Resumes

How To Create A ResumeProducts Relating to 'How To Create A Resume'

Resume writing guide --- how to create a resume

A resume is a summary of your experiences in education and work.

Employers match your resume against their job openings to discover if you are a suitable candidate .

As such, creating a resume is important in presenting a good representation of yourself. The ultimate aim is to get a prospective employer to offer you an interview.

How to create a resume that succeeds in its aim is an important skill.

Whilst some employers will read and vet resumes they receive, many of the larger organisations now use electronic resume or applicant tracking systems.

These firms require what is called a 'scannable' resume.

Your resume is scanned onto a computer, then along with the other resumes received it is searched for key words set by the employer, just like you would do a search in a search engine.

When deciding to create a resume that is scannable, it is best to avoid graphics, effects, italics and fancy fonts . The font size of your lettering depends on the font you choose to use . For example, 'Ariel' font at 10points will suffice but might be too small if used with 'Times New Roman' when 12point would be better .

If you use vertical lines to separate sections of your resume , make sure there is a gap of at least a line between your areas of text . It is also advisable to avoid underlining .

If you list your resume with 'bullet' points, use a solid bullet , not a hollow one. Otherwise the electronic search might think your bullet is a letter .

In deciding to create a resume , you might feel that creating a scannable format will not allow you to show off your design skills if the job you are applying for is design based . If that is the case, send two resumes, one scannable and the other embellished. Failing that hand in your 'fancy' resume when you go for an interview.

how to create a Resume

It's vital to have no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors .

Proof read your resume several times and then get someone else to do it as well. Don't just rely on a computer spell check program.

A sloppy resume will be discarded by a prospective employer .

Start your resume with a short summary that highlights two or three of your best accomplishments , and evidence these accomplishments rather than writing just a bland statement .

Your first section should be either your education and qualifications, or your work experience . The order depends on which you think is most important for the employer you are applying to .

List your work experience , in reverse chronological order , starting with your most recent position. Include your full-time or part-time work, summer jobs, occasional jobs, voluntary work, field work, and special projects.

Detail your education and qualifications, again in reverse chronological order . Give the title of your degree, diploma or certificate and then the name and location of the educational institution that awarded it. Include professional training, relevant workshops and training received on the job.

Also include a section on your affiliations and interests . Mention your membership of professional or volunteer organizations. List a brief range of your interests to help the employer see you as a well-rounded person, especially if those interests lean towards the type of organisation you are applying to.

How to create a resume is a very important skill in getting where you want to be in your future. As such , it is worth time , effort and investment to get it right .

There are many books available to show you how to create a resume and several on-line sites that provide information not only on creating a resume but provide a formatted resume form for you to fill in .

How to Create a Resume

Article Published: Saturday 27th January 2007