How to Write A Good Basic Resume

A resume is often the first step you take in presenting you, and your abilities, to any prospective employer. If you wish to apply for unadvertised jobs you will need to present a resume along with a cover letter. It is also wise to attach your resume to completed applications, as well as to take one along to job interviews. The following information will help the inexperienced job-seeker to write an effective resume and hopefully gain employment.

Instructions

1. Any resume must be well presented, accurate, concise, relatively brief, and must be presented free of spelling and grammatical errors. Resumes today are virtually all computer generated. If you are not computer literate, enlist the help of a friend, or if necessary, pay to have your resume written.

2. A resume starts with a HEADING, which consists of your
   FULL NAME
   ADDRESS
   PHONE NUMBER and
   EMAIL ADDRESS. Always write your name in eye-catching capitals or bold print. Leave a few blank lines between the different parts of your resume.

3. The next part of your resume will state your aims. Depending on your age or the level of education you have reached, this may state your eventual career target. Make sure this relates in some way to the job you are seeking. If you have not decided on a final career, you can simply say that you hope to gain experience in a certain area, sales, child care, etc.

4. Next comes EDUCATION. Give the most recent year of education completed. Also mention any courses that you have completed, outside school, that may relate to the job for which you are applying.

5. Now comes EXPERIENCE. List any jobs you have held and the duties involved. Even if you have not held a paying job, you have done some type of 'work'. You may have done volunteer work, babysat for family, taken on the yard work around your home, or helped out at your local church. If you served on school committees, helped to organized functions or belonged to any clubs and organizations, where you could have served as a leader, this qualifies as experience. Do be concise though and make it job relevant.

6. Include SPECIAL ABILITIES. These may include speaking a second language, having a driver's license, typing speed and relevant hobbies. Your resume should be no longer than one well-spaced page.

7. Have in your mind, but do not include in the actual resume, two or three PERSONAL REFERENCES. These are people who can attest to your good character as well as suitability for the job.

8. With your resume, you will include a COVER LETTER. This must be directed to a specific person. If you do not know who is in charge of hiring, phone and inquire. You will start with the same heading as you did your resume. The cover letter should say what position you are interested in, and show interest and enthusiasm about possible employment. Your letter should be brief and attention getting. You will state that you are interested in the possibility of employment. If you have filled out an application, always follow up one week later and inquire concerning the status of your application.

9. For more information on resume writing, as well as samples of well-written resumes, go to your public library or use the internet. Always keep a copy of your resume so you can change it or add new information as you move up the job ladder. Good Luck!