One of the most important classes I took in college was a resume writing course. At first I thought, "How much could there be to writing a resume?" Little did I know, there was a LOT! Knowing how to write a strong resume is a valuable skill that not many people, like myself, realize.
Writing a resume isn't a one time or last minute task. It is important for your resume to evolve with you as you gain additional experience, and to reflect the skills and responsibilities you've acquired. There is a big difference between a good resume and a great resume.
Make sure your contact information is accurate and up to date! This includes first, middle initial, and last name, address, phone number- the easiest one to get in direct contact with you, and email. These belongs at the top of the resume. They are considered a formal document, therefore, do not abbreviate the city or state.
The #1 most important aspect of a resume is format.
Having the proper format is the make it or break it factor when employers first glance at a resume. The key to good format is spacings and headings. Each section should to spaced identically. For example, headings should be bolded, as well as, company names. Dates and locations should be parallel down the right side.
Headings should include:
Writing a resume isn't a one time or last minute task. It is important for your resume to evolve with you as you gain additional experience, and to reflect the skills and responsibilities you've acquired. There is a big difference between a good resume and a great resume.
Make sure your contact information is accurate and up to date! This includes first, middle initial, and last name, address, phone number- the easiest one to get in direct contact with you, and email. These belongs at the top of the resume. They are considered a formal document, therefore, do not abbreviate the city or state.
The #1 most important aspect of a resume is format.
Having the proper format is the make it or break it factor when employers first glance at a resume. The key to good format is spacings and headings. Each section should to spaced identically. For example, headings should be bolded, as well as, company names. Dates and locations should be parallel down the right side.
Headings should include:
- Objective- What you type of position you are seeking and what you are hoping to gain.
- Education- School you are or have attended, location, graduation month and year, and degree attained. If you have earned a 3.0 or above GPA put it here.
- Related Courses- School courses as related to the position you're seeking.
- Related Experience- Past work experience that relates to the position you're seeking.
- Experience- All other past work experience.
- Skills- If you have skills in certain computer or internet programming, etc.
- Activities- Personal activities that you have recently been involved with in your community, school, etc. This helps an employer get a better sense of who you are.
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is- for less than 10 years experience resume should be one page; for more than 10 years experience resume should be two pages.
The most important section of a resume is the experience. Outline the most significant tasks and/or responsibilities. Keep everything symmetrical. The summary should be three high-impact statements. If you are still employed at a company, make sure you're using present tense. For past companies, use past tense.
When describing your responsibilities at a company, use resume power verbs. For example, if you guided or managed other employees, use "delegated" or "advised". Instead of using the phrase "put together", say "complied". For a complete list of power verbs, check out Resume Resource.
Yes, a resume is filled with job descriptions. The trick is to make them positive reflections of how you were challenged and your accomplishments! Resumes are all about marketing yourself on a piece of paper to secure that first interview!
The most important section of a resume is the experience. Outline the most significant tasks and/or responsibilities. Keep everything symmetrical. The summary should be three high-impact statements. If you are still employed at a company, make sure you're using present tense. For past companies, use past tense.
When describing your responsibilities at a company, use resume power verbs. For example, if you guided or managed other employees, use "delegated" or "advised". Instead of using the phrase "put together", say "complied". For a complete list of power verbs, check out Resume Resource.
Yes, a resume is filled with job descriptions. The trick is to make them positive reflections of how you were challenged and your accomplishments! Resumes are all about marketing yourself on a piece of paper to secure that first interview!
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