How to write a Resume
Posted: May 2nd, 2009 | Author: William Worley | Filed under: How To | Tags: resume help, resume styles, resume types, resume writing, write resume | No Comments »Before You Write Your Resume
Do Research in Your Industry
See what other people in your industry are writing. See what style of resume they use and how the form their resume.
Before you begin constructing a resume, take some time to think about your experience and what type of job you’re looking for.
If you’re re-entering the workforce, you may pick a different format than someone who’s been working continuously.
A recent college graduate will focus more on educational background than an experienced worker.
If you’re changing careers, you may opt for a different format than someone who is remaining in his current field.
Resume Writing Tips
Be Honest
Don’t try to be someone you’re not.
Be Professional
Don’t use a funny email address create a free email like firstname_lastname@domain.com to include on your resume
Your resume shouldn’t include any areas of comedy or joking manors when describing who you are or what you have done
Be Concise
Keep the number of positions, education, to a minimum listing to much can show you are unstable listing to little can show you don’t have enough experience
Choose a Resume Style
Chronological
This is the most common type of resume
It lists your work and educational history chronologically.
List what you achieved in different positions, not what your job responsibilities were.
If you’ve been in the workforce for several years, your educational background becomes less important. Trimming this section to the basics will leave more room for other information.
Skills
Skills resumes allow you to group your work history by skills, not by dates or places of employment.
This kind of resume lets you highlight the skills you think are most important: your resume can lead with the most relevant experience you have instead of the most recent.
This resume style can be particularly useful for someone who is re-entering the workforce, or entering the workforce for the first time, and does not have recent work experience.
It is also well-suited if you are making a big career change, as you can list skills relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Functional
A functional resume is very close in style to a skill-based resume, and can also be helpful for recent graduates or people re-entering the workplace.
If you’ve held many jobs over a short period, a functional resume can help you avoid being pegged as a job-hopper.
More and more people work in temporary and contract positions these days; a functional resume is another way to highlight the skills you used in these positions.
This style lets you demonstrate how your previous work or educational experience has provided you with the appropriate background for the job you’re applying for.
Combination
A combination resume mixes the chronological, functional and skills format.
It’s another format used by career-changers and those new to the job market, as you can show why you fulfill the needs of the new position.
It can also be used by older workers, as this format lets you highlight your strongest credentials.
Tailor Your Resume
Make sure your resume will stand out in whatever field you want to work in!
Your resume should highlight why you are qualified for the position you’re applying for.
Remember, you want your resume to be only one page (two if you have enough business experience that the extra information is important and relevant)!
Applying to multiple industries and you want to list varied skills? Write different versions of your resume for each type of job. Just be careful not to send the wrong version out for a job, or you may pre-emptively disqualify yourself for that position!
Resume Keywords
With online resume databases and thousands of resumes pouring in via email, many HR departments now perform keyword searches to weed through these submissions.
Make sure you include the keywords from the job listing you’re applying to!
To find other appropriate keywords, study job postings for your field. Chances are the keywords you see cropping up in these ads are also what employers search for.
Only list keywords that apply to you.
Only use words for skills you actually have.
Do not load your resume with multiple keywords saying the same thing; it may help you make it through a database search, but when a human sees the keyword-loaded resume they will immediately put it in the garbage.
Resume Action Words
Now examine the words you used to describe yourself and your job. Do you sound like a dynamic worker any company would be thrilled to have, or like a ho-hum employee?
Action verbs like “built” and “led” are better than passive terms like “worked with” and “helped.”
Follow this link to see a comprehensive list of action verbs
http://www.writeexpress.com/action-verbs.html
Polish Your Resume
Always check for typos and grammatical errors. Then check again. Then have a friend proofread. These types of mistakes are easy to fix, and make a big difference in whether or not an employer will consider you for a job!
Do not use “I” or “me”; the reader already knows the resume is about your accomplishments.
A simple left-justified resume is easiest to read.
Do not include your height, weight, race or age; this information is not necessary and will only irritate potential employers.
