How to Write a Resume

I have given tips before in a few articles on what to include in a resume when job hunting. It’s a critical time in our economy when everyone is worried about unemployment. Many of us have lost our job and the reverse is true; those who still have a job are worried about losing it. The recession is not over and most of us are saving more than ever before. We are looking for ways to live below their means, promote our job skills and are focused on taking care of our families the best we can.

Having the right resume format will improve your chances and give you an edge during an interview. If you are someone who is good at interviews, then it could make a difference in you getting your foot in the door and sealing the deal on that dream job.

Choose the correct resume format or layout; really think it through. The type of job you are applying for will help you determine this.

Resume should be no more than one page. Therefore it is important to determine which skills you will be highlighting that will be eye catching to the potential employer and for the position you are applying for.

Make sure that your name and contact information is bolded or highlighted at the very top of the resume. The font should be a size greater than that of the body. The average font size should be between 10 and 12 points.

Determine your job objective. Clearly state your intent based on the job you want or the job you are applying for. Make sure to match the list of skills (you possess) with those in the job description.

Research the job you are applying for and the skills needed for that specific job. Do not list all the experiences you have had, but only relevant skills. It is always important to make sure that your resume emphasizes or highlight skills specific to the job you are applying for.

I have said it before and it is a fact that if you are just of college, it’s important to promote your education and then job or transferrable skills. If you have been in the workplace for a number of years, then you would promote your work experience first and then education. View here "How to promote Job Skills."

Once you have gotten into the body of the resume it’s important to use bolded subtopics when listing your education, skills, work experiences and interests.

List work in chronological order beginning with the most current job.

Under work experiences make sure to include the name, location, description of your work experiences, dates your have worked (chronological order) and a short description of the company.

Use short but complete sentences and bullet points to list those experiences. Use verbs and/or strong action words to list work experiences and accomplishments. Make sure you are clear and concise when describing your skills and accomplishments.

Layout should be consistent throughout resume.

Complete the resume with a list of interests that not only compliments your job skills, but also flatters your assets.

Upon completing the resume, make sure to review and correct spelling and grammar errors. Use a grammar and spell check in Microsoft word (great tool).

How to Promote your Job Skills

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We have all heard the saying that ‘we too are a business so sell your skills.’ I think that is so true. So many times we expect the employer to see our worth or value, but that’s not their job. It would be nice if it was that way but it’s not. We have got to know your own value or worth and sell that every time. This is what your negotiations are based on; your skills and work experiences. There is so much competition in the work place that it seems like every employee is looking at everyone through the same magnifying glass. It’s not just enough to get a job anymore, but one must work hard to keep a job also. There is less value placed on seniority, punctuality, and hard work than it was at least 30 years ago. Therefore know your skills and what they are worth.

If you were asked right off the bat what your skills were, what would you say? Would you reply “ummm, well… I am a good communicator. I am personable. I have great interpersonal skills?” Well, that would not be strong enough to sell ‘you’ to an employer. It’s important to know your skills and what you are worth. It doesn’t stop there, the employer always like to know what your limitations are (your ‘weaknesses’), abilities, job objectives, education background and interests.

If you are just of college, it’s important to promote your education and then job or transferrable skills. If you have been in the workplace for a number of years, then you would promote your work experience first and then education.

Beginning with your job skills, you want to talk about the skills that you have and then move into the work experience using examples to support the skills you are promoting. For example, if an interviewer asks the question “why should we hire you?” This would be the perfect opportunity to promote your job experiences and accomplishments. Support almost every skill listed with what you have accomplished, your abilities and interest as well as your education. Don’t over look your transferrable skills; these are also your hard skills.

Then promote your soft skills. This is where your ability to communicate well and your interpersonal skills come into play. Employers are looking for those who can get along well with others, they want a people person. They want someone with confidence, leadership qualities as well as great analytical and problem solving skills.

It’s in the delivery… How the information is presented on a resume cv or cover letter is what’s going to get you in the door. Is it clear, job relevant, concise, only one page; or is it cluttered, wordy or over a page or two? How you communicate that information is essential as well. Are you confident, making eye contact, communicating clearly or otherwise? More so, are you presenting work experience that’s not on the resume? This is a major no no; only talk about the jobs you have listed on your resume. Therefore, know what’s on the resume well.