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In order to write an effective resume, you need to understand why you are writing one. In general, if you are applying for a specific job, you need to tailor your resume to meet the requirements of the position. So, grab your job description! It contains valuable information for you to use in your resume.1

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BUILD A RESUMEStep 1- Gather information

Step 2- What information should be included?

Step 3- What resume template best highlights my experience and education?

Step 4- What sequence do I put resume sections?

Step 5- Write a draft

Step 6- Critique your resume

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STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BUILD A RESUME

Begin gathering information or write notes about previous work experiences, job descriptions, performance reviews, previous resumes, transcripts from educational programs, papers you have written, presentations you have delivered, volunteer programs, certifications, licenses, curriculum you created, awards, honors...whatever you feel is relevant to your work. 3

Step 2 What information should be included?

If in doubt, include it. We tend to forget the things we have done, so think of things that will help you remember. If you are just out of school, you might want to think about extracurricular experiences, volunteer work, internships, etc.

This mega-file is an important step in managing your career. Continue to add to it as you take on new jobs, attend classes, etc. This will make it much easier in the future!4

JOB DESCRIPTION VERBIAGEVERBIAGE USED ON RESUME AND COVER LETTER

USE THE RUBRIC/JOB DESCRIPTION THE EMPLOYER HAS SUPPLIED FOR YOU. THEY ARE TELLING YOU WHAT THEY WANT THE EMPLOYEE TO LOOK LIKE .

Using the job description will supply you with a guide for what the employer is specifically looking for in an employee. Pull out key verbiage that describes not only the skills but also the attributes the employer is looking for. Make sure this wording is utilized in your resume and cover letter.5

If I am looking at a specific job description, what skills and experiences are identified?

What is important about my education?

Are there unique experiences or talents I want to share?

This may vary from job to job, so keep your mega-data file accessible. In order to clarify what is relevant to a particular job, ask yourself the following questions:What skills do I want to use in my next job?What do I do best?What skills have I developed?What work experience have I found satisfying?If I am looking at a specific job description, what skills and experiences are identified?What is important about my education? (This usually includes degrees and perhaps specific courses.)Are there unique experiences or talents I want to share?

Take time to answer these questions thoughtfully. Doing so will make the task of creating a resume easier. Then organize your materials to answer these questions. There may be some overlap, and that's okay.

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Step 3 Resume Template: Which one should I chose?Skills-Based Reverse ChronologicalCombination

Depending on the job for which you are applying, you may choose one format or the other. It is good to try all three styles to see which one presents the most powerful image. Whatever style you choose, you will always need to include your work history.

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There are three basic formats that are found when writing a resume: a skills-based resume; a reverse chronological resume; and a combination resume. All three have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the job for which you are applying, you may choose one format or the other. It is good to try all three styles to see which one presents the most powerful image. Whatever style you choose, you will always need to include your work history.

Please review the table closely, look at the cautions, this will quickly identify a format that would least likely be of assistance in highlighting your strengths.

Choose the template that works best with your skill set, education, and work experience.8DETERMINE YOUR SKILL SETCHOOSE A TEMPLATE THAT HIGHLIGHTS YOUR STRENGTHS

Google resume templates or you may even want to check in Microsoft Word.9

Step 4Sections of a ResumeContact InformationProfile EducationExperience

All resumes typically contain sections that highlight education and work experience. Often a profile or summary of qualifications section is used to provide the reader with an overview of your competencies. Some people also choose to include a section to highlight community or professional involvement as well as presentations or publications. Tailor your resume to bring out your strengths! 10

Contact InformationYOUR NAMEStreet AddressCity, ST ZIP CodePhoneE-mail

The telephone numbers and e-mail addresses are critical, so make sure they are correct and are numbers or addresses you check regularly.The message you leave for a busy signal or voicemail needs to sound appropriate! DONT use a small child's voice on your voicemail. Also make sure your e-mail address is professional (don't use something like HotBabe@hotmail.com). This will NOT work for you!The format of the contact information section can vary. Try different styles to see which one works best for you.

11TOOCOOLFORSCHOOL@UWILLHIREME.COM Might be great for friends but is not appropriate for your Professional communications

Makes sure you include an appropriate professional email address.12

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARYThis an excellent place to include keywords and requirements that have been stated in a job description.

The profile section allows you to state your skills, values and interests to gain the attention of the reader. It is an excellent place to include keywords and requirements that have been stated in a job description.For some positions, such as scientific or information technology, it is a good place to highlight specific skills such as computer programs, systems or laboratory equipment and procedures. Keep in mind it is sometimes easier to create this section AFTER you have written your resume. This section is usually no longer than 3 or 4 sentences. It may be written in paragraph or bullet form.13YOUR PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY IS VERY IMPORTANT- IT IS MOST LIKELY THE PORTION THE EMPLOYER WILL READ AND NOT JUST SCAN

The profile section allows you to state your skills, values and interests to gain the attention of the reader. It is an excellent place to include keywords and requirements that have been stated in a job description.For some positions, such as scientific or information technology, it is a good place to highlight specific skills such as computer programs, systems or laboratory equipment and procedures. Keep in mind it is sometimes easier to create this section AFTER you have written your resume. This section is usually no longer than 3 or 4 sentences. It may be written in paragraph or bullet form.

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EDUCATION

Start with the highest degree you have earned and work backwards. Regardless of the format you use, you will likely have an Education section on your resume. In the Education section, you will want to highlight formal programs and continuing education or on-the-job training.In writing this section, you will want to be consistent in the layout (listing the college first, then the degree, or vice versa). Start with the highest degree you have earned and work backwards. Include relevant information such as:college or universitylocationdegreedate of degreemajor field of studyminors

15LIST ALL DATED INFORMATION FROM MOST RECENT AND GO BACKWARDS CHRONOLOGICALLY

What is the purpose of including this information? If it's just because you find it interesting and it isn't related to the job you are seeking, it may be prudent to leave it off.

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WORK EXPERIENCE

Most current information moving back through your history.

If you are using the Reverse Chronological format, this section will include specific information about your accomplishments in each work setting. 17

Use active words demonstrating when you are initiating, creating, managing- verbs that conjure up taking action, not just passively doing.18

SKILLS OR FUNCTIONAL RESUME

Highlights your skills

Normally, in a skill-based format dates are not included which is useful when you have gaps in employment.19

COMBINATION

Combination resume includes both skills and work history.20

STEP 5 WRITING A RESUME DRAFTBegin with the easiest sectioneither contact information oreducation. Then, move through each section.

Now that you know the sections to include in a resume, it's your turn to put it all together.

First, decide what your objective is in writing a resume. Identify the type of job you want (try to be specific) and then choose the style of resume you will first write, either the reverse chronological, skills-based, or combination resume.

Next, think about the sections you plan to include in your resume. Make a list and then outline what you will include under each section. If you have job descriptions, transcripts, awards, etc. available, organize them into the sections you are using.

Begin by writing the easiest section! Many people begin with the Contact Information and then the Education section. These two are relatively easy to write. Under education, look for classes, projects, or major papers that relate to the job you are targeting. Include these under the degree you earned. If you have additional certifications or training, be sure to include them.

Continue writing section by section until you have a rough draft.21

STEP 6 CRITIQUE YOUR RESUMEEvaluate the ContentDoes the resume present your strengths up front? Does the order of information make sense? Are keywords from the job description included in the resume? Does the information feel complete and present a clear picture of what you have to offer?

Does the resume present your strengths up front? Does the order of information make sense? Are keywords from the job description included in the resume? Have you quantified your accomplishments to give the reader a sense of the magnitude of your responsibilities? Does the information feel complete and present a clear picture of what you have to offer? Besides reading it yourself, ask two or three trusted colleagues or friends to critique it.Use Power Words and Action Verbs

Make every word work for you! By using Power Words and Action Verbs in your resume, you create a sense of enthusiasm and a can do attitude. When critiquing your resume, see if you get this sense. If not, how can you improve it? See the list of Power Words to assist you in creating effective descriptions.Is Your Resume Focused?

Your resume needs to be targeted towards supporting your reason for writing a resume. Is there information that is redundant, out of place, or irrelevant? Sometimes we are particularly proud of an achievement, but if we look at it objectively, it doesn't relate to what we are trying to do. Let go of the emotional ties and only include achievements that are relevant.Does the Format Highlight Your Strengths?

Is a reverse chronological format better for you than a skills-based resume? Sometimes you may use a combination of both. Are there sections you could add to strengthen your resume?Where Are the Gaps in My Resume?

If a job description is available, compare the requirements and duties to what you have highlighted in your resume. What is missing? Do not assume that the reader of the resume will assume anything. If you can document what they are requiring, do so. For example, if they ask for experience with Microsoft Excel, do not state experience with various office software packages. Make it easy for the reader to see you are qualified.22

EVALUATE THE CONTENTDoes the resume present your strengths up front?

Does the order of information make sense?

Are keywords from the job description included in the resume?

Length of Resume

If your resume feels too long, keep in mind that the average employer spends about 35-40 seconds scanning a resume. It is important to eliminate any extraneous words that could distract a reader. A good exercise is to review your resume and circle the 5 points you think are the most likely to help you land the job you want. Now look at the parts of the resume you haven't circled. Is there anything you could omit or shorten?

If your resume is too short, you may not be giving yourself enough credit for the experiences and training you have had. Review the materials you gathered for the mega-approach. What else could support your targeted resume? Ask yourself, How did I improve the various places I have worked? If you have job performance reviews and job descriptions available from previous positions, look through them to remind yourself of your accomplishments. If your work experience is limited, consider emphasizing your coursework, activities or volunteer experiences that demonstrate skills such as teamwork, punctuality, accuracy or leadership.Are the Section Headings Appropriate?

Just because someone else has used the heading title Work History on his or her resume doesn't mean that it is the best title for you to use. Perhaps Professional Experience or Relevant Experience is more descriptive of your experiences. Section headings do stand out in the reader's mind, so make them work for you.References

The current trend in resumes is to leave off the phrase References available upon request. This is assumed to be true, so there is no need to include it. (For reference information, see our suggestions listed under References.)

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HOW LONG OR SHORT IS YOUR RESUME? The average employer spends about 35-40 seconds scanning a resume.

Make it easy for the reader to see you are qualified.

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