The
first step to preparing a successful resume is deciding what type of job you are
looking for. What do you enjoy doing? What in your background has prepared you
for what you want to do? If, as you are preparing to write this document,
you discover that there are areas that you need to work on to qualify you for
what you truly enjoy, it may be time to start lining up the tasks you need to
reach your goal.
If
you have the appropriate background and skills to go after the job you want, (or
the job you need to have until you are qualified for the one you want) then it
is time to start organizing your history into manageable parts. This requires
some thought so set aside a block of time that you can think and write without
interruption.
List
columns with headings such as: Education, Employment History, Awards,
Activities, References and Community Service. There are many things we do in
life that give us training in areas we don't realize. For example, if you coach
a team, you are organizing, scheduling and developing leadership skills. If you
volunteer at the local shelter, you are helping others and participating in
"team" interaction. Don't underestimate the skills you have; employers
don't. Many companies are looking for people that interact in the community.
You
want the employer to have as much information as possible to make an informed
decision. Don't have lapses in your employment history. If you have been out of
the employment market for a length of time, let the interviewer know what you
were doing. Many women that are coming back to the workforce after having raised
their children have become very creative in explaining the "career"
they have had for the last 15 years. It takes a wide range of talents to manage
a household.
There
are many formats available for resumes today. A degree of variety is fine; it's
okay to individualize a resume. The important point of a resume is to get across
the pertinent history in a neat, concise, detailed and informed way. The
employer does not have hours to understand what you are trying to convey. Have
categories: give your personal information including Name, Address, Phone number
and Social Security Number. Give the dates of your Employment, job title, job
responsibilities and reason for leaving (Most employers expect the average
employee to change careers approximately 6 times in today's work atmosphere).
Give your Education history stressing related courses. List any activities or
community service that is relevant to the position applied for. List any
additional information including extracurricular courses or activities you've
picked up along the way that may be enlightening.
List
your references on a separate page. Don't use up half of your resume space that
you may need for more important information - about you!
Always
include a cover letter with your resume. Most employers will throw a resume
straight in the trash if it does not come accompanied by a cover letter. If you
are introducing yourself to a company and have mailed them a resume, they want
to have a "feel" of the applicant; a cover letter is the perfect way
to let them know a little more about you. Take advantage of that.