How to Make a Resume in Four Easy Steps.

Resume Form

Resume Form

What is a Resume?

“The perfect resume is a written communication that clearly demonstrates your ability to produce results in an area of concern to potential employers and in a way that motivates them to meet you.” Thomas Jackson The Perfect Resume

A resume is, essentially, a marketing tool. Use it to sell yourself.. You want to entice potential employers to learn more about you and lead them to believe that you possess the skills needed for success in the position they want to fill. A winning resume generates a positive message about your experience and doesn’t raise questions or confuse the reader. A well-written resume should get you an interview.

Before you create your resume, you should define the type of position that you plan to pursue. Decide what your long and short term career goals are. You will find that it is much easier to write your resume once you have done this.

To help with this task ask yourself the following questions:

  • WHAT do I want to do?

  • FOR WHOM or WITH WHOM do I want to do it?

  • WHERE do I want to do it?

  • At what LEVEL of responsibility?

Now follow these four steps to make your resume.

  1. Preparation:

    Gather everything that you will need in a quiet, comfortable work place. Be sure to have: a pad of paper, pens, pencils, computer or whatever is easiest for you to use.

    Have handy a dictionary and thesaurus along with your most recent resume and job descriptions.

  2. Choose a layout:

    First, you must determine which format, probably chronological or functional, is most appropriate for you. Once you have done that, you can begin to make your resume.

  3. Writing:

    Start with the easiest part. List your name, address, and telephone number. List your places of employment next. Be sure to include job title, dates of employment, and location.

    Now, begin to write your entries. List the tasks that you have completed in each position. Continually ask yourself, “Is this task relevant to the position for which I would like to be hired?” If you think that it definitely does not match, do not include it. If you are not sure, leave it in. You can always edit later.

    Use action verbs in your entries. Once you have completed listing your entries, add your educational background, professional memberships, volunteer experience, etc.

  4. Refining:

    Congratulations! You have just completed the most difficult part of writing a resume. Now, you are simply left with editing and refining.