How to Write a Resume
One of the most important documents you will create in your lifetime is your resume. The main goal of a resume is to get invited to an interview. If you land an interview, that means the resume is successful. Though one prerequisite is that it be properly written, attract attention and spark the employers interest.
GENERAL TIPS
- Length of the resume should not exceed one page. Remember more is less, even if you have an extensive career, keeping it short and to the point is much more advantageous than adding another page.
- Many think that the resume is a document showing your work history, though it's actually a peek into your future, showing your achievements and what you are capable of doing for the company.
- Place only relevant information on your resume. To be marketable it must be solely directed at the position and company you are applying to. Generalizing and listing countless figures will only make the employer feel that your resume is irrelevant to the position you're applying for.
- Do not lie on your resume! Most job applicants are thoroughly checked before the job is offered. Lying can actually backfire and cost you a great opportunity.
- Quality takes time. So take the time to write your resume. Come back to it several times over a week period to construct it flawlessly.
RESUME FORMAT TYPES
Choosing a resume format type depends on the job seeker's situation, one format is usually recommended over the other.
CHRONOLOGICAL RESUME
Currently the most widely used resume format type in the business world is the chronological resume. The main purpose of this type of resume is to highlight the job titles, locations, and dates of employment. The job information and achievements are listed chronologically with the current or most recent job first.
Used when:
- Seeking a similar position in the same field
- If you have no long gaps in work history and your history of achievements shows growth
- If you are currently in a position where your achievements have been exceptional, a chronological resume can help showcase them.
FUNCTIONAL RESUME
While not the most popular, a functional resume is used by those who are seeking new opportunities. Instead of chronological order, the functional resume format focuses on the most marketable skills and attributes the job seeker has to offer the employer. It's easier to make an impression on what you have done in the past with a functional resume if there are gaps in employment history or if the last job was less than impressive.
Used when:
- Switching careers
- If there are gaps in employment history
- Fresh out of college with no true work history
- Current position does not reflect your skills
WRITING A RESUME
The major parts of a resume are the heading, objective, education, experience, and skills.
THE HEADING
The heading is usually at the top to be easily located and read. It should always contain the following information:
- Full Name
- Phone number at which the employer can contact you easily.
- Email address
- Address, which makes it easy to see how close you live and how far you have to travel.
- Website, which may be a portfolio of your work or something related to the current position.
THE OBJECTIVE
The objective is the bread and butter of the actually resume. It provides the official introduction to the rest of your resume, describing your career objective as well as the type of job that you are looking for. The objective is the forecast for the rest of the content in the resume and is one of the first things that the employer looks at. Keep it simple, about one sentence. Use the exact title of the position you're applying for.
EDUCATION
Education shows that you have the proper training and intelligence for the position you're applying for.
- If the position requires licenses, make sure to list them.
- List degrees or classes that you have received and taken relevant to the position.
- List social or academic organizations which you were in.
- List your special achievements.
- List the schools from which you earned your degrees.
JOB EXPERIENCE
List the jobs and other work experiences that reinforce your skills and achievements. It's usually the last section on your resume and listed in chronological order with the current or most recent job listed first at the top. To be included for each job listing:
- Dates of employment including month and date of at least two to three employers.
- Official job titles.
- Official job responsibilities, reinforce them by using statistical data instead of just saying you were a salesman of some sort.
FINAL TOUCHES
Writing a well planned resume takes time. Write a couple of drafts, read through them carefully, periodically throughout the week glancing back making changes before you are completely satisfied with the whole finished resume.
- Check the spelling and make sure it's easy to understand.
- Have several outside opinions of your resume.
- Look at samples online, you may find the type of layout usually used for the type of position you're applying for.
- Print on noticeable quality paper with no bent edges, smudges or dirt on the page.
- Send to employer and good luck!!!