational background, professional experiences, relevant courses, certifications, and skills. He also recommends using job descriptions from similar roles to inspire bullet points and emphasizes the importance of including all relevant information to create a strong foundation for a tailored resume.

In this paragraph, Aon discusses the importance of tailoring a resume for each job application. He argues against sending generic resumes, as they can be easily dismissed by recruiters. Aon uses the analogy of choosing between a specific Coca-Cola or a mixed drink to illustrate the point that a targeted resume is more likely to be chosen by recruiters. He emphasizes the need to show recruiters exactly what they are looking for by aligning the resume with the job description. Aon also mentions the three parts of a professional resume: a conservative template for traditional industries, a more design-forward template for creative industries, and the importance of readability. He concludes by urging viewers to tailor their resumes to increase their chances of landing interviews.

Aon highlights the value of including a professional summary in a resume. He explains that this section can significantly increase the chances of securing an interview. Aon advocates for a well-written summary that quickly communicates the candidate's value to the employer. He suggests that even if one does not have time to tailor the entire resume, focusing on the professional summary can be an effective strategy. Aon also mentions that he has a template for creating a compelling professional summary, which he encourages viewers to watch in a separate video. He concludes by emphasizing the power of a professional summary in the age of social media, where concise self-presentation is highly valued.

This paragraph focuses on the importance of using keywords in a resume to ensure compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Aon advises copying the job description into the resume document to keep it in mind while writing bullet points. He suggests using tools like ChatGBT or other AI systems to help with this process. Aon emphasizes the need to quantify achievements in bullet points to make them more impactful. He also recommends using the top left corner of the resume to include some of the keywords to catch the recruiter's attention. Aon concludes by suggesting the use of tools like Grammarly or spell check to proofread the resume and ensure there are no errors, which could be detrimental to the candidate's chances.

In the concluding paragraph, Aon reflects on the challenges of crafting a resume and the potential pitfalls of relying on expensive resume writing services. He encourages viewers to take advantage of free resources like Google Docs, ChatGBT, and other tools to create their resumes. Aon emphasizes that resumes can be a barrier for those who are not adept at design or writing, and he advises against spending money on professional resume writers. He invites viewers to engage with him on social media platforms and sign up for his newsletter, ending the video with a message of encouragement and confidence in the viewer's ability to succeed in their job search.