Resume Writing - Tips and Advice

Job-hunting is not the most exciting thing in the world but you can make it easier. The key is organization. Keep a record of companies you have applied and any contacts that may or may not have with them. One of the first things you need to do be creative in your resume writing.

The appearance of your resume is of paramount importance. The most obvious fact is it needs to be neat and all items must be spelled correctly. Correct information is of paramount importance especially if the interviewer decides to check out your information. The format should be simple and plain. It should highlight your accomplishments.

The quality of the paper you use to send out resumes should be of professional quality. Most job seekers use a paper that is not glossy and is a 20-weight paper. You should use the same paper for your resume, your cover letter, and the envelope. It comes across as being more professional.

The font should be clear and easy to read. The size of the font is important. Personally I prefer a font of 12. It is clear and the letters are not blurry as they can be with some fonts. The suggested font to use in your resume is a Sans Serif font such as Arial or Verdana. They are clear and stand out better in faxes.

When describing your skills in particular, use strong action words. Instead of starting a sentence with a noun use a strong verb. When using numbers use percentages, dollar amounts when describing money, and the number of people you supervised if this is applicable.

Your resume should be one page only. The information should be presented as concisely as possible. There will be a place in the cover letter and possibly an interview to expound on your skills. Resumes that are too long are often put aside because employers simply don't have the time to read through lengthy dissertations. If it doesn't fit on one page try paring it down to the bare minimum. The information must be relevant to the position you are applying for. Do not forget to attach your cover letter.

There are two types of resume formats that are used. The functional format will put your skills into categories. Your titles are listed on the bottom. This format is used by people who are changing careers and who don't want to draw attention to gaps in employment or a possible lack of direct experiences. The chronological format is used by those on a career path. Your employment and education are listed in reverse chronological order. Outline your skills to show your best accomplishments. The categories that you include on your resume must be relevant to the position for which you are applying.

Your resume will be different if you are fresh out of college and unemployed, if you have been out of the work force for an extended period of time (i.e. to raise your kids), or if you are a teenager going for the first job. A resume is one the most important tools you have to use in your job search.

The categories will be similar for all manner of people seeking employment. The purpose of your resume is to give employers the maximum amount of information in as few words as possible. Some companies receive hundreds of resumes at any given time. Your resume should standout but not be outlandish. Professionalism is the key. Below is a figure showing what a professional could look like. Remember the information is to be clear and concise. It should be easy on the eyes and professional.

JANE DOE
5 Main Street
Anywhere, Any state 00000
jado521@anysite.com
(000) 111-2233

Job Objective: to obtain a position as (name the position)

Education: Any School University B.S. in Anything 2000 -2004
111Any Road
Any-town, USA 88888

Somebody High School High School Diploma 1995 -1999
East Highway Road
Anywhere, USA 88888

Employment: Here list your employers putting the current one first. If you haven't had experience let them know that. If you were a babysitter you can add that to your resume. It at least will show them your work ethics.

Skills: List some of the thing you do reasonably well that are relevant to the position. Are you going for a position as a teacher's aid? List your duties you had in baby-sitting or if you tutored anybody, list those duties as well

Related Volunteer Experiences: Here be as descriptive as possible and be as descriptive and exact as you can. Remember be descriptive but concise.

References: Will Be Furnished Upon Request (Be prepared with a list of three to five people that have consented to give you a recommendation. Include who is familiar with your work as it relates to the position.

Finally the resume is about selling yourself. Give them just enough information to have them come back and want more details. Good Luck!

About the Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice on a variety of subjects.

Visit his website Resume Writing for more tips and advice.

---

Get Paid to Shop And Keep Everything You Buy - Without Having to Pay!

Can You Tell Good Service From Bad; Recognise Value For... Read More

Think Twice Before You Change Jobs

You've got the itch to change jobs. This might be... Read More

Career Discovery - Pinpoint Your Ideal Career

Determine your ideal career--one that's in alignment with your values,... Read More

Theres No Need to Pad Your Resume

It seems like a good idea, harmless in fact. Your... Read More

Resume That Effectively Promotes You!

Imagine for a moment that you have created a wonderful... Read More

Do You Work to Live or Live to Work?

Let's be realistic here - hands up all of you... Read More

Whiners Need Not Apply

Sometime last summer I decided to host a pity party... Read More

Creating a Feng Shui Power Office: 6 Easy Tips to More Successful Surroundings

More and more people are looking to gain an edge... Read More

Minding Your Own Business

Think you have gone as far as you can in... Read More

Yesterdays Project Manager is Todays Project Engineer

The rapid growth of technology, greater exposure to knowledge, higher... Read More

Searching for an IT Job

Looking for an IT job is one of the easiest... Read More

Sample Resume Objectives: Read, Dont Copy

The resume objective statement is typically something that trips people... Read More

Do You Have What it Takes to be a Successful Petite Model?

Want to break into the petite modeling industry but wondering... Read More

Practice Speaking

For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any... Read More

The Right Way To Send Your Resume

Having a great resume is the first critical step in... Read More

Online Resume Tips and Secrets

I manage a website for corporate flight attendants that features... Read More

How to Evaluate Job Offers and Zoom In On the Right Opportunity for You

You've been successful in your job hunt and have received... Read More

Believe And Get Hired

Good things seem to come in bunches, especially in a... Read More

How to Write a Resume That Stands Out From The Crowd

Today's job market is competitive. Many companies receive hundreds of... Read More

Get In The Game With a Stellar Resume

During the job hunter's market of the 1990's, employers were... Read More

Your Interview Secret Weapon

Have you ever been on a date where you had... Read More

Getting Your Online Health Care Administration Degree

Are you thinking about getting your online health care degree... Read More

Using Recruiters: How To Get A Step Ahead Of The Crowd

When there is an opening to fill, a company has... Read More

Thank-You Notes: An Integral Part of Your Career Design

There is one little practice that is vital to generating... Read More

How to Know if You Are in the Right Career

Ever wonder if you are in the right career? If... Read More

Turning the Table: Questions for Your Interviewer

(DES MOINES, Iowa ? January 26, 2005) The fateful final... Read More

Losing Your Job Without Losing Yourself

When we lose our jobs, no matter the reason, we... Read More

Bringing Our Family to Work

Let's face it, most of us consider professional success and... Read More

10 Key Career Success Questions

At some point in every professional or managerial career, there... Read More

Nonverbal Interview Behavior

Non-verbal interview behavior can drown out your verbal self-presentation.Practice interviewing... Read More

Retirement: Is It A Career Change Option?

Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More

How To Get That Promotion

If you're looking for that promotion or pay rise then... Read More

Power Resumes ? Writing Your Objectives

A powerful resume starts with a good statement of objective.... Read More