How to Write a Job Winning Resume
Easy instructions on the fundamentals of resume writing using a modular format. Put together modules of information for several types of resumes.
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Instructions
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There are generally four types of resumes commonly used: chronological, functional, combination, and targeted. Decide on which type you wish to use or better still, write one of each at least in draft form. Chronological is best if you are applying for jobs that are very similar to your recent and intermediate experience. Functional is best is you are changing careers, have been out of work for some time or have gaps in your employment. Combination offers the best of both, and may employers want to see a chronological work history. Targeted takes the most time but can be the most effective since it keys in on a specific job at a specific company.
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Go online and find samples and templates for each of these formats. You can also find templates that come with the word processing programs we commonly use on personal computers. Hiring managers like to get resumes that are easy to flow through, and these templates are set up to do just that. By using a common format, it might help you get through the first round of resume filtering. Use the templates to put together your resumes.
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Make two matrices either by hand or on your computer using a word processing table. List all of the jobs you had on one side of each matrix. On the other side of one list all of the skills that you used in various jobs. Indicate with a notation, an X, which skills you used in which job. Do the same for a list of accomplishments but quantify each accomplishment in the particular table box. So you might have something like increased sales by 25% in the first year. List all of the generic information for each job, when you were there, where it was, etc.
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For your new position, write your goal or objective out. What kind of job you might want? With the information from your skills matrix, write out a summary of your skills. You will use both of this information in most, if not all, of your resumes. These are your "features" like the features of a product. You will convert these features into benefits for a potential employer in your cover letter.
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Write out the generic information that goes with each resume: name, address, phone number, email address, etc. Document your education and any awards, achievements, or continuing education that you may have.
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You now have sets of information that you can use to put together your resumes. Each of these modules can be configured and reconfigured for each type of resume. Remember in writing resumes or almost any type of marketing writing, use action verbs and avoid the passive tense.
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You will not get hired if you have spelling mistakes. Make sure your read and reread each resume, have your friends and family do the same for you. Spell check it several times to catch words that are spelling correctly but are wrong in context. Don't make this job search ending mistake of misspelling words on a resume. Make small changes to each version for specific jobs for which you apply. Keep these on our computer so it is easy to do so. Remember that your resume is half of your marketing tool, a list of your features as a potential employee. You must translate those into a benefit for your employer to get hired.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by bright meadow
