How to Write an Effective Resume
Posted in Resume Writing
Your resume is the most important document you may ever prepare. You will be evaluated on the basis of your resume – employer doors will be opened or closed. Snap decisions are made by people who read resumes, in just a matter of seconds.
Since people you do not know will review your resume, and because you are not present, you may not be given an opportunity to explain, strengthen, or correct the facts given on your resume. Remember the goal of a resume is not to get a job offer but is to get a job interview.
Before you write your resume, take time to do a self-assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and other activities. This will make it easier to prepare your resume.
Contact Information
All your contact information should go at the top of your resume.
- Use your first name and last name.
- Use a permanent address.
- Use a permanent telephone number and include the area code.
- Add your e-mail address. Choose an e-mail address that sounds professional.
Objective
What do you want to do? Be specific about the job you want.
Objective Summary
For the position you applied for you need skills and abilities. Develop a hard-hitting introductory declaration packed with your most sought-after skills, abilities, accomplishments and attributes. Customize your objective to each employer you target.
Work Experience
Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use Action Verbs to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order—that is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include:
- Title of position,
- Name of organization
- Location of work (town, state)
- Dates of employment
- Describe your work responsibilities with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.
Specific Skills Examples:
Communication skills (verbal and written)
Honesty/integrity
Teamwork skills
Interpersonal skills
Motivation/initiative
Strong work ethic
Analytical skills
Flexibility/adaptability
Computer skills
Organizational skills
Achievements Examples:
Increasing the company’s bottom line (i.e. facilitating its growth)
Streamlining procedures
Promotions
Special projects successfully completed
Decreasing costs
Company- or industry-sponsored awards
Certifications and licensure
Education
- Your most recent educational information is listed first.
- Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., M.B.A, etc.), major, institution attended, minor /concentration.
- If the applicant has just recently completed his bachelor’s degree, it should be listed before professional experience.
- If the applicant has real-world experience related to the graduate degree she is seeking, the professional experience should be listed first.
Other information
A staff member at your career services office can advise you on other information to add to your resume. You may want to add:
Skills: Key or special skills or competencies: skills you have mastered that would be useful for the position you are seeking. These skills do not necessarily have to be the result of employment such as computer skills and languages.
Professional Development: Include any licenses, special training, or certifications you have received.
Professional Affiliations: This is a section used for communicating your status as a member of a minority targeted for special consideration by employers, or for showing your membership in an association that would enhance your appeal as a prospective employee.
