How to Refine Your Resume Layout

Updating and refining your resume layout can be crucial in your search for a job (or a new job). In the competitive job market of today, a solid refinement of your resume layout can make the difference on who gets or doesn't get an interview.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Basic understanding of a word processor

Instructions

1. The first thing you need to know when creating or refining your resume layout is the basic format of your resume layout. You will want to keep your resume layout to one page in length with multiple categories.

   Note: It is important to keep each section short and to the point. Be sure to update your resume layout frequently when job tasks are fresh in your mind

2. Objective:

   After you think about the general resume layout, it is now time to write the objective. You will want this to be one sentance that is short and to the point. You are letting your employer know exactly what you are looking for. BE PRECISE

3. Experience:

   Probably the most important section of your refined resume layout should include all job experience that relates to your field of work. It is important to list tasks that you completed as well as what you learned from them.

   For Example: "Developed organizational skills by working as a project manager"

4. Education:

   If you are still young, it is important to have a solid "Education" section when you refine your resume layout. You will want to list all degrees that you earned as well as any special awards or scholarships that you received.

5. Special Skills:

   In addition to the other sections when you create and refine your resume layout, you will want a section that lists special skills that you have. Here you can list all computer programs that you know as well as anything else that may be relevant to your field of work.

6. References:

   At the end of your resume layout, you will want to have a section that either lists your references or says "References Available Upon Request". You should not completely ignore this section of your refined resume layout but you don't need to spend too much time on it.

7. After you create each section for your resume layout, it is extremely important to go through it a few times to refine any issues on your resume layout.

   - Is every section of your resume layout clear and to the point?
   - Does your resume layout explain who you are as a professional?
   - Is your resume layout easy to read and follow?

8. After you personally go through and refine your resume layout, show it to a few other people and have them give you their opinion. If they have a hard time following your resume layout, then you can be sure that your potential employer will too. Remember, employers do not take a long time to look at resumes, so a short and to the point resume layout is essential to success.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep things short and simple

• Refine and review your resume layout multiple times