How to Make a Good Resume

Crafting a good resume involves more than a list of accomplishments.

When all you have is a synopsis to set you apart from a sea of applicants, you have to make sure your information stands out. Good resumes are part technical information and part personality, but many people fail to incorporate the latter aspect and end up submitting a lackluster impression. Knowing how to catch an employer's eye makes all the difference between getting that pivotal first interview and being passed over.

Instructions

1. Tailor your resume to each job you apply for. Look for keywords in the job posting and use them. Your retail experience is not relevant when applying for a computer job unless both positions share similar duties such as supervisory.

2. List all schools, attendance dates and degrees or honors in chronological order. Include workshops, seminars, certificates and continuing educational programs.

3. Determine which primary skills are required for the position and succinctly demonstrate how you have used and improved upon these skills in previous jobs. If you are applying for a law enforcement position and have experience in animal control, be sure to include that in your resume since that may fall under police responsibility.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a commonly accepted typeface like Times New Roman or Arial.

References

• Cleveland State University; How to Write a Good Resume; Robert Half; 2003
• National Security Personnel System; Job Description Worksheet; 2011

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• International Graduate; How to Write a Good Resume or CV; 2011
• Rockport Institute; How to Write a Masterpiece of a Resume - Part I; 2010