How to Write a Resume

What is a resume?

A resume is a 1 to 2-page summary of your work experience, training and work-related background. It lays out your strengths, skills and experience in a way designed to get you an interview. Remember -- the resume only helps open the door; it's the interview that lands you the job.

The resume should be as brief and concise as possible, with lots of white space separating short statements with very few excess words. It is not a job description.  It does not list everything you have done or can do -- it carefully selects the most recent, the most important and the most relevant strengths that will help you get the next job. You don't want to rewrite your resume for every different type of job you're considering -- write one good resume and then customize a well-written cover letter that targets the company (do your homework first!) and the specific job you are seeking.

- Do not include references --provide them separately when they are asked for.

- Do not include an objective statement (they are either too specific and select you OUT,

or they’re too general and sound phony). Use a targeted cover letter instead.

- Do include a summary statement that tells them who you are, what your skills are and                 how you will be an asset to their company.

- Don't state "references will be provided on request" --Of course they will, so why say so?

What do I do first?

The first thing you need to do is to take stock of your work experience, strengths and interests. Do a complete self-assessment and evaluation. Now decide where you want to go, what your career goals are.  Then identify the experiences, strengths and specific accomplishments that will help you get there.

Define your most significant work accomplishments. What are you most proud of?  What did you most enjoy doing? When did you show the most initiative, creativity, good work?  What would you most like an interviewer to ask you about?

How do I build the resume?

Now you're ready to proceed. Study the sample attached to this email.  Notice the structure and content, the white space, the short statements, the way the resume is organized. This resume stresses the most recent jobs and combines some early jobs into a single statement. It leaves out personal information not related to future job performance, but includes community service and leadership that indicate strengths related to possible work effectiveness.

Start in Professional History.  List the title of each position you have held.  Write a short (3-4 sentence) responsibility statement for each position.  Follow that with bullet points that define accomplishments you achieved in that position.  (See Accomplishments attachment.)  Note:  Accomplishments should close with a result…cost or time savings, sales increases, ease of new process, etc.  Make it as quantifiable as possible.

When you have completed your first draft of the Professional History, write a Summary Statement (see Summary Statement attachment).  The Summary Statement should be 3-5 sentences, which contain these sections:  1.  Who you are; 2) What your skills/ experiences are; 3) How you and your skills/experiences can be of benefit to the employer.

Remember, developing your resume is a collaborative effort with me, your consultant.  After you have completed your first draft, forward it to me and we will polish and hone it so that it shows you, your experience and skills in the best possible light.