How to Build the Perfect Resume

Building a good resume will help you get your foot in the door, if you want to land that dream job.
It's your opportunity to make a good first impression with the hiring manager. Taking the time to think out content, style, and format can improve your odds of getting that first interview. Employers filter through resume to find the best possible applicants for positions that they have advertised.
If you take the time to lay out your objective, skills and past experiences, you increase your chances of getting hired.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Laptop
• List of job experiences, skills, background, and awards

Building an eye-catching resume

1. Choose a format and font that makes it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to
   read your resume.

2. Create a skeleton resume including all contact information, skills, education, objective,
   list of jobs/experiences, and awards.

3. Take a good look at the job you are applying for. Write out a specific objective
   that pertains to that position.

4. Check out the job description again. It's important to use key buzz words when listing skills and jobs. Write down these keywords and use them when outlining both your skills and job history.

5. Compile a list of all of your previous jobs/experiences in reverse chronological order, including dates worked. Make sure to use action verbs when listing job history. It helps to make it an easier read for potential employers.

6. Finish filling in your skeleton resume starting with contact information including address, e-mail, and phone number. List all skills that relate to the job, along with education and objective.
   Write out jobs and experiences including all titles, positions, description, and dates worked. Finish with listing awards received.

7. Check over resume for spelling errors using spell check. If your resume turns out to be longer
   than one page, try to shorten it.

8. Hand out your resume to a few friends or have a proofreader take a look.
   It's always a good idea for a second pair of eyes to review your written work.
   They can catch errors or make suggestions for improvements.

9. Write out a cover letter giving a brief summary of key positions held and why you would
   make a good fit with the position advertised. Brush up on interview skills, thinking up possible
   questions, if you are called in. Research salary range.

References

• CareerBuilder.com
• University of Vermont
• University of California, Berkeley