How to Prepare The Perfect Resume'
Resumes are one of, if not the, most important elements of the employment process. Your resume is, figuratively speaking, your first impression. Employers carefully consider every element of an applicant’s resume. Perhaps this is because you can tell a great deal about someone simply from studying the style and format of their resume and cover letter. Unfortunately, very few people know how to prepare a professional resume. The resume tips below will help you prepare a resume that will impress even the most cynical employers.
Before you begin writing your resume, be sure to brainstorm with someone you trust and respect. A great way to get started is to prepare a small self-evaluation. Work with your mentor to develop a list of skills, qualifications and accomplishments that are relevant to the position that you are applying for. The next step is to record your technical strengths and prior employment  experiences. Remember, you want to highlight your past accomplishments, positions and leadership roles. Now that you have outlined the content of your resume, you can begin putting it all together!
Contact: Be sure to include your contact information at the top of your resume. Your contact information includes, but is not limited to: your full name, address, telephone number, cell phone number and e-mail address.
- Always include your first and last names. Don’t forget to include the initial of your other given name(s);
- Remember to include your area code when recording your phone number;
- Ensure your answering machine greeting (if applicable) is professional; and
- Be sure the e-mail address on your resume is professional.
Objective: Write this statement carefully and be specific. You should always rewrite this statement when applying to a new company or for a new position. It should be relevant, clear and concise. Be sure to describe your objective in detail and tailor the statement to the desires of each unique employer.
About: This section should only consist of three to four lines. This is the portion of your resume in which you are expected to define your character. In other words, you should give the employer a sense of who you are.
- Note the strengths of your character; and
- Highlight the skills that set you apart from other applicants and that show the employer that you are qualified for the position that you are applying for.
Education: You should describe your most recent educational achievements first. Be sure to note the educational documentation you currently possess (degree, diploma, certificate and the like). Include the institution you attended, your degree, your major, your minor, your graduation date and your GPA (if higher than 3.0). It would also be wise to include academic honours. Finally, include your certifications and the date in which they were achieved.
Experience: Review your work experience. Be sure to mention positions that are relevant to the position that you are applying for. This section should be completed in reverse chronological order. In other words, you should place your most recent experiences at the top of the list. When describing a past position, include: position title, company title, company location, dates of employment and position responsibilities (highlight those relevant to the position you’re applying for). Remember; try to eliminate gaps in your work history. If this is not possible, be sure to have an explanation prepared for the interview.
- Do not exaggerate your experiences;
- Ensure all of your descriptions are accurate and detailed;
- Try to keep experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for; and
- Explain your work environment as often as possible.
Achievements: This section should be fairly brief. If you would like to further describe your skills or mention volunteer work, this is the perfect section to do so. Once again, be sure all of your skills, achievements and volunteer experiences are relevant to the position you’re applying for.
References: Introduce the employer to those that would recommend you for the position. It is always a good idea to ask your references if they are willing to assist you before sending your resume to potential employers. Do not include contact information for your references. You should, however, be prepared to give said information during an interview. Finally, be sure to ask a friend or family member to review this section before sending your resume to potential employers.
Editing: Now that you have your resume, you’ll need to begin the editing process.
- Spell-check your resume before sending it to potential employers;
- Slowly read the contents of your resume aloud; and
- Ask two or three friends or family members to proofread your resume.
Presentation: You’re almost ready to send!
- Use white paper (also known as “printer paper”);
- Do not print on both sides of the paper;
- Your font should be size ten, eleven or twelve;
- Do not use graphics or decorative fonts; and
- Do not overuse font adjustors (bold, italics, underline and the like).
Tips And Tricks: Just a few more reminders before you’re ready to sign, seal and deliver.
- Do not write in first or third person;
- Always make use of a cover letter; and
- Ensure your cover letter is properly addressed.
Now that you have developed the perfect resume, you’re ready to begin contacting potential employers. That’s right, you have all of the knowledge required to give a great “first impression”. So, what are you waiting for? There are thousands of job opportunities awaiting your resume and cover letter. Employers are sure to react positively to the style and format of your new, professionally prepared resume. One of the most difficult tasks of the employment process is mapped out for you above. There’s absolutely nothing stopping you from achieving your goals, and obtaining the job of your dreams. It’s up to you to take the next step in realizing your dreams. What is the next step? You guessed it; you’re finally ready to sign, seal and deliver!
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