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original material
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http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/ecep/resume
1. Gathering Information
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In order to write an effective resume, you need to understand why you are writing one. In general, if you are applying for a specific job, you need to tailor your resume to meet the requirements of the position. So, grab the job description! It contains valuable information for you to use in your resume. If you are trying to write an initial resume without a specific job in mind, think about the type of job you want and what will be important skills or experiences you need to include.
Create a mega-data file. Make a list of all items that could be important to your resume. Gather information or write notes about previous work experiences, job descriptions, performance reviews, previous resumes, transcripts from educational programs, papers you have written, presentations you have delivered, volunteer programs, certifications, licenses, curriculum you created, awards, honors...whatever you feel is relevant to your work. If in doubt, include it. We tend to forget the things we have done, so think of things that will help you remember. If you are just out of school, you might want to think about extracurricular experiences, volunteer work, internships, etc. Hint: This mega-file is an important step in managing your career. Continue to add to it as you take on new jobs, attend classes, etc. This will make it much easier in the future!
2. Deciding What to Include
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This may vary from job to job, so keep your mega-data file accessible. In order to clarify what is relevant to a particular job, ask yourself the following questions:
What do I do best?
What skills have I developed?
What work experience have I found satisfying?
If I am looking at a specific job description, what skills and experiences are identified?
What is important about my education? (This usually includes degrees and perhaps specific courses.)
Are there unique experiences or talents I want to share?
Take time to answer these questions thoughtfully. Doing so will make the task of creating a resume easier. Then organize your materials to answer these questions. There may be some overlap, and that's okay.
3. Choosing a Format
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Deciding What Format to Use
There are two basic formats that are found when writing a resume: a skills-based resume and a reverse chronological resume. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes certain characteristics of each are combined to create a combination resume. Depending on the job for which you are applying, you may choose one format or the other. It is good to try both styles to see which one presents the most powerful image. The following chart can serve as a guideline for which may be the best one for you.
Reverse Chronological
Skills-based
Combination
What it is
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Reverse Chronological : Begin with your most recent positioin and work backwards, typically focusing on the last 10 - 15 years of experience
Skills-based : Summarizes your professional skills and minimizes your work history
Combination : Utilizes the best of the reverse chronological and skills-based styles
When to use it
*************
Reverse Chronological :
•When seeking a position in the same field
•Your career path has shown steady progress and increasing responsibilities
•You can demonstrate measurable results from your work
•You've held impressive job titles and/or have worked for big-name employers
•Your work history has no gaps
Skills-based :
•You are changing careers and utilizing your transferable skills
•You have been employed by the same company for a long time
•You have held several jobs that are dissimilar OR very similar in nature
•You are a new graduate with limited work history, but DO have relevant coursework or training
•Your work history contains gaps in employment
Combination :
•Each position you have had involved a different job
•You want to highlight internships or volunteer positions that are related to your field of interest
•Significant skills are highlighted and supported by your employment history
Cautions
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Reverse Chronological :
•Calls attention to employment gaps
•Skills may be difficult to spot if they are buried in job descriptions
Skills-based :
•Employers are used to viewing reverse chronological resumes. Be clear about why this is the best format for you!
•May be more difficult to write
Combination :
•Be sure your format supports your objective and is arranged in a logical, easy-to-follow manner
4. Sections of a Resume
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All resumes typically contain sections that highlight education and work experience. Often a profile or summary of qualifications section is used to provide the reader with an overview of your competencies. Also, many people find it helpful to begin a resume with an objective so that the reader has a reference point by which to understand your strengths and experience. Additionally, some people include a section to highlight community or professional involvement, and presentations or publications. Tailor your resume to bring out your strengths!
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Contact Information
Objectives
Profile or Summary of Qualifications
Education
Employment
Skills
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To review, resumes generally follow either a skills-based or a reverse chronological format. The sections that are often included are:
Contact information
A Profile or Summary of Qualifications
Education
Skills (if a skills-based format is used)
Work Experience (two basic layouts, depending if you are using a skills-based or reverse chronological format)
Optional sections include:
An Objective
*Technical Skills/Programming
Community Involvement
Professional involvement
Awards
*Publications/Presentations
*If these sections are extensive, you may want to create a supplement page to your resume
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Length of a Resume
Resumes are typically one or two pages in length. If you are in the initial stages of writing your resume, don't be too concerned about the length. It will be important for you to review your resume, edit unnecessary information, and ask others to critique it.
5. Write a Resume Draft!
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Now that you know the sections to include in a resume, it's your turn to put it all together.
First, decide what your objective is in writing a resume. Identify the type of job you want (try to be specific) and then choose the style of resume you will first write, either the reverse chronological, skills-based, or combination resume.
Next, think about the sections you plan to include in your resume. Make a list and then outline what you will include under each section. If you have job descriptions, transcripts, awards, etc. available, organize them into the sections you are using.
Begin by writing the easiest section! Many people begin with the Contact Information and then the Education section. These two are relatively easy to write. Under education, look for classes, projects, or major papers that relate to the job you are targeting. Include these under the degree you earned. If you have additional certifications or training, be sure to include them.
Continue writing section by section until you have a rough draft.
6. Critique Your Resume
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Evaluate the Content
Does the resume present your strengths upfront? Does the order of information make sense? Are keywords from the job description included in the resume? Have you quantified your accomplishments to give the reader a sense of the magnitude of your responsibilities? Does the information feel complete and present a clear picture of what you have to offer? Besides reading it yourself, ask two or three trusted colleagues or friends to critique it.
Use Power Words and Action Verbs
Make every word work for you! By using Power Words and Action Verbs in your resume, you create a sense of enthusiasm and a "can do" attitude. When critiquing your resume, see if you get this sense. If not, how can you improve it? See the list of Power Words to assist you in creating effective descriptions.
Is Your Resume Focused?
Whether or not you have used an objective, your resume needs to be targeted towards supporting your reason for writing a resume. Is there information that is redundant, out of place, or irrelevant? Sometimes we are particularly proud of an achievement, but if we look at it objectively, it doesn't relate to what we are trying to do. Let go of the emotional ties and only include acheivements that are relevant.
Does the Format Highlight Your Strengths?
Is a reverse chronological format better for you than a skills-based resume? Sometimes you may use a combination of both. Are there sections you could add to strengthen your resume?
Where Are There Gaps in My Resume?
If a job description is available, compare the requirements and duties to what you have highlighted in your resume. What is missing? Do not assume that the reader of the resume will assume anything. If you can document what they are requiring, do so. For example, if they ask for experience with Microsoft Excel, do not state "experience with various office software packages." Make it easy for the reader to see you are qualified.
Length of Resume
If your resume feels too long, keep in mind that the average employer spends about 35-40 seconds scanning a resume. It is important to eliminate any extraneous words that could distract a reader. A good exercise is to review your resume and circle the 5 points you think are the most likely to help you land the job you want. Now look at the parts of the resume you haven't circled. Is there anything you could omit or shorten?
If your resume is too short, you may not be giving yourself enough credit for the experiences and training you have had. Review the materials you gathered for the "mega-approach." What else could support your targeted resume? Ask yourself, "How did I improve the various places I have worked?" If you have job performance reviews and job descriptions available from previous positions, look through them to remind yourself of your accomplishments. If your work experience is limited, consider emphasizing your coursework, activities or volunteer experiences that demonstrate skills such as teamwork, punctuality, accuracy or leadership.
Are the headings used for specific sections appropriate?
Just because someone else has used the heading title "Work History" on his or her resume doesn't mean that it is the best title for you to use. Perhaps "Professional Experience" or "Relevant Experience" is more descriptive of your experiences. Section headings do stand out in the reader's mind, so make them work for you.
References
The current trend in resumes is to leave off the phrase "References available upon request." This is assumed to be true, so there is no need to include it. (For reference information, see our suggestions listed under "References.")
* Tips for Effective Resumes
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Include your name on each page of your resume. That way, if it gets separated, the reader knows what belongs to you!
Whenever possible, locate the most important information on the left side of the page or near the top. For example, dates of employment are not as critical as where you worked or what you did. Draw the reader's attention to relevant information.
Use White Space
Resumes that appear too dense with copy may seem too difficult to read. By creating "white space" the reader is more comfortable and it conveys a sense of calm and organization. Look at your resume upside down and from a distance. See what your initial reaction is to the layout and revise it if necessary.
Pay Attention to Font
Typically resumes are written with 10 - 12 pt font size. Section headers may be bolded or the point size of the font may be increased. Select fonts that are easy to read and that are not too condensed. Try different fonts to see which ones are best for you. Times New Roman, Arial, Helvetica, and Garamond are fonts used in many resumes.
Bolding and italics can be used sparingly in resumes. Too much can be overkill. Emphasize words or section headings to help guide the reader's eye to notice your qualifications. Try reading it without any bolding or italics and identify what needs to be emphasized.
Proofread!
Grammatical errors and spelling mistakes have no place in a resume. Do not rely on "Spell Check" to catch them. Proofread your resume several times and show it to others to check. Also, be sure to double-check your phone number(s) and e-mail address(es) for accuracy. If an employer tries to contact you and gets a wrong number, chances are he or she will move on to another candidate.
Graphics
Only include graphics if they enhance your resume. A simple line can separate sections without blocking the flow in a resume. Don't get too cute and discourage the employer from considering you.
Keywords
Keywords are an essential component of writing a successful resume and conducting a successful job search. Read more about keywords.
References
Provide references only when they are requested. Be prepared with a list of references that will support your candidacy. A good reference will be able to talk about your work experiences and skills. Be sure to get their permission to be included on your list and ask them whether they will be positive. Be sure to let them know what you’ve applied for when you use their name so that they can be helpful and not surprised when contacted.
Critique Your Resume
Click here for a handy chart to help you critique your resume.
Scannable Resumes and Electronic Resumes
Many organizations electronically scan resumes to enter them into their databases. Because of this, you may need a special version of your resume that is tailored to be an electronic version. Just as with a hardcopy of your resume, you want this resume to arrive safely to the employer. By following these suggestions, your resume will contain the same content but the formatting will be simpler and not as eye-catching.
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