How To Write A Résumé

Figure out what you want to do.

You can't write an effective résumé if you have no job target. What I mean by this is you need to tailor your résumé to the specific job you want to apply to. Gone are the days of sending out 400 copies of the same résumé.

Make a list of the jobs you have held that have relevance to the new job target.

If none exists, what skills did you acquire from those jobs that apply to the one you are seeking? For instance, if you are applying for an administrative assistant position, it is possible that your fast food job does not apply and should be left off. However, one exception would be if you were in a managerial position and had restaurant paperwork you were responsible for (like inventory, ordering, reports, and bank deposits).

Know what things you should NOT put on your résumé. (See Common Résumé Mistakes - linked below).

Make sure you stand out without being excessive.

Start with a blank page (no templates) and work on a design. Now is not the time to be overly colorful or super creative. Put yourself in the shoes of a hiring manager. Imagine you have received 345 e-mails from job seekers within 12 hours of posting a position. What would catch your eye? Think of what would be a refreshing change and go for it.

Now for the actual résumé content.

There are typically five basic sections in a résumé.

* Contact Information - Powerful and complete.

* Headline - State what you are offering.

* Skills Summary - Quickly highlight your relevant skills.

* Professional Experience - Relevant and accomplishment oriented. Use action verbs to start your sentences and avoid the word "I".

* Education - List college or trade schools only. Leave off high school unless you are a recent graduate without experience.

Notice I did not list objective statement. For the reason why, visit my section on common résumé mistakes (see below).

Proofread it, have your friends proofread it, and then do it two more times.

I want to stress how important it is to do this. Check for spelling errors that the spell checker missed. Print it out and review it, because this seems to make you read over it more thoroughly. Watch out for poor grammar, punctuation errors, and redundancy.

Always send it with a cover letter.

Address the cover letter specifically to the company and job posting. Make a note of how you heard of the opening and why you are the best candidate. Hit the highlights of what you have to offer them so they are intrigued and interested in reading your résumé.

Jennifer Anthony is the owner of ResumeASAP, offering professional and affordable résumé writing services.

Common Résumé Mistakes

If you have comments about this article, or if you are interested in learning more about professional résumé writing, please contact Jennifer Anthony by e-mail or by calling 1-888-722-5211.

---

Top 5 Tips for College Grads Entering the Working World

1) Build a Relationship With Your Boss:Like it or not,... Read More

Internships: Bonkers or Brilliant?

I have something to say that's driving me batty. It's... Read More

Top 10 Skills for New World of Work

There are many changes coming in the world of work,... Read More

Resume Layouts ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Options for Resume LayoutsThere are many options of available to... Read More

What is Absolutely the Best Day to go on a Job Interview?

First of all, to fully understand and appreciate the answer,... Read More

Telecommuting Cover Letters

Question: How do I market myself online?Answer: With a stellar... Read More

How to Receive Multiple Job Offers After You?re Fired

Ask survivors of the most popular reality television shows and... Read More

The Changing Values Landscape of the U.S. and How It Impacts Midlife Job Searchers, Part Two

The values landscape of our nation is changing, and with... Read More

Acceptance is the Answer to All Our Problems

Many people today have lost jobs after decades of service;... Read More

The 10 Second Window of Opportunity, Resume Hour Glass

Do you know that a hiring manager just spends 10... Read More

Seeking Knowledge Will Give You Power

What are you interested in? We all have a passion... Read More

Writing A Great Resume, Part 1

Need a great resume to land that great job coming... Read More

Resume Tune Up

Employers have fears, uncertainty and DOUBT (the FUD factor) over... Read More

American Idol Syndrome

I like Simon, one of three judges on... Read More

Find Those People

"The Emperor's New Clothes" was a favorite childhood story of... Read More

Managing Emotions During Career Change and Job Search, Part One

How can you manage your emotions during your career change... Read More

The Hidden Job Market: Real or Imagined?

The hidden job market has been touted as the place... Read More

The Perils Of Employment: Are You About To Be Let Go?

From the moment you are born and you take your... Read More

Dissatisfied with Your Job? Take Your Power Back!

Apparently, there are all sorts of reasons to be dissatisfied... Read More

Federal Job Search Strategies: 7 Tips to Help You Succeed

Despite constant calls by politicians and policy makers to reign... Read More

Taking Job Loss Seriously

Anyone reading this article and hassuffered a job loss recently... Read More

Assess Your Transferable Skills

One of the most important parts of a job... Read More

How to Insure Job Security

The attorneys I coach have one common problem. They don't... Read More

Hiring Managers: Preventing ?Fall-Off?s? and Counter Offers

"Bill, thanks so much for your assistance with this search.... Read More

Job Search Blurts

I coined this word to draw attention to the nervous... Read More

7 Secrets of a Highly-Effective Resume Cover Letter

Just like the late, great Rodney Dangerfield, the "humble" cover... Read More

Career Change - Creating Wealth & Happiness

Whether you have a business idea or not, here's what... Read More

Career Change Success Is Yours If you Follow The Formula

Recent surveys suggest that, given the chance, about four out... Read More

The #1 Job Search Mistake To Avoid: Not Preparing Your Mind!

Mental preparation is probably your most important task as you... Read More

What is Contract Programming? An Alternative to the Conformity of Everyday Employment

What is contract programming, you ask? Well, when companies need... Read More

Networking Masterclass - Part 2 Practicing Altruism

Practicing Altruism The 'Golden Rule' occurred in the Greek and... Read More

How To Tap Into the Invisible Job Market

Is there a company in your area that you'd love... Read More

Words. Words. Words.

They're only words. Some believe the school-yard taunt: "Sticks and... Read More