Senin, 02 Agustus 2010

How to write a resume that lands you the job!

A resume can be defined as a "chronicled account of your academic and employment history" that is of interest to potential employers. Since your resume is your initial contact with any employer, it can either make you or break you. You need to present a good impression in order to get the best chance at the job!

The first step in writing an effective resume is to make a rough draft of it. You'll need to first write down your personal information. This information will include your full name, home address, phone number with area code, cell phone number, (if applicable), and email address. This information will be included in the heading of your resume.

The second step is to write down your employment objective. Your "employment objective" states what type of position you are looking for. It also lists some of your talents. You may choose to write is as simply as, "Human Resources Manager" or "Entry Level Data Operator." However, these examples don't give the potential employer much information. It would be better to make your objective more detailed. A good example would be, "Seeking a position as a Human Resource Manager in a growing organization where my excellent supervisory skills can be utilized."

The third step is to make a list of every job that you have had that pertains to the position you are applying for. Mark down the employer's name, street address, phone number, the name of your supervisor, and a description of your duties. Use descriptive words when you describe your duties and talents. Instead of saying, "my organizing skills", say, "my efficient organizing skills", for example.

You'll also need to include awards, achievements, and accomplishments for each job. And, don't forget to mention any professional memberships you have that run parallel with the job you're applying for.

The fourth step is to mark down your education. This would include high school graduation, business colleges, technical schools, universities, et cetera. You don't need to include any education that doesn't pertain to the current position you're after.

The fifth step is to make a list of all of your skills, talents, and professional strengths. These could include organizational skills, supervisory skills, et cetera. This section is very important, so, leave no stone unturned! Can you program a computer? Are you efficient at certain computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, or Corel's Quattro? Are you good at negotiating? Selling? Writing up proposals? Think of all of the skills that you possess and mark them down. Remember to use descriptive words to describe them too!

This section will be listed as "Professional Skills" on your resume. It will come before your employment history and your education.

The sixth step is to make a list of references and reference letters that you have. Before you use a person's name as a reference, you should check with them to make sure it's okay to do so. If you're at a loss for names, why not ask your minister, friends, and neighbors? If contacted by your prospective employer, these people will need to tell him or her about your character.

Ideally, a resume should be no more than two pages long. So, if you can fit a list of three names and their contact information, (street address and phone number) in your resume, that's fine. If not, then place this important section on your account. But, instead of making a list, simply write, "References Available Upon Request" beside the heading.

Finally, you'll need to proofread the information you have collected. Make sure the sentences aren't too long. Make sure that your resume is not too wordy. Be as descriptive as possible! Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors too.

Your header comes first, then your employment objective, skills, employment history, education, and references. But, if you have more education than employment history, emphasize that by placing it first. On the other hand, if you have had more jobs than class room learning, then emphasize your employment by placing it first.

Print your resume out on professional looking white paper. Stay away from flowered paper, smiley faces, and other "cutesy" tricks that will make you look like an amateur! Good Luck!


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