Knowing how to write a resume
is a critical skill for surviving and thriving in today's job market.
Your resume is the first impression you give to a potential employer. It
can help you land an interview or may lead to new job opportunities.
Whether you are actively seeking a new job, or just want to refresh your
existing resume, this page will guide you through the step needed to
make your resume stand out from the crowd.
Whether you want to advance in your chosen field or you're making a drastic career
change, a resume is a job search necessity. It provides an overview of
your experience and skills, and a great resume can help you make it
passed the screening cut and on to the interview round for a new job.
Spending the time to perfect your resume is an investment in your
future.
Resumes can be formatted in different ways, but it must accurately
reflect your qualifications and job experiences. Generally, resumes
should be kept to around one page, as information over a page is often
ignored. Consider creating a standard resume that you can tweak
according to the job descriptions regarding jobs you would like to
obtain. Customization can help you land a job because you demonstration
that you are a "good fit" for the business and position
.
This video is hosted by Brad Bucklin of CareerPro Resumes and Video Symphony. He advises in the video on how to write a resume.
He reviews each resume section in detail including contact information,
objective statement, qualifications, job history, education, and
achievements This is part of a wider series on Mahalo about interviews,
resumes and employment
How-to Guides: Resume and Cover Letter
- Be Honest
1 It is better to address any gaps in employment than to try to hide them.
2 Lying on your resume may get you into an interview, but you still
have to go through a background and reference check to land the job.
3 If you state you can perform a task or operate a program you don't know, your lie eventually be exposed.
- Be Professional
1 If your email address is funny but unprofessional, it may turn off potential employers.
2 If necessary, create a new email address solely for resumes (and don't forget to check it for responses!).
- Be Concise
1 Write out everything you want to include on your resume. You can trim it down to one page later.
Note: If you have over 10 years of work experience, that is important
and needs to be included, a resume of two pages is acceptable.
2 Use easy-to-read fonts and a clear design] to make your resume more appealing
Step 1: Before You Write Your Resume
Before you begin constructing a resume, take the 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.
Take a look at some sample resumes online. Boston College, the Wall
Street Journal, Vault.com, and the University of Florida have some good
examples.
Do Research in Your Industry
The type of job you're applying for will should influence the type of resume you write.
Determine if there's a style of resume often used in your desired field, consider using it yourself.
Look at sample resumes from other people in your industry. Is there a
section or format they're using? You might want to include it too!
Source:http://www.mahalo.com
Step 2: Use these Resume Writing Tips
Be Honest
It is better to address any gaps in employment than to try to hide them.
Lying on your resume may get you into an interview, but you still have
to go through a background and reference check to land the job.
If you state you can perform a task or operate a program you don't know, your lie eventually be exposed.
Be Professional
If your email address is funny but unprofessional, it may turn off potential employers.8
If necessary, create a new email address solely for resumes (and don't forget to check it for responses!).
Be Concise
Write out everything you want to include on your resume. You can trim it down to one page later.
Note: If you have over 10 years of work experience, that is important
and needs to be included, a resume of two pages is acceptable.
Use easy-to-read fonts and a clear design] to make your resume more appealing.
Step 3: Write Your Resume's Objective Statement
An objective statement is the first thing listed after your personal information.
The objective statement is a sentence or two that sums up your current career goals.
An objective statement is not always a resume necessity, but it can be a
beneficial summary of what you're looking for in a position.
If
you're starting your resume from scratch, write your objective statement
first. This can help you decide what information to highlight on your
resume, even if you ultimately decide not to include an objective
statement.
Do not write a generic objective statement as it is likely to turn off a prospective employer.
Example: My goal is to get a rewarding job that pays well.
Your objective statement should relate to the job for which you are applying.
Example: An experienced public relations consultant, I now seek a
position as an account manager where I can utilize my management skills.
Target your statement to the position. This is the first
information on the page after your name and address, and it should make
the case for you being the perfect person for the job!
Step 4: Choose a Resume Style
There are several types of resumes:
Chronological
Skills
Functional
Combination
You want to think about your situation and create the best resume for your experience and desired job.
Most recruiters want your resume to show your career progression.
Therefore,
chronological or combination resumes (resumes that list your work
history in chronological order, starting with your most recent job) are
the most common types.
If you have no work history or have worked
multiple jobs over a short period of time, an unconventional format may
present your talents and abilities in a better light.
Pick the the type of resume that is best suited to your work history and your goals.
If you're unsure what type fits best, try writing your resume in two or
more formats, then ask for feedback from friends or relatives. An
objective eye may tell you which format is best for you!
Most resumes should fit on one page. However, if the information is truly important and necessary, two pages is acceptable.
If you have less than 10 years' work experience, you should only need a one page resume.
It is better to go onto a second page than to leave out important information.
Do not go onto a second page for unimportant information, like personal
hobbies, out-of-date skills and achievements from over 10 years ago.
Chronological Resumes
This is the most common type of resume.
It lists your work and educational history in reverse chronological order.
The general layout is as follows:
Header with personal information (Name, Address, Phone numbers, Email).
Objective statement (if included).
Career and skills summary (if included).
Reverse chronological career listings (include employer names and locations).
Educational background (School name, location and your GPA).
-Recent graduates may place education ahead of their career listings.
List what you achieved in different positions, not what your job responsibilities were.
Quantify your on-the-job accomplishments.
Instead of writing that you improved customer relations, state that
customer satisfaction increased 40% while you were in charge.
Explain the size of the company you worked for, the number of people
you supervised, and the size of any budgets you managed.
Condense unimportant information. There is no need to list every job
you've had since college. You can include a quick summary of those early
positions in a section labeled "early career."
If you were
recognized or honored for work you accomplished, include it if it is
relevant to the job you want to obtain.
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
more recent information.
Skills Resumes
Skills resumes allow you to group your work history by skills, not by dates or places of employment.
This form of resume allows you to highlight the skills you think are
most important as you can present your most relevant experience first,
rather than your most recent position.
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 for career changes, as you can list skills relevant to the job you want to obtain.
Write a clear objective statement that ties your skills to the job you seek.
Include a career summary that explains why you are changing careers or re-entering the workforce.
The general layout is as follows:
Header with personal information (Name, Address, Phone numbers, Email).
Objective statement.
Career summary.
Skills groupings.
List of places of employment (include employer names, locations, and dates of employment).
Educational background (School name, location and your GPA).
(Recent graduates may place education ahead of their skill groupings).
Knowing how to write a resume
is a critical skill for surviving and thriving in today's job market.
Your resume is the first impression you give to a potential employer. It
can help you land an interview or may lead to new job opportunities.
Whether you are actively seeking a new job, or just want to refresh your
existing resume, this page will guide you through the step needed to
make your resume stand out from the crowd.
Whether you want to advance in your chosen field or you're making a drastic career
change, a resume is a job search necessity. It provides an overview of
your experience and skills, and a great resume can help you make it
passed the screening cut and on to the interview round for a new job.
Spending the time to perfect your resume is an investment in your
future.
Resumes can be formatted in different ways, but it must accurately
reflect your qualifications and job experiences. Generally, resumes
should be kept to around one page, as information over a page is often
ignored. Consider creating a standard resume that you can tweak
according to the job descriptions regarding jobs you would like to
obtain. Customization can help you land a job because you demonstration
that you are a "good fit" for the business and position
.
This video is hosted by Brad Bucklin of CareerPro Resumes and Video Symphony. He advises in the video on how to write a resume.
He reviews each resume section in detail including contact information,
objective statement, qualifications, job history, education, and
achievements This is part of a wider series on Mahalo about interviews,
resumes and employment
How-to Guides: Resume and Cover Letter
- Be Honest
1 It is better to address any gaps in employment than to try to hide them.
2 Lying on your resume may get you into an interview, but you still
have to go through a background and reference check to land the job.
3 If you state you can perform a task or operate a program you don't know, your lie eventually be exposed.
- Be Professional
1 If your email address is funny but unprofessional, it may turn off potential employers.
2 If necessary, create a new email address solely for resumes (and don't forget to check it for responses!).
- Be Concise
1 Write out everything you want to include on your resume. You can trim it down to one page later.
Note: If you have over 10 years of work experience, that is important
and needs to be included, a resume of two pages is acceptable.
2 Use easy-to-read fonts and a clear design] to make your resume more appealing
Step 1: Before You Write Your Resume
Before you begin constructing a resume, take the 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.
Take a look at some sample resumes online. Boston College, the Wall
Street Journal, Vault.com, and the University of Florida have some good
examples.
Do Research in Your Industry
The type of job you're applying for will should influence the type of resume you write.
Determine if there's a style of resume often used in your desired field, consider using it yourself.
Look at sample resumes from other people in your industry. Is there a
section or format they're using? You might want to include it too!
Source:http://www.mahalo.com
Step 2: Use these Resume Writing Tips
Be Honest
It is better to address any gaps in employment than to try to hide them.
Lying on your resume may get you into an interview, but you still have
to go through a background and reference check to land the job.
If you state you can perform a task or operate a program you don't know, your lie eventually be exposed.
Be Professional
If your email address is funny but unprofessional, it may turn off potential employers.8
If necessary, create a new email address solely for resumes (and don't forget to check it for responses!).
Be Concise
Write out everything you want to include on your resume. You can trim it down to one page later.
Note: If you have over 10 years of work experience, that is important
and needs to be included, a resume of two pages is acceptable.
Use easy-to-read fonts and a clear design] to make your resume more appealing.
Step 3: Write Your Resume's Objective Statement
An objective statement is the first thing listed after your personal information.
The objective statement is a sentence or two that sums up your current career goals.
An objective statement is not always a resume necessity, but it can be a
beneficial summary of what you're looking for in a position.
If
you're starting your resume from scratch, write your objective statement
first. This can help you decide what information to highlight on your
resume, even if you ultimately decide not to include an objective
statement.
Do not write a generic objective statement as it is likely to turn off a prospective employer.
Example: My goal is to get a rewarding job that pays well.
Your objective statement should relate to the job for which you are applying.
Example: An experienced public relations consultant, I now seek a
position as an account manager where I can utilize my management skills.
Target your statement to the position. This is the first
information on the page after your name and address, and it should make
the case for you being the perfect person for the job!
Step 4: Choose a Resume Style
There are several types of resumes:
Chronological
Skills
Functional
Combination
You want to think about your situation and create the best resume for your experience and desired job.
Most recruiters want your resume to show your career progression.
Therefore,
chronological or combination resumes (resumes that list your work
history in chronological order, starting with your most recent job) are
the most common types.
If you have no work history or have worked
multiple jobs over a short period of time, an unconventional format may
present your talents and abilities in a better light.
Pick the the type of resume that is best suited to your work history and your goals.
If you're unsure what type fits best, try writing your resume in two or
more formats, then ask for feedback from friends or relatives. An
objective eye may tell you which format is best for you!
Most resumes should fit on one page. However, if the information is truly important and necessary, two pages is acceptable.
If you have less than 10 years' work experience, you should only need a one page resume.
It is better to go onto a second page than to leave out important information.
Do not go onto a second page for unimportant information, like personal
hobbies, out-of-date skills and achievements from over 10 years ago.
Chronological Resumes
This is the most common type of resume.
It lists your work and educational history in reverse chronological order.
The general layout is as follows:
Header with personal information (Name, Address, Phone numbers, Email).
Objective statement (if included).
Career and skills summary (if included).
Reverse chronological career listings (include employer names and locations).
Educational background (School name, location and your GPA).
-Recent graduates may place education ahead of their career listings.
List what you achieved in different positions, not what your job responsibilities were.
Quantify your on-the-job accomplishments.
Instead of writing that you improved customer relations, state that
customer satisfaction increased 40% while you were in charge.
Explain the size of the company you worked for, the number of people
you supervised, and the size of any budgets you managed.
Condense unimportant information. There is no need to list every job
you've had since college. You can include a quick summary of those early
positions in a section labeled "early career."
If you were
recognized or honored for work you accomplished, include it if it is
relevant to the job you want to obtain.
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
more recent information.
Skills Resumes
Skills resumes allow you to group your work history by skills, not by dates or places of employment.
This form of resume allows you to highlight the skills you think are
most important as you can present your most relevant experience first,
rather than your most recent position.
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 for career changes, as you can list skills relevant to the job you want to obtain.
Write a clear objective statement that ties your skills to the job you seek.
Include a career summary that explains why you are changing careers or re-entering the workforce.
The general layout is as follows:
Header with personal information (Name, Address, Phone numbers, Email).
Objective statement.
Career summary.
Skills groupings.
List of places of employment (include employer names, locations, and dates of employment).
Educational background (School name, location and your GPA).
(Recent graduates may place education ahead of their skill groupings).