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Resume Basics
Article Submitted by:
Barbara Wulf MS, CPCC of Beckon Call Coaching, www.beckoncall-coach.com
October 22, 2009
I created my first resume as I was graduating from college and preparing to apply for my first professional job. Some people have filled out applications or been hired without one, but very quickly are finding that if a potential employer requires a resume, you better have one. Today, high school students are learning the resume basics and creating one to sum up their high school work experiences, volunteerism, activities, achievements, etc. A resume is a basic to obtain professional work like have a social security number.
The word resume is French for "summing up." So that's what you need to do in one to two pages, sum it up. Tons of books, workshops, and Internet searching can reveal the suggested formats and examples for a resume. In a nutshell, they include the chronological format, functional format, and combination. For years, the chronological resume was the only style, the traditional style when men dominated the workforce. Now, in a changing workplace that continues to evolve, additional resumes styles are used.
Essential components of a resume:
- Work experience – What have you done? Where did you do it? When did you do it? Name the job title and list or describe your responsibilities or accomplishments. Use "action verbs" to describe your position. Words like, "operated, analyzed, prepared, or organized" are like dabs of paint on your canvas as you begin to create your resume, your masterpiece.
- Skills – What have you used in your position? What are you mastered? Are you skilled with computer programming? It so, what kind? Have you used teaching skills, sales skills, or leadership skills on the job? Describe how you used these skills. Maybe you are detail oriented, a good time manager, or skilled on small engine repair. Tell the potential employer what you have to offer in your "toolbox of skills."
- Education or Professional Accomplishments – How much time did you devote to higher education? If you have invested your time and money to obtain a degree or advanced degrees, certifications, or licensures, this is the place to share it. If you are returning to college or involved in continuing education, tell the employer how you are advancing your knowledge through additional college training.
- Volunteerism or Community Involvement – For many years, this category was overlooked or presumed as unnecessary. Today, many employers are asked to be on boards, advisory committees, or to make financial or volunteer contributions to nonprofit organizations. Perhaps you assisted with the United Way Campaign at work, participated in a walk-a-thon for juvenile diabetes, serve on the city council, or are a leader for scouting. An employer might like to see someone who gets involved in the community.
- A resume is a fluid document – Keep it current. Continue to update, edit, or enhance as you change employers or job title, learn new skills, attend professional training, take a college night class, etc. Review your resume every six months to update the information while it is fresh in your mind. The resume should reflect your professional growth. Since it one or two pages,"ancient history" of work experience from 15 years ago or more can be summarized or omitted depending on their relevancy. Most employers want to hire you for your skills today, not yesterday
chantellelamm
23 days ago
4 comments
I would like to also point out how important it is to choose a format for your resume that sum up and sells all of the key points mentioned above. A resume is like a billboard advertisement. It should whet the appetite of a busy HR recruiter, so they are rushing for the phone to learn more about you.
estevens98
25 days ago
2 comments
When writing your resume the biggest thing that I have noticed is that everyone has the same outline. Your resume should stand out in a professional matter. The resume should be balanced and look nice, neat and easy to read. The resume should be be able to allow for questions or clarification from the manager. You should not tel the manager everything you did leave some thing for the interview. The resume needs to get the attention but should not tell the entire story of your responsibilities. Let the manager know what some of the outcomes you were responsible for but not the process until the interview. Your resume is the key to open a door of opportunity to interview. Once you get the interview it is your job to elaborate on your resume. Make sure after you have your resume done you should know it like the back of your hand and not need it to answer questions about it.
Edward
27 days ago
440 comments
The biggest gripe I have with how individuals write resumes is the 'laundry list' of responsibilities. Instead of citing an action they personally took and the results achieved, they insist on telling the prospective employer all the tasks they had to perform.
While it may be 'okay' to tell someone that you were responsible for 'x y z', isn't it better to tell them that you were responsible for 'x y z' and this was the result? Or, even better yet, I was responsible for... this was the result... and this was the benefit.
Every hiring manager wants to know 'What's in it for Me?' The resume should tell them what you have to offer that sets you apart from the rest of the crowd.
Just my two cents...