In this marketplace, a great resume can get you anywhere. The problem is, there are not that many great resumes out there. Most resumes contain at least one mistake, and most have more than one. The trick to writing a good one is to carefully craft each section to reflect your particular talents. Use the following steps to create a concise, inspired resume:
1. Heading
This is your name, address and telephone. Place your name in the middle of the page at the top in bold. Make sure it is larger than all of the other text. Give a permanent home address and a temporary one, if necessary, and provide all of the telephone numbers and e-mail addresses that you own. If you have a webpage, add the URL here. Employers will be looking to contact you, and don't make it harder for them.
2. Education
This is where you place your education experience, starting with the most recent. Carefully label your section, and include degree, date of graduation, major and minor. If you've studied abroad, add that here. Always place the name of an institution in bold, and if you've taken part in any special programs or workshops, indicate that here. Your GPA should be clearly noted here.
3. Work Experience
Again, place all work experience in order of the most recent to the least. Carefully label this section so that the employer will be aware that this is your work experience. The most important work experience that you can place here is a steady job held for some years, or for students, an internship at a major firm in your field. Basically, an employer is looking to see if you can handle the work environment that a regular job provides. Summer jobs can also be listed in this area, but be sure to provide only those jobs that are necessary to get across your experience to an employer. Include the number of years you've worked during each job, and a summary of your position and its duties.
4. Additional Interests and Information
Use this area to put down an volunteering work that you've done. List also any special talents and interests that you have. This area is important because it indicates to the employer that you have balanced, active lifestyle. It hints at good people skills, and diligence in certain areas. Therefore, if you are applying for a computer position, but sing opera as well, let them know! Chances are, they will be very impressed. If you are applying in computers, use this area to highlight all of the computer programs that you know, and familiar applications. In any case, make sure you use this area to list any awards and honors that you may have received.
5. References
Place in this area the names of at least two people that an employer can contact for a summary of your performance skills. Pick people that will give you a glowing reference, and include all details, such as e-mail, phone number and cell phone number. Make sure to clear this with the person that you are using as a reference, or you may not receive so glowing a reference as you expect!
6. Use Active Words
Use active words in your resume. Words like "created," "managed" and "achieved" will make you sound like an active, successful person.
7. Be Careful
A resume tells all about you, so be careful to check for mistakes and grammar before sending it out. For a general resume, get beige, card stock resume paper. For a computer resume, get thicker card stock white resume paper. Make sure to use the same paper for envelopes and cover letters.
8. Don't be Shy
When preparing to write, think of your talents. Don't hesitate to express them aloud to yourself and be proud. Employers are not looking for someone that is not interested in impressing. Be assertive about what you can do, and employers will want to use you. Good luck!
Written by genevieve thiers
Copyright 2002 by PageWise, Inc
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