How to Write a Resume

Writing a resume and keeping it current are so important for getting a job. Resumes may be more important than interviews because the resume is the first impression a potential employer gets of you. It's what decides if you get the interview, let alone the the job. Resume writing can seem daunting but it doesn't have to be. Read on to find out how to put together a professional, honest, and informative resume.

Instructions

1. Put your personal contact information at the very top of your resume in an easy-to-read font. Avoid any type of script fonts. You may want to put your name in bold so it stands out. Don't forget your home and cell phone number. It's also a good idea to include your email address and mailing address. If you're applying for a position such as a writer, web designer or news reporter put examples of your work online and include the website on your resume.

2. Resumes should list relevant work experience starting with the most recent. Each description should include the job title, the name of the company (you can include city and state if it's not obvious) and your years of employment. List as many RELEVANT positions as will fit on one page.

3. Each position listed on your resume should include a short (4 or 5) bullet point list of your job description and responsibilities. If you were a news reporter you could include -generated story ideas, -conducted in depth and informative interviews, -worked as a team with a producer and photographer, -created interesting story scripts on a strict deadline. Try to be as descriptive but concise as possible. If you need some suggestions on descriptive words look at the job description that you're applying for and see if you can incorporate any of those words.

4. Only list internships on a professional resume if the experience is extremely relevant or if you're applying for your first or second job out of college. It's usually not a good idea to list an internship if it's going to bump a paid job you held off your one page resume.

5. Getting a job isn't just about your current job title, it's about job skills you've acquired. So your resume layout should include a skills section. If there are certain software programs or industry-specific equipment (camera for a reporter, back hoe for a construction worker, photoshop for a graphic designer, html for a web designer) that you're experienced with make sure you include it in a "skills" section.

6. Include your educational background. On a single line write the name of college or high school you attended, (leave off hs if you have a college degree) the school's location, the degree you received and in what field, and the year you graduated. If you graduated with honors you can include that, ie Magna Cum Laude.

7. If you have room you can include an "awards" section at the bottom of the resume. These are awards that are relevant to your field. If you received recognition from an industry wide organization, if your research was published or mentioned in an article or if you were named "employee of the year" why not pump yourself up and include it?

8. Resumes should be kept to a single page. No matter what you have to do, do not let your resume exceed one page. Reduce the font to 9 or 10 as long as it's still easy to read. Change the font. Some fonts use smaller letters that take up less space. Reduce the right and left margins to half an inch. Reduce the header and footer so there's not as much blank space at the top and bottom of the page.

9. Proofread your resume at least three times to make sure you have no grammatical errors, stray or missing words or formatting mistakes.

10. Post your resume on industry websites and job boards such as monster.com and mail, email or fax it to relevant employers that have open positions.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your resume easy to read and clutter free. You can expand on positions you've held or other relevant experience in your cover letter. The resume should be a snapshot of your relevant job experience.

• Never lie or exaggerate the truth on your resume. This is grounds for termination and a bad reputation!