Writing a Basic ResumeThis guide will take you step by step through the process of writing your resume. Have additional sheets of paper ready to write each step as you go along or begin entry right on to your word processor.Step 1: Identifying Information Enter your name, address, and home phone number. Enter a work phone number if you have one and wish to have it appear on the resume. Your name should appear on your resume in bold and one font size larger than the rest of the resume - 14 point is suggested. Step 2: Job Objective If you have a specific job objective, you may want to state the objective on your resume. Some employers (particularly those in business) prefer to see an objective on a resume. Often, however, liberal arts majors have broad employment objectives. Stating a specific objective could limit the range of positions you want to consider. If this is the case, omit the objective and discuss your employment goal in your cover letter. It is important to do a self assessment. In order to "sell" yourself you must first learn about yourself, know your strengths and skill areas, and be able to articulate these to an employer. You may want to write a summary of your abilities and strengths. Step 3: Education First, state your most recent education at the college level: degree, major, school, year degree will be awarded. Include your GPA if 3.0 or better.
Step 4: Experience How can you describe what you have done? First, list all your jobs, internships, volunteer work, and other experiences on paper. On the list include:
Use "action verbs" (see Action Words list) to describe your experience. Do not write using the personal (i.e. "I did . . ") and avoid using cliches. This long list of experiences will become your "experience bank". The second step in writing the experience section is to decide on the general area of your job search. Target one or two related areas of employment. Now select material from your "experience bank" that will back up your qualifications for the type of position you are seeking. If you do not have related experience, then select experiences which illustrate some of the qualities essential to success in that field. This might include campus activities, summer jobs, part-time work, and volunteer activities which have allowed you to develop a variety of skills and qualities that are transferable to a professional position. List your most recent or current job first. List all other jobs you have held in reverse chronological order.
Step 5: Additional Information or Activities Some of your experiences may fall into this category. In this section it is appropriate (and space saving) to just list relevant activities and other information. Include your role or title, the name of the activity or organization, and dates of involvement.
Step 6: Other Possible Categories Other categories which may be appropriate to include on your resume will depend on your experience. These could include:
Step 7: References Usually references will be requested after a resume is submitted. List your references on a separate page. First, head the page with "REFERENCES." Next, list your name, address, and phone number. Then list three to four references. Be sure to include each individual's name, job title, employer, address and phone. Use the same font and paper type as you did for your resume. |
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