A good resume can be very effective in showing an employer that you are serious about your job search. It can be the difference between you and the people you are competing against for a job. Parts of a Resume | Guidelines | Types of Resumes For assistance in creating a resume sign up for our WinWay Resume Workshop. You can register and build a resume online at emurse.com. Parts of a Good Resume
Personal You need to include your full name, your complete address, and your telephone number. Make sure that the telephone number is one where you can be reached at all times. Do not include personal information, such as your age, marital status, height and weight, and hobbies. Job Objectives This is a statement of the type of work that you are seeking. Make it specific, such as "seeking a position as a cashier". If you are applying for a specific advertised position, use the employer's job title written word-for-word. Assets/Qualifications and Experience List skills you have that would show the employer that you are qualified for the position. Consider your skills from school or previous jobs. You may include specific machinery that you have operated, the fact that you are mechanically inclined, leadership ability, organizational ability, good with detail, work well with people, etc.		Work History List all jobs you've held and the length of time on each job. You may also include volunteer positions held and part-time summer jobs. Education and Training List the schools you have attended and the dates, the main courses you took, and the degrees you received. You may also list scholarships or honors, and extracurricular activities related to the job for which you are applying. A resume should be only one page. It should not be too crowded - it should be easy to read. It should be typed neatly with no errors or whiteout. Click here to view a sample resume. Be sure to have someone else proofread your resume before submitting it to an employer!!
Guidelines A resume is an essential tool in a job search. This tool is used to market or sell yourself to an employer. It should only be a short summary, not the whole story. The following are general guidelines for writing different types of resumes. This information changes geographically and varies according to the person and the profession. Resume Format: length should be one page, but never exceed two pages make margins (top, bottom, left and right) approximately 1-inch there should be plenty of white space and it should be easy to read font size should be 10 or 12 using conservative font styles layout should be easy to follow and information easy to locate appearance should be neat and clean, no errors or corrections paper should be 20-25 weight bond, rag or linen and of neutral color envelope and cover letter paper should match resume paper left justified with dates on the left use black ink and/or fonts that are easy to read Resume Content: show responsibility and results that relate to the needs of the company give examples of accomplishments and the ability to solve problems show statistics and numbers be honest, positive and specific use category headings: objective, professional highlights, education, training, skills, professional associations and organizations, honors and awards, references avoid jargon an abbreviations, don't use sentence format, instead use action verbs and a few words with a lot of impact include volunteer experience, languages, internships, and certificates that relate to the position research the company and know what information would impress them if you attach a reference sheet take off the statement, "provided upon request" use industry terminology General Tips: write your own - start by writing down a list of everything you've done, your work record, education and all your accomplishments, do not use a resume writing service because they usually appear too slick leave off salary information and only provide it when requested do not mass mail resumes - it is the worst thing you can do do not include post cards for employers to return use a computer or type your resume some occupations don't need resumes, but it is always good to have one never provide names of references on the resume - either attach a reference sheet or provide references when requested Types of Resumes There are two primary types of resumes used - chronological and functional. Use the information below to determine which kind of resume is most appropriate for your particular situation. View a Chronological Resume Best Used By: individuals with a steady work record individuals with experience that relates directly to the position applied for Advantages: widely used format logical flow, easy to read showcases growth in skills and responsibility shows promotions and impressive titles shows company loyalty Disadvantages: emphasizes gaps in employment highlights frequent job changes emphasizes employment but not skill development emphasizes lack of related experience and career changes points out demotions/career set backs View a Functional Resume Best used by: individuals with no previous employment individuals with gaps in employment frequent job changers individuals who have developed skills from other than documented employment Advantages: emphasizes skills rather than employment organizes a variety of experience (paid and unpaid work, other activities) disguises gaps in work record or a series of short term jobs Disadvantages: viewed with suspicion by employers due to lack of information about specific employers and dates de-emphasizes growth/job titles View a Combination of the two Best used by: career changers or those in transition individuals reentering the job market after some absence individuals who have grown in skills and responsibility individuals pursuing the same or similar work as they've had in the past Advantages: highlights most relevant skills and accomplishments de-emphasizes employment history in less relevant jobs combines skills developed in a variety of jobs or other activities minimizes drawbacks such as employment gaps and absence of directly related experience Disadvantages: confusing if not well organized requires more effort and creativity to prepare