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There is a lot of mystique and fear behind writing resumes. Once you know the basics, however, there is no reason you can't create a terrific resume of your own.
Remember that your resume is a tool to get you to the interview stage. It must present a concise, positive picture of your career goal, your education, and your experience. You must get the prospective employer to read your resume. Then you must be sure that your resume does not contain any elements that will eliminate you from the pool of applicants.
Style and Impact
Because an employer looks at your resume so quickly, some of the smallest details take on major importance.
Paper
The feel of your resume in the prospective employer's hand conveys one of the first messages about you. Flimsy, shiny, unsubstantial paper sends a negative message. For this reason, avoid onion skin or photocopy paper. The paper you choose should be sturdy and professional. Choose quality paper that has some weight and is marked "letterhead" or "resume stock."
The color of the paper also sends a message. In most cases, you will want your resume to appear conservative and professional. White, off-white, beige, or light gray paper is fine. Some people choose to produce their resume on light blue paper. Generally, the more conservative the business is the more conservative color of the resume. Hot pink might work well for a person applying for a position in advertising, but white would be better for someone applying for work in a bank. Again, unless you're trying to make a special point about your creativity, the paper should be a standard S l/2 by H inches. Finally, match your resume paper to the cover letter stock to give a unified, consistent look.
Format
Because that first glance will be a quick one, you need to be sure that your most important points will stand out immediately.
How do you make a part of your resume stand out while ensuring that the whole page is still easily readable? Think of the techniques that advertisers have used successfully for years.
- White space. Notice how the white space around a word catches your eye. Leave double or triple spacing above and below your name. Place headings in the center of a line. Put dates out in a margin. Readers are more apt to read a page with lots of white space than one crammed with text.
- Capitalization. Use it for headings or job titles.
- Underlining. This is also a good way to make job titles stand out.
- Bold print. It can add a nice touch to your name.
- Punctuation. Stars and bullets sometimes help draw the eye to items in a list.
Basic Elements of A Resume
The parts of a resume can be arranged to illustrate your best assets. The heading and job objective usually appear at the top of the page in that order. References usually appear at the bottom. If your education is more impressive than your experience, you might put it nearer the top of the page, and vice versa.
Heading
This is one of the most important elements of your resume. Include your name (which should stand out above all else), your address (both permanent and temporary), and your phone number or a message phone number.
Education
Include all the colleges you've attended, their names and addresses, and any degrees you have received. Give the dates you completed college or the date you expect to receive your degree. Under this heading, you should also be sure to list any certificates you've received, and seminars or training programs you've completed. Some people also note special honors and awards such as making the Dean's List. If you've been accepted into a college, it is understood that you graduated high school, so there's no need to list it.
If you wish to stress portions of your education that are especially relevant or current, you might also include a subheading entitled, "Important Courses" or "Relevant Courses." Under this category, you list all classes you've taken that will be of special interest to the employer. This section is useful if your education is more suitable to your objective than your work experience is.
Experience
This can also be called "Work Experience," "Employment Experience," or "Experience and Skills." Here you must give your previous employers, their city and state, the dates you were employed, and the position you held with them. You may have to create your own job title if you didn't have an official one.
If your paid employment experience is limited, consider describing your volunteer work, internships, or practicum’s. List them just like your other work experience, but add the word "volunteer or "intern" in parentheses.
Objective
You might also call this "Job Objective" or "Career Objective." Write a one-sentence explanation of the type of position you are seeking. It usually appears beneath your name and address. Your objective should be as specific as possible and should not include your future career or educational plans. Note a specific job title, skills you'd like to use, and/or the location or size company for which you'd like to work. You can (and should) change your objective to fit the job you're applying for. If you cannot narrow down your objective, omit it.
Summary of Skills
Some people include a brief paragraph outlining any special skills they have that might not be apparent in their job description. "Type 70 words per minute", "Thorough knowledge of BASIC and COBOL," and "Fluent in French" are sample sentences that might appear in a summary of skills.
Activities and Interests
You may choose to create a section on your resume to demonstrate your interests outside of school or work. Some employers like to see an applicant who is well rounded. Be aware, however, that some may view this information as frivolous or irrelevant.
References
For your resume it is sufficient to write, "Available upon Request" or "Furnished upon Request." Be sure you can name three to five people who have observed your work habits and two or three who can speak about your character. Most people will not mind being a reference, but be sure you ask only those who will speak in the most glowing terms. Compile a list of their names, addresses, and phone numbers. You might also want to explain the nature of their relationship to you. Employers that request your list of references are definitely interested in you.
Language of Resumes
The language used in resumes is unlike the language used in any other document. Your goal is to create a written summation of your skills, capabilities, and experience that is as brief as possible without omitting any of your strengths.
- Use action verbs. Describe your duties with strong verbs - for example, coordinated, delegated, trained, or supervised.
- Do not use "I." Each description of your responsibilities should begin with a verb.
- Use telegraphic phrases. The "sentences" on your resume should sound like the wording of a telegram. All unnecessary words should be left out. Words like the, and, and so can often be left out and the remaining fragment will still make sense. Each phrase can start with an action verb and ends with a period. For example, someone who has held a position as a customer service representative might write: “Assisted customers with questions and complaints, Completed weekly reports and paperwork, and provided material and assistance for production of monthly newsletters.”
- Use few abbreviations. While abbreviating words may seem easy, it's best to avoid this habit. Very few abbreviations are understandable to all readers, so use only the most common: "St.," "Rd.," and the letters of your degree, "A.S.," "B.S.," and so on. When in doubt, write it out.
- Use numbers that favor you. It is fine to write, "Completed opening and closing procedures of cash drawer." It is even better to add, "Handled $15,000 in daily cash receipts" or "Trained 10 other employees." Being specific will enhance your credibility.
