How long does it take to make a resume?

When searching for a job, time is of the essence. The average job search takes five months, so the sooner you can get going, the better. The first step is to write your resume. But how long does it take to make a resume? If you’re new to the process, you can find yourself putting in hours of work before even sending your first application. Luckily, there are a few ways you can accelerate the process.

How to speed up the resume-writing process

Writing a resume is unlikely to be your go-to option for a fun time on the weekend, so it’s time to learn how to make a resume – fast. Our experts have put together their top five tips to take the pain out of the writing process. 

#1 Keep a brag book 

Picture this: It's the start of your job search and you're ready to update your resume. But suddenly, you can't think of anything to write. You know you've done impressive work at your past jobs, but you can't remember anything beyond day-to-day tasks.

When the clock is ticking, the last thing you want is to come up blank. And with the content of your resume being key to grabbing a hiring manager's attention, you need the absolute highlights of your career.

The best way to ensure you're prepared for a quick resume update is to track your accomplishments through a brag book. Whenever something noteworthy happens in your career, write it down so you don't forget it. 

• Led a team to success? 

• Finished a project under budget? 

• Broke a record? 

Write them all down. These are the details that excite employers. Keep track of them as they happen, so you'll have a reference when it's time to write your resume.

#2 Understand the rules of resume writing

When you're in the rush of a job search, you simply don't have time to scour the internet for resume templates and guidance. After all, every day you spend conducting research is a day without a paycheck.

The time to learn about resumes isn't during the job search: it's while you're comfortably employed. Before the pressure’s on, take advantage of the internet's infinite information. There are endless resources out there, including TopResume's career advice blog.

Expert tip: Get a free resume review for personalized feedback on your document. This will tell you exactly where your resume excels and where it falls short.

#3 Start with the headers

How long does it take to make a resume? It’ll be quicker once you get something – anything – on the page. 

Staring at a blank screen, wondering where to begin, can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to put off writing your resume if you don’t know how to start. The only way to break the inertia is to get some words on the page. 

By putting in place the main headers, you’ll break the job down into smaller, more manageable tasks. The headers you’ll need are: 

• Contact information

• Headline 

• Profile statement

• Core Competencies (e.g., Skills)

• Work experience

• Education and credentials 

With the headers in place, it’s easy to start filling in the gaps beneath them. Baby steps towards the final goal is far better than infinite procrastination.

#4 Research keywords 

Another trick to speed up your resume writing is to decide in advance what words you need to use. That means checking out profiles of people in similar roles on LinkedIn and analyzing job adverts to see what skills and knowledge are required for the type of job you’re going for. 

Make a list of common requirements, then weave those words throughout your resume as you write it. For example, a Sales Manager role may require skills in upselling, negotiation, relationship building, and so on. Those are the keywords you need to include in your resume to ensure it catches the eye of hiring managers. 

#5 Hire a pro to do it for you

Of course, a job search is more than just a resume; there are applications to fill out, cover letters to write, networking to be done, and interviews to prepare for. Therefore, in the grand scheme of how long does it take to make a resume, you can speed up the process by eliminating resume-writing from your already-long to-do list. Instead, outsource the task to a professional resume writer.

By working with a resume-writing professional from TopResume, you'll save yourself both time and frustration. With one worksheet and a bit of correspondence, you'll receive a resume that tells your career story at its best. Plus, your resume will make you more hirable and position you to earn more. Meanwhile, you can spend your time on other important tasks. It’s a win-win.

How long does it take to make a resume? 

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for how long it should take you to write your resume, but by following our advice you can drastically reduce the time you spend on this chore. If you hire a professional resume writer, the answer is: no time at all! 

One thing’s for sure – however long it takes to write a resume, it’s much longer than anyone will spend reviewing it. Did you know that the average recruiter spends just six seconds on their first scan of your document? Spending time on your resume – or asking someone else to – is vital in capturing attention in those six seconds. 

Writing your resume need not be time consuming

The clock is ticking on your job search, and there's no time to waste on trying to write your own resume. Even if you know what’s required, in the end, working with a professional writer is the best way to ensure you use your time effectively. Once you're armed with a resume that's proven to impress, you won't just land a job - you'll land it quickly.

Ready to speed up your job search? Enlist the help of a resume-writing expert or send your resume for a free resume review today.

This article was originally written by Lauren Settembrino and has been updated by Jen David.

Recommended reading

• 5 Job-Search Steps to Shorten the Hunt

• 3 Ways a Professionally Written Resume Gives You a Competitive Edge

• Why You Shouldn't Write Your Own Resume