|
Step By Step Resume Guideline
A resume needs to effectively relate your credentials to a potential employer so that they will want to know more about you. Many resumes lack this success, and there are a number of reasons why they fail to impress and don’t receive a second look, reasons such as poor writing, spelling mistakes, repetition of skills, including the wrong or unnecessary information, etc.
Although knowing the resume format you should use (I.E. chronological, functional, combination) is important to creating a successful resume, you first have to know what necessary information is needed and should be included in your resume, as this information does not change and is required regardless of the format you use.
The following is a step-by-step outline that covers all of the criteria your resume should feature.
Step 1 - The Heading – This is what should always appear at the top of your resume no matter what resume style you use. The heading contains your contact information: name, address, phone number and email address.
Step 2 - The objective – The objective always follows the heading, is highly recommended, but is an optional step. The objective focuses on your job goals. It is a very short and concise paragraph that tells the employer what you want out of the job and what skills you intend to bring to the job to benefit the employer.
Step 3 – Career Highlights/Qualifications – This is an optional step, and is typically used for those interested in constructing a functional or combination resume. If included, this section is typically placed directly after the objective.
In this section you list any important accomplishments, traits, skills and experience that is highly relevant to the position you are applying for (I.E. if you are applying for a computer position, list all your computer knowledge - language, programs, skills, experience, and qualifications). By including a relevant qualifications section, you are immediately emphasizing the relevant experience you have to the employer, and are telling them why you are qualified and a perfect candidate for the job.
Step 4 – Experience/Work History – The employment history or experience section of a resume is typically the most important part, especially if you are using a chronological resume format. If using this format, the work history section should be placed directly after the Objective. If using a functional or combination resume, this section is placed after the Skills/Qualifications section.
However, regardless of the resume format you use, you should never just include the name of the place where you worked and the time you worked there, you need to take this opportunity to sell your skills to the employer.
Under each job, state your position, and the skills that were required, the accomplishments you achieved, and the responsibilities you had while in this position. The statements you make about your previous job positions should be brief but compelling. This is achieved through the use of action words. For example:
Sales and More Inc.
Seattle, Washington
November 2001 - January 2005
Customer service representative
- Assisted customers with the selection of appropriate products
- Created customer appreciation gift cards
- Awarded employee of the month in August 2002, October 2003, November 2004
Remember to list your work history in reverse chronological order (I.E. begin with your most recent job first), and list all jobs you’ve held for at least the past 5 years. If you have plenty of experience and have held many jobs, only list those that are applicable to the position you are applying for.
Finally, if you have gaps in your work history, or your employment history is sparse, you can list any volunteer work in this section.
Step 5 -Education – The information provided in this section should be listed in reverse chronological order (list the most recent educational institution you attended first). List the college/university you attended and the degrees you achieved, as well as any special honors or awards you’ve earned.
If you have not yet completed your education, explain that you are currently pursuing a degree in whatever the field is you have chosen, and include the expected date you intend to complete the degree.
Do not list your high school education if you have any college/university education. However, if you have not enrolled or completed any post secondary schooling, include the name of your high school, its location, courses related to the job you are pursuing, and the date you graduated.
Step 6 – Other – This is an optional section, but is beneficial to include in order to show the employer any volunteer work, personal interests, hobbies, awards, honors or special skills you have that are relevant to the position. It is also beneficial because it allows you to showcase your strong personal attributes (I.E. dependability, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation, etc.).
Step 7 – References – Do not include your references on your resume. Instead, simply state at the end of your resume “References available upon request”, then have a separate list of references that includes the necessary contact information ready to give to the employer when requested.
|
|
