The session provided a step-by-step walkthrough for creating a professional resume using Google Docs, with a focus on using the Spearmint template for a virtual assistant role.
Key resume sections covered included contact information, summary, work experience, education, skills, and certifications/accomplishments, along with tips for formatting and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) compliance.
The importance of proofreading, tailoring resumes to specific job descriptions, and maintaining a consistent layout and format was emphasized.
Attendees were encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming tutorials on portfolio creation and LinkedIn optimization.
Action Items
(No specific due-date – All viewers): Proofread your resume and seek feedback from another person.
(No specific due-date – All viewers): Tailor your resume for each job application based on the job description.
(No specific due-date – All viewers): Hyperlink phone number and email in your resume for easy contact.
(No specific due-date – All viewers): Download the final resume as a PDF before submitting.
(No specific due-date – All viewers): Prepare to create and link your portfolio website in the next tutorial.
Getting Started & Selecting a Template
Use Google Docs' template gallery to select a resume template, such as Spearmint, which is suitable for virtual assistant roles due to its balanced professional and creative style.
Avoid placing contact details in headers or footers to ensure ATS systems can read them.
Stick to simple fonts and avoid using graphics or images in your resume.
Resume Content Structure & Formatting
Resume sections should include: Contact Information, Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications/Accomplishments.
Use consistent formatting, font sizes (Name: 24pt, Headings: 14pt, Body: 12pt), and bullet points for clarity.
Hyperlink your LinkedIn profile, phone number (with country code), and email to allow direct access.
Proofread thoroughly to eliminate grammatical errors.
Crafting the Summary Section
The summary should be concise (preferably bullet points), tailored to the role, and highlight the most relevant qualifications and skills.
Use action verbs and measurable impacts rather than generic or passive language.
Work Experience Tips
For each role, include job title, start/end dates, company, and location.
Focus on achievements and impact using action-oriented language (e.g., “trained 1,000+ participants, improving employability by 40%”).
If lacking formal work experience, reference relevant school projects, extracurricular activities, or personal initiatives.
Education Section
List school name, location, degree, and year of graduation (or "in view" if still studying).
Skills and Certifications
Only add skills relevant to the job application; maintain consistency in skills listed on your resume, LinkedIn, and portfolio.
If you have certifications, list them clearly, including this training if applicable.
Resume Finalization & Sharing
Proofread resume multiple times and have someone else review it.
Justify your document's formatting for a clean look.
Download and share the resume as a PDF to preserve formatting.
Prepare to link your resume in a digital portfolio.
Decisions
Use Spearmint template for virtual assistant resume — Chosen for its professional yet creative formatting suited to the role.
Resume should be one page for entry-level virtual assistants — Ensures conciseness and recruiter-friendliness.
Avoid placing contact information in headers/footers, and refrain from using graphics or images — To ensure ATS compatibility.
Open Questions / Follow-Ups
When will the portfolio creation and LinkedIn optimization tutorials be available?
Are there any additional resume templates recommended for other roles besides virtual assistant?