Steps
to Writing Your Resume
Writing an effective resume
often is one of the most difficult aspects of job seekers.
After all, it requires turning your life history into
a glittering one-page advertisement that highlights
all your best attributes. Here are some of the basic
step involved in this process
Format and Presentation
Format and presentation determine
whether the resume is read
the average resume is scanned, not read, for only 10-15
seconds. It either creates a strong impression to the
reader immediately or it is set aside. It is similar
to the impression you make on the interviewer. Therefore,
make sure your resume is professional.
Choose a format that complements your career goal. If
you are seeking a job in your field and have experience,
use a chronological resume. This resume starts with
your most recent job and works backward. Conversely,
if you are seeking a new type of work, you may want
to consider the functional/combination resume. This
style groups your skills together and includes a short
chronological work history at the end.
Other ways to insure that your presentation
gets noticed include:
• No errors: check spell and also have someone
review your resume for missing
• Use a consistent format and use of capitalization
and punctuation throughout
• Use no more than 2 fonts. Two good choices are
Times New Roman or Arial in 11 points -- no smaller,
or the text will be difficult to read
• Include your name and address, a phone and email
address
• Use white or cream resume paper
Accomplishments
There is no data on your resume more important than
your accomplishments. Accomplishments are all that separate
you from other equally qualified candidates, with one
caveat. Your accomplishments must be quantified. Your
list has to show that you got results as you carried
out your responsibilities. Many of your routine activities
can be quantified and written as accomplishments that
demonstrate your experience and knowledge.
What is an Accomplishment?
• 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
What is not
an Accomplishment?
• Daily responsibilities that are included in
your job description
• Regular attendance at work
• Getting along with co-workers
• Working full-time while going to college at
night
• Volunteer or community service unless it has
a direct bearing on your job search
In other words, an accomplishment
is service that goes beyond your usual job description.
But for an accomplishment to have the most effect, it
must be quantified.
Special Skills
Special Skills should always be presented up-front so
that a hiring manager knows what you can do. In some
instances, a special section (i.e. Computer Skills,
Languages, Office Procedures, etc.) should be created
to showcase these special skills.
Special skills will include:
• Computer proficiencies
• Office procedures (i.e. answering multi-lined
phone systems, taking dictation (include speed), transcription,
typing (include speed), 10-key, etc.)
• Linguistic capabilities (i.e. fluency in a foreign
language, ability to translate, etc.)
• Any skill that’s industry-specific for
the job you’re seeking
Here are a few examples of resumes
with outstanding accomplishments and skills showcased
effectively for hiring managers:
Professional
Experience
In the Professional Experience section you will list
your employers, job titles, and dates of employment
in a reverse-chronological order; that is, your most
recent job comes first, followed by your next most recent
job, and so on. This format is standard and is expected
by all hiring managers and admissions directors.
Avoid Common
Errors
Many peoples either don't know or don't understand the
many items that do not belong in a resume. They include
the following:
• Do not use "I", "me" or
"my" statements; use the telegraphic method
and drop the pronoun to make it more active.
• Do not include personal information, such as
age, health, ethnicity, marriage and family status.
Employers will throw your resume out if
it has such information because they could someday be
accused for discrimination
• Do not include photographs
• Do not explain your reasons for leaving your
previous jobs
• Never include salary information
• Do not forward a list of references |
