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Writing a resume

Most employers will require you to submit a resume when you apply for a job. What is a resume? Although this may seem like a silly question, it is one worth exploring. A resume is not an application. Instead, your resume is a picture of who you are B it is more like an outline than a full autobiography B and of what you have done. A resume gives the person who reads it a quick and general idea of your accomplishments and is designed to convince a potential employer to meet with you for an interview.

Putting together a good resume requires that you to have access to information about your education, skills and experiences. By spending some time gathering these resources, you won't have to keep asking yourself, "Now what did I do in that job again?" You'll also probably rediscover experiences you've had that can help you show just how good you are!

Here's a list of information that you should always include in your resume:

Personal data

  • Your full first and last name in capital letters. Leave out any nicknames.
  • Your full address. Do not abbreviate street, avenue or state. In general, avoid abbreviations throughout your resume.
  • Both your home phone number and a phone number where messages can be left if you don't have an answering machine.

Job objective

Give a brief explanation of what type of work for which you are looking. Make sure your objective (or goal) matches in some way the job for which you are applying.

Education

List schools attended, the type of program, areas of concentration and years of completion in reverse chronological order (from most to least recent). Include all awards, certificates, diplomas and degrees received.

Work experience

Supply company name, city and state and dates of employment for each past job, listing these in reverse chronological order.

Special skills

Include all the special skills and abilities you have. Try to relate all your skills to your job objective as much as possible.
  
 
 
YOUR FULL NAME
Your home address
Your city, state and zip code
Your area code and telephone number

JOB OBJECTIVE:
Use one or two straightforward sentences that describe what you are looking for in your job search.

EDUCATION:
List name, address and dates of attendance of current school. Include type of degree or anticipated degree, major, date or anticipated date of graduation, major courses of study.

List name, address and dates of attendance of previous school(s). If you are currently in college, include information about your high school; if you are currently in high school, include information about elementary school.

WORK EXPERIENCE:
List name, address and dates of employment of your current or most recent employer. Include position and/or job title and briefly list responsibilities.

List name, address and dates of employment of previous employer(s). Include position and/or job title and briefly list responsibilities.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
Use this section to your advantage. Include such things as languages spoken, sports, extra-curricular activities, and volunteer work.
 
 
 

References

Do not include references on your resume unless you are specifically requested to do so by the employer. Do have at least three people who you can use as references and keep the necessary information on a separate sheet of paper to take along with you to the job interview. Get permission before listing anyone as a reference and make sure that they will give you a good recommendation. Personal references are acceptable, but employers prefer academic or professional references.

Format

Resumes vary from person to person and from job to job, but this general format will help you organize the information in your resume:

8 tips for writing a successful resume

  1. Your resume should be only one page and printed on only one side of the page.
  2. Type your resume. Use good-quality, white or off-white standard (8.5" x 11") paper.
  3. Include lots of white space on the page. This makes it easier to read. Use one-inch margins and choose an easy-to-read font that will not strain the reader's eyes (12 point is a good choice).
  4. Be brief and concise. Make sure that your resume is easy to read. Employers are probably going to review many resumes and won't be attracted by long descriptions. If your resume is successful, then you can expand on your qualities during the interview.
  5. Ask a parent, teacher or school counselor to help you identify your skills and help with the format. It's always good to have others look over your resume, even if it is just to proofread it.
  6. Make sure the information is accurate. Don't exaggerate or misrepresent yourself. Employers will check! On the other hand, don't sell yourself short.
  7. Proofread, proofread and proofread! Eliminate spelling, grammar or typing errors. Employers get lots of resumes, and they look for any excuse to "pitch" as many of them as possible. Bad proofreading gives them an easy out.
  8. Don't fold, sign or date your resume. Keep copies in an envelope or folder. Update it regularly and retain past versions for future reference.

For more information about writing a resume, visit these websites:

  
 
 
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