How to Write a Traditional Resume
Resumes are vital tools in looking for a job. A resume is a one- to two-page description of yourself that potential employers use in order to determine whether you should be called for an interview. Resumes should contain only relevant information regarding your experience and education that illustrate how you are qualified for the job to which you are applying. A well-written resume is crucial to obtaining a job, and with a little planning, you can write a great resume.
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Instructions
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Design a header that contains your contact information. Your contact information, which includes your name, is one of the most important pieces of information in the resume, and you want to make sure potential employers see it easily. Use a slightly larger font for your name than the rest of the type on your resume, but try not to exceed a 26-point font or it may look unprofessional.
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Create an objective or goal to convey your business attitude. The objective or goal should state what you would like to achieve in a job or what type of job you prefer. Try to create an objective or goal that suits the needs of the job to which you are applying and that will help you set the tone for the rest of your resume. Place the objective or goal at the top of your resume, just below your contact information. In some cases, for certain positions, such as attorneys and physicians, an objective or goal may not be necessary on the resume, but it should still be considered in tailoring your resume.
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Create a chronological list of prior work experience beginning with your most recent position. List the name of your previous employer, along with the city and state where it is located. Use bullet-points with active sentences to describe your prior duties. List only duties that are relevant and can demonstrate how your skill set would be a benefit in the position you are seeking. Begin each sentence with an active verb, such as: "drafted," "consulted," "managed" or "initiated." Further, use specific data that emphasizes success in your prior job performance. Try to limit highlights and descriptions to four or five bullet points from each place of prior employment. This section should follow your objective or goal on the resume.
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Draft a chronological list of your educational experience beginning with your most recent degree. List the name of each school, along with the city and state where the school is located. Use bullet-point lists to highlight your grade point average, class rank, clubs or organizations, and any honors you received while attending the school. This section should follow your prior job history.
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List your references at the end of your resume. Many employers would like to have a list of references to contract regarding your character and work ethic. Include the names, occupations and contact information for each reference. Before you add them to your resume, however, your should contact each person and ask for their permission to use them as a reference.
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