What is a resume?

A resume is just one necessary marketing tool in an active or passive job search. Essentially, you must sell your talents and what you have to offer. The appearance of your resume can differentiate you from the 'possibly being hired' and the 'not having a chance to be hired at all' groups.

A resume may be your best chance at convincing a prospective employer that you are the one for the vacant position.

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Writing Strategies and Tips

1. Use postal abbreviations so the writer will not have to 'translate' when responding.
2. Something as simple as your phone number, should be written sensibly and consistently.
   (222) 551-1290 is best for resumes circulated in different area codes.
3. There are differing opinions to whether or not objective statement should be made. Yes, make it and keep it focused as to grip the reader?s attention. This is your first opportunity to sell yourself after a cover letter.
4. If you cannot make a concise objective, omit one entirely. If not done succinctly, it can be more harmful than helpful.
5. When stating duties and responsibilities under the experiences category, include personal achievements. Make the duties you performed special or unusual.
6. Employers are not impressed with 'gimmicks'. They want a solid presentation that brings attention to achievements related to professionalism.
7. Rather than simply listing achievements, present as brief, story-like re-enactments.
8. Group work experience, which is varied, in entries according to recognizable categories.
9. Make promotions stand out chronologically.
10. Summarize experiences and qualifications to prevent repetition in job descriptions.
11. To set yourself apart from the average student, boost up experiences related to the job and play down typical education information.
12. Be specific and concrete when giving examples of future contributions you may offer the new employer.
13. Be sure not to leave unexplainable gaps of unemployment in your resume.

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Resume Layout Tips

1. Use quality paper and use it correctly, the right side up.
2. Create a resume that reflects your personality.
3. Use paper that matches the profession or your personality.
4. Make margins uniform in width.
5. Be consistent in use of all spacing.
6. Think twice before underlining, using all uppercase letters, or monospaced type.
7. Use bolding and italics only for necessary emphasis.

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Resume Building Pointers

As seen on America?s Best Resumes, Inc.

How important is a resume to your job search?

Extremely important. It acts as a tool to secure interviews. Strategically planned resumes create interest, open doors, and influence the decision-making process in a positive way.

Do employers really read what is in a resume?

The impact of a resume must be immediate. Some say it must draw the reader's attention within 15 seconds; therefore, the selling points of the candidate must be expressed concisely and clearly stand out.

What are functional, chronological, and combination resume formats?

Chronological - Outlines the job history in a reverse chronological format.
Functional - Highlights generalized qualifications and accomplishments.
Combination - Combines general qualifications and reverse chronology of job history.

Which resume format is most effective?

It depends on the individual's job history. Some variables include length and continuity of employment with various companies, whether one possesses related experience, and whether a major job change such as toward a new industry is being considered.

Is it necessary to include an objective?

There are a variety of opinions on this point, but an objective can certainly be beneficial in narrowing the field of interest and outlining your goals more clearly.

Should your educational background appear at the top of the first page?

Only if you are a recent graduate, or have recently attained relevant training.

Why do some resumes utilize bullets?

This is to highlight important contributions. Remember quantify your successes in every way possible. The recurring responsibilities can be expressed in a paragraph format beneath the individual's company name and title.

Do you have to include employment dates? If so, should you reflect months and years?

Yes, however, months are not required, only preferred. Often times it is advantageous to use years and eliminate short times of employment, in order not to point out any gaps in your job history. Ideally dates are best presented in the right margin.

What other information should be included?

The following can be included: professional training experience, licensing information, professional designations, professional affiliations, community or volunteer involvement, computer/technical expertise, honors, awards, GPA's (if an A average), and language skills.

Should you use the word 'I' in the resume text?

Although first person is implied within the resume, the 'I' should not appear since it is universally assumed.

Should you use present or past tenses in a resume?

All current employment should be expressed in present tense, unless the duty or task has already been completed or accomplished. Previous positions should all be phrased in past tense.

Should you use the word "etc.", or the phrase "same as above"?

No. This is not an ideal way to express redundant thoughts.

Should you include your reason for leaving your recent employers?

No. This is better explained in the interview.

Should you include personal information i.e. height, weight, marital status?

Not usually. It is highly subjective information.

Should you send pictures/photographs?

No. This is an outdated practice within most fields.

Should you state willingness to relocate and/or to travel?

Yes, if relevant to industry.

Does a resume have to be typeset/laser printed?

Definitely. Most typesets are currently generated through laser printed computers and are easily accessible for a minimum cost.

How many pages should a resume be?

If your work experience is under ten years, one is preferred. If your experience exceeds ten years, a two page is acceptable. Most resumes in today's market do not exceed two pages, unless an addendum is added to reflect technical expertise or project listings.

Should you end the resume with References Available Upon Request?

Opinions vary on this point. It is still an acceptable means of ending your resume. It also notifies the reader that references are not enclosed.

What happens if you mail a resume with an error in it?

Your resume will probably be discarded, based on the lack of attention to detail. It sends a message that you are an unconscientious individual.

Is it imperative that you send a cover letter with a resume?

Yes, when mailing a resume.

What type of information goes into a cover letter? How important is it?

Very important. The cover letter is a great marketing opportunity. It utilizes a narrative style of writing which is potentially very persuasive and can discuss the ways you can impact their organization with your future contributions. Note: Keep all cover letters to one page. First person voice should be used and "I" is fine to use within the cover letter.

Should you personalize each individual cover letter?

Yes. This is ideal and extremely efficient with the use of computers.

Should you enclose a salary history when requested?

This is a personal choice. It is a risk if included, based on the subjective nature of this type of information.

What color and kind of paper is the most effective?

Neutral colored, high quality cotton papers are typical. It should have a professional and subtle appearance.

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Cover Letters

1. Cover letters reach the employer before the resume, so make it memorable!
2. Cover letters are another important marketing tool to selling yourself.
3. Personalize your cover letter.

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Other Resources

Books:

The Everything Get- A-Job Book. Graber, Steven. - Adams Media Corporation, Holbrook, MA. [2000]
Find a Federal Job Fast. Krannich, Ron and Caryl. - Impact Publications, Manassas Park, VA. [1999]
Gallery of Best Resumes. Noble, David F. - JIST Works Inc., Indianapolis, IN. [1994]
201 Killer Cover Letters. Paxton, Andrea and Podesta, Sandra. - McGrawl Hill Co., New York, NY. [1996]
Resumes That Knock ?Em Dead. Yate, Martin. - Adams Media Corporation, Holbrook, MA. [1998]
Insider's Guide to Finding a Job in Washington Maxwell, Bruce. - Congressional Quarterly. [1999]
Ready Aim Hired Coon, Fred.

Websites:

1. 1-2-3-Resumes ~ Resume samples of 150+ occupations for you to copy, as well as free resume writing tips and resume critiques.
2. JobStar: California Job Search Guide.
3. America's Best Resumes, Inc.
4. Career Magic CAREER-Magic.com (www.career-magic.com), founded in 1994, is an innovative, fast-growing provider of winning job search services to job seekers nationwide. Visit the "Ask the Career Coach" page for free advice and inspiration!
5. Executive Resume Writing Services We have complete confidence in our highly qualified consultants, and have consistently shown that we can give a significant career boost to executive job seekers. Learn more!
6. Gilbert Resumes a premier resume service, directed by the former president of the National Resume Writers' Association.
7. A Perfect Resume.com - Resume Writer Offering 100% Guaranteed Professional Resume Service!
8. Phoenix Executive Group Phoenix Executive Group has been in business since 1991and provides a complete range of outplacement services to literally thousands of individuals. Phoenix Executive Group offers online as well and personal career counseling.
9. Professional Resumes, Inc.
10. Rebecca Smith's eResumes & Resources
11. Recruiter Blaster
12. Resume Results
13. Resume templates Offers resume and cover letter templates to download, writing tips and an interview guide.
14. Resume (Text Linked) Publish your resume online and have your own web page. Offering resume writing tips and examples
15. Resumescorecard You and Resume Scorecard get better jobs.
16. Resume911 - Let an expert Federal resume writer make a complicated task easy.
17. Resume Directory - AllOfResume.com- This Resume Directory designed to help its users find the resume information, source, companies, products and services... It's your one-stop destination for anything you can think about resume.
18. Resume Help Resume-Help.org is designed to assist you with how to write a resume, distributing your resume to hiring managers, free resume writing tips, and numerous tools to get a job.
19. Resume Writing Central Find out how to write your resumes using the "center" of resume writing resources. Includes industry specific tips and some of the best career information around.
20. http://tips.sample-resume-writing.net/ - Sample resume writing tips and tricks designed to scientifically optimize your chances. Resume writing services also available.
21. Write Resumes Fast Discover the "secret" of writing a quality resume, FAST. You will learn how to create a whiz-bang resume, ready to impress your prospective employers.
22. http://www.militaryresumes.com/ a new online job board for military-only. We are in partnership with Bradley-Morris, Inc., the nation’s largest technical placement firm for military
23. createresumeonline.com website where i can create my resume and print it
24. WriteAResumeFree Title - How to write a resume template
    writearesumefree.com offers how to write a resume template
    

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