How to Write a Resume that Impresses

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By xtraordinary
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Write a Resume that Impresses

You don't have to have gone to a prestigious college or have held positions with powerful titles to make your resume impressive. There are things you can do to improve your resume dramatically that don't involve tons of time or effort. There are methods to having an impressive resume even if you don't have a degree, have never had a full-time job, or even dropped out of college.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Initially, you need to determine what type of job it is that you want to apply for. It is understandable that if you are out of work, you may be just applying for any job you can find, but to make your resume effective, you need to tailor your resume for each position that you are applying for.
Step 2

Next, the key method is to gain some experience in your desired field. But how do you do that when you are just trying to break into the field? You need to start volunteering - this is the key that is going to unlock the door.

Many organizations need volunteers in all areas. For example, a local historic society whose museums I enjoy had a call for volunteers, with opportunities including office work, landscape maintenance, working on exhibits, and even dressing up in period costume. Imagine the possibilities you could find if you looked into what help you could lend to local nonprofit organizations!
Step 3

What do you do if you don't think there are volunteer opportunities in your desired field? There are general volunteer opportunities out there that would look impressive on any resume. Working at a soup kitchen, volunteering at an elementary school, or building houses for Habitat for Humanity are just a few that would impress any hiring manager.
Step 4

Have you found a field to volunteer in that will help move you along the path to your future career? Consider an internship. Ask the organization that you are volunteering for if your position could turn into an internship, or once you gain some experience, seek intern opportunities elsewhere. The thing to remember here is that volunteer and internship experience looks nearly as impressive on your resume as actual job experience, because the Human Resources person or hiring manager knows that you have experience, and to top it all off, you did all this work for free!
Step 5

Once you've spent some time volunteering or interning (a minimum of six months or so), put it on your resume. If you amassed a huge amount of hours, don't be shy to put your actual hours with an organization down on your resume. If you don't have a lot of hours or are a current volunteer, it is acceptable to just write "volunteer" or "current volunteer" down. Note this experience just as you would a normal job you have held in the past - write the name of the organization, to and from dates that you spend time with them, and what your duties were.
Step 6

Finally, be aware of any opportunities that you encounter as you do your volunteering or internship. Always put your very best forward, and perhaps the nonprofit or other organization you are lending your time to will select you for their next paid position!