Do you need help writing a resume? When it comes to putting your best foot forward with a potential employer, don’t cut any corners. Research the information you should include in a strong resume and, if necessary, ask a professional resume writer to look it over before it’s finalized.
No Two Resumes Are the Same
If you compare two resumes from people with exactly the same work and education backgrounds, you’re not going to have two exact resumes. Variations in style and wording will be the key differences. However, in all solid resumes, no matter the industry, certain things will be the same.
Don’t Forget Contact Information!
You’d be surprised at how many resumes don’t have the very basics: your name and contact information. What if you “wow” an employer with an excellent resume, but you forgot to include your phone number or e-mail address? You’ll lose the job because an employer is not going to hunt you down. Make sure your name, mailing address, phone numbers and e-mail address are front and center. Position this information at the top of the page, in bold. Also, make sure this information is up-to-date. A two-year old resume may need an updated cell phone number, for example.
Include the Necessary Sections
While there are variations from resume to resume, they should all have the same information sections. Employers look for specific sections when eyeing your resume. Make sure to not leave out any of these sections:
- Summary of Qualifications
- Education
- Work history
- Publications, if any
- Awards
Also, while there’s no particular order that your resume should follow, the summary of qualifications should come first. Then, order everything in accordance with the job applied for. For example, if your academic history is more important to the job than your work history, list your education first.
Put Thought Into Your Summary
The summary may be one of the smallest parts of the resume, but it’s not less important than all the other sections. You have to squeeze your career goals and most important qualifications and relevant accomplishments for the position you’re applying for into just a few short sentences. Make sure to take time to write this part well. The main rules of thumb for writing a compelling resume are as follows:
- Keep it concise. It’s best if the resume is just one or two pages at most. If necessary, you can also write an addendum to the resume that provides more detail and then bring it with you to the interview.
- Be specific. A general resume will get you nowhere fast. Include the skills and qualifications that are most relevant to the position you are targeting.
Cover Letters
Most resumes are accompanied by a cover letter. Think of the cover letter as the first shot you have at getting the employer to look at your resume. The point of a cover letter is to catch the attention of the employer. By highlighting your skills and training, you can persuade the employer to look deeper into your resume in order to see what else you have to offer.
Put time and effort into writing your resume. It may seem tedious to alter your resume every time you apply to a job. However, if it lands you the job you’ve been dreaming of, it’ll be worth the extra time spent.
Theresa Foster has a professional interest in the art of resume writing and how strong resumes can improve job search results, although she is not an expert. To get help writing a resume , she recommends you contact a resume service. You can find one of the most respected resume firms online at http://www.distinctiveweb.com
