How to do a resume

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

A resume is often the first impression that employers have of you. If done well, a resume can become a ticket to your next job. To understand how to do a resume, read through the following guidelines. They will help you create a resume that reflects your strengths and catches your future employer’s attention.

Gather the Basics To do a resume, start by making a list of the information to include. Write down your employment experience. Jot down your education, beginning with the latest degree or certificate that you received. Add any personal information, such as hobbies and interests, which you want to include. Be sure to add an e-mail address and phone number where you can be easily reached.

While gathering this information, think about what you have that sets you apart from the rest. Include anything that might be relevant to a particular job, such as a travel experience or volunteer work. Whatever you do, make sure to never lie on your resume. Portray yourself honestly and continue to do so once you get the job.

Do not include unnecessary personal information, such as how many siblings you have, whether or not you have children, marital status, etc. Laws exist to protect your personal information and not let it be a hindrance to your employment status.

Arrange the Information Once you have gathered the information needed, you’re ready to assemble the resume. Start by listing your contact information. What you put next will depend on your strengths. If you have years of experience in a field related to the one you are applying for, include that information next. Do you have a lot of education but little work history? List your degrees and awards first; then follow with your work history.

You may want to search the web to view sample resumes. You can use a template to arrange the information. However, be sure to organize your resume in a way that suits you and looks professional. This way it will grab the employer’s attention and make your resume stand out.

~Tips on Format Remember to keep the resume looking professional. Avoid fancy fonts on pink paper. Use bullet lists to organize information. Try to limit the resume to one or two pages so your future boss can quickly scan the information. If you have any questions about how to do a resume that looks professional, there are books available in the business section of most bookstores that suggest resume formats for a variety of career fields.

The language you use on a resume is very important. Focus on including upbeat, positive information. Use active verbs and keep any sentences brief. Avoid using “I” whenever possible. All of these will help keep the tone professional and the resume marketable.

Ask for Input Once you have designed your resume, consider having another person look it over. This could be a teacher, friend, coworker, or anyone that will give you honest criticism. Ask them what you can do to improve the resume. They may have suggestions on how to make your best traits stand out.

Send it Out Once you have a resume that you are satisfied with, print it out. You may want to have copies made. If you take the resume to a store to make copies, be sure that the copies are of good quality. Also, you may want to personalize or change your resume for certain jobs that you are applying for. By tailoring the resume to a particular job you desire, you increase your chances of landing an interview and impressing your future boss.

Keep it Updated A resume is often the first step toward landing a job. However, even after you are settled in your new office, make an effort to keep your resume updated. By adding new information and adjusting your resume once or twice a year, you will always have a current one available. This allows you to reflect on new experiences you’ve gained.

Now that you know how to do a resume, you’re ready to get started on job hunting. There is nothing to fear about resumes. Consider them a way to show off your strengths. Since the resume is the first thing many employers will see about you, you want to make sure that you leave a good impression with them. Keeping it updated will allow you to stay on top of your growing career.

Tips on Format Remember to keep the resume looking professional. Avoid fancy fonts on pink paper. Use bullet lists to organize information. Try to limit the resume to one or two pages so your future boss can quickly scan the information. If you have any questions about how to do a resume that looks professional, there are books available in the business section of most bookstores that suggest resume formats for a variety of career fields.