Writing A Resume
If you are writing a resume, there are some things you should remember that can help your resume make a better impact and improve your chances of getting an interview. Employers only spend a few seconds looking at resumes, so you need to make sure that your resume makes the best impact. Keep the following things in mind if you are writing a resume.
Resume Design
Your resume needs to grab attention at first glance. When you are writing a resume, remember to use headings that relate to the job you are applying for. Think about what skills and qualifications your potential employers are looking for and remember them when writing your resume. Make each heading interesting and directly related to what the employer wants.
When writing a resume, remember to make the design aesthetically pleasing. You want you resume to stand out because it is clean, organized, and the text is balanced with open space. You do not want your resume to stand out because it is cluttered or hard to read. Remember to keep your resume design simple and don’t cram too much in when writing a resume.
Be specific in your resume. One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing a resume is to be too vague. Use numbers and facts to explain your work history and achievements. When writing a resume, you should also pay close attention the words you use. Using interesting verbs and action words will make your resume more interesting and applicable to the job you are applying for. Always remember when writing your resume to be specific and really let employers know what skills and qualifications you have that will benefit the company.
Using Appropriate Keywords When Writing A Resume
Another step you should take when writing a resume is to incorporate keywords fro the job listing into your resume. The job qualifications and other information in the job listing are great things to use when writing a resume. Specifically mentioning these things will show that you are indeed qualified for the job and pay attention to what is required. Being specific is an important part of any resume and a step you should always remember when writing a resume.
When writing a resume, you should also make sure you prioritize the information. Make sure the most important information is at the top as this space is contains the first information prospective employers will see. Before you begin writing a resume, identify which information is of the most value to the company and include it at the top. Remembering these suggestions when writing a resume will help it to make a stronger impact and be more interesting to the reader.
Write A Resume
It is time to write a resume or update one. It all seems so overwhelming. Follow the 7 easy steps below and it will lead you right through the process. The whole process of how to write a resume begins with your assessment of yourself.
Write a Resume Step 1
Which style fits you? Do you have a steady solid work history? Or are you entering the job market for the first time. Maybe you were once in the workforce, but have been home with children. Now it’s time to reenter the job market.
To write a resume, first pick one of the following styles.
Solid, consistent work history – Chronological Resume Style (you can also use a combo if you want)
Entering the job market for the first time – Functional Style or Combination Style
Re-entering the job market – Functional Style or Combination Style
Changing Industries – Functional Style or Combination Style
Spend some time online analyzing the different resume styles. To write a resume in the functional style is probably least effective, so use the Chronological Work History (starting with your most recent job first) or the Combination Style. The combination style allows you to show off your skills and minimize your work history record. In today’s fast paced world where you resume gets maybe 20 seconds, the Summary of skills right up front has a better chance of getting you
Write a Resume Step 2
Find resume samples that are appropriate to your industry. Decide which ones you like. Now analyze why you like them. Look at the words they use, look at how the person has sold themselves. Notice the action words and power words in the descriptions. Notice that the candidate is showing the potential employer how they will bring value to the position and the company.
Write a Resume Step 3
Find a resume template that you want to use. Maybe it’s just a free template or maybe you decide to use a resume builder. The resume builder will allow you to make many changes in your resume. Depending on the resume builder you can print out the same information in different resume styles.
Write a Resume Step 4
Now it’s your turn to write a resume summary. Note your achievements and accomplishments. Do a search online for action words and power words. To write a resume and have it be effective be sure you are using as many of these as appropriate in your summary. Once you’ve written the summary, read it out loud. How does it sound?
Write a Resume Step 5
Do the Chronology (most recent job first). Include your achievements and accomplishments, not an exhausting list of your responsibilities and duties.
Write a Resume Step 6
Proof it! Proof it! And then proof it again. Use your spell checker, use friends. Have several other people proof it if you can. You do not want any errors on this document.
Write a Resume Step 7
Send it out.
Resume Formats
Everyone who applies for a job will need a resume. However, everyone will not use the same resume form.
The resume form you use depends on your employment history, or lack thereof.
Rest assured, there are different kinds of resume forms for your situation.
It is imperative that you utilize the correct resume form in order for a potential employer to talk with you.
Resume Format Options
Let’s describe several different resume formats:
Chronological Resume Format
This resume format is the most common. The outline of this form structures your resume to be written in the order that your employment occurred. Your most recent or current employment is listed first, followed by previous employment. Next is your education and then any special training, especially if it’s related to the position you’re applying for. You should use this format if you have a consistent and solid employment history.
Functional Resume Format
A functional resume format is for those who seek a career change or getting back into the workforce after an extended absence. This type of resume form targets your skills and achievements, rather than your job titles. This resume format is also good for those who have gaps in their employment history. Please note that you will have to explain those employment gaps. If you’ve done volunteer work related to the position you’re applying for, you can list it.
Combination Resume Format
A combination resume format is similar to a functional resume format. It lists your skills and achievements first. After that, your employment history is listed. When listing your skills, you can emphasize the ones related to the position you’re applying for. Also include your chronological employment history.
Targeted Resume Format
A targeted resume format is similar to a combination resume format. This format is set up to list and emphasize the skills related to the job position your applying for. It also highlights your employment experience that corresponds with the position. This type of format can take more time to complete because of the nature of what’s asked.
Mini Resume Format
Have you heard of a mini resume form ? Yes, there is such a thing. It’s probably not mentioned much because it’s not utilized very often. A mini resume format allows for a brief synopsis of your qualifications. A prospective employer may request one just to look at your accomplishments.
In addition to choosing which resume format to use, be sure that you include all the information it asks for. This could be the difference between getting employment, or not.
Resume Outlines
A resume outline consists of the major headings of a resume. A resume outline also provides information for each heading.
Resume Contact Information
The first thing on your resume should be the contact information. The contact information consists of your personal information. This includes your name, complete address with city, state and zip code and contact phone numbers (home and/or cell).
Your name is usually featured in bold font to make it stand out. Include your e-mail address for correspondence purposes.
Resume Objective
Your objective should spell out what type of position you’re looking for. Also on the resume, your objective should target what you as an employee can do for the employer, as opposed to the other way around. The employer is looking for someone to increase their bottom line–profits. Your objective should match the qualifications of the potential employer.
Employment Experience
On your resume, your employment experience should include previous and current places of employment. Also include on your resume all job titles, and length of time you worked at each company. Give brief details on your duties and accomplishments for each position listed on your resume. Don’t include volunteer work in this section unless it relates to the position you’re applying for.
Education List on Your Resume
For this part of your resume, put any colleges or universities you have attended. Make sure to include any four-year or graduate degrees and the graduation month and year. If you just graduated from high school, list the high school you graduated from, along with the graduation month and year. If you’re currently attending college or a university, you can put down any courses that relate to the position you’re applying for.
Achievements and Honors
If you have anything that stands out and related to the position your applying for, you can list it on your resume. One or two related achievements/honors to list on your resume will suffice. If you start listing a bunch of them, they can decrease the value of your resume, especially if they’re not related to the job position.
Resume References
Resume writing has changed so that references are not necessary to put on your resume. However, if you do put a “References” section, you can note “Available Upon Request”. Usually, the job application has a place where you can list them. When you do list references, as a courtesy, contact the people in advance for permission to use their names as references.
This basic outline should serve as a reference guide as to what to include in your resume. If you follow this resume outline in your format, you can’t go wrong using this information.
Free Resume Templates
There are ton of websites that will offer you free resume templates. These templates are already designed and available for you to download online and personalized with your own professional resume details. You can find a resume template for virtually every job field there is out there.
Free Resume Templates
The reason why there are so many templates for resumes available for free download is because your resume should be geared toward your career or the career you desire.
We all know that no two careers are alike and different skills and accomplishments are needed for each career. That means for each career a resume is going to have to be formatted differently. Clearly, there is a range of Free Resume Templates from the simple resume template .. to a professional resume template. So creative and don’t be afraid to combine different template features that you like into you own personalized best resume template.
For example you will find on an actor/actress’s resume template their personal information includes your weight, height, eye color and hair color. Whereas a template for an accounting manager will not contain any personal information other than your name, address, phone number and email address.
Resume Template: Headings
You will also notice that an each resume template for each career will contain different headings. If you were to look at a template for Banking Executive you will see their headings included their contact information, their objective, employment history, accomplishments/skills, and education.
Meanwhile if you look at a resume template for interior decorator you will see the headings should be contact information, objective, summary, notable achievements and then employment and history.
Free templates also come in handy for resumes whose careers do not always fit the mold of corporate America such as an interior decorator, clothing designer, or a doctor. A doctor’s template will include a specialty on the resume and also have the heading for credentials, while other templates will just included the basics headings.
An animator template with included a notable projects heading as well as experience. This is a where an animator would show any commercials or special work they may have done.
You will even find templates for any resume style including a chronological resume, functional resume, target resume and combination resume. These can be downloaded for free from most sites and then you can personalize it and print it out. When you are printing these out, please make sure you use good paper. You will be able to find resume paper at any office supply store. Also, before you print check for spelling errors.
Templates for Resumes
Though some people are opposed to using a template, as long as you personalized the template and make it your own there is nothing wrong with using a free template. Free resume templates are the building plans for building the perfect resume.
Sample Resume Objectives
Writing a resume objective can be one of the most difficult parts of writing a resume. If you’re not clear about your goal for employment, it’s best to sit down and get an idea of what you want to convey.
Your potential employer will look at you more favorably if you state a focused goal.
Some people choose to include their resume objectives in their cover letter instead of their resume. Either way is fine, as long as it’s stated. Your employment directive for your potential employer should be clear and specific. It should focus on the job position that you’re applying for.
If you’re stumped on how to write resume objectives, you can do a search online for “sample resume objectives”. You will find examples of these that you can tailor to your own resume objective.
Examples Resume Objectives
In a resume, sample resume objectives come after your personal information. They usually begin with the words “objective”, professional objective” or “career goals”. Sample resume objectives are short, no more than three line of text. Your potential employer doesn’t want to spend time reading your life story. Sample resume objectives can be in sentence or phrase format.
Included in sample resume objectives are the key reasons why you feel you are qualified for the job. Sample resume objectives also emphasize your goals in relation to the job you’re applying for. Sample resume objectives give examples on how to focus on your intended audience, your potential employer. Your qualifications should match those of the position. Conducting research can assist you in presenting the right angle to your intended audience.
Sample resume objectives include questions about you and the potential employers. The answers can also help you craft a specific statement focused to your intended audience or prospective employer. Some of the questions include finding out your main goals as well as your potential employer, your work interests and what your potential employer has available, etc. Compiling your answers will help you get a better idea of how to structure your resume objective.
In sample resume objectives, look for objectives that are specific. Sample resume objectives usually contain samples that are detailed, as opposed to being general. Specific resume objectives stand out because the goal or focus is clearly stated. Questions such as, What kind of position? and What kind of experience? can narrow down what to include in your resume objective.
Examples of Sample Resume Objectives
“A position as an Administrative Assistant to use my skills in the fields of office management and customer service.” This sample resume objective shows that these two fields can be implemented into that position.
Look at this sample resume objective:
“A scientist specializing in spinal cord treatments.”
This sample resume objective describes a specific job position. Sample resume objectives also use different choices of words to fit your intended audience or potential employer. Just remember, the more specific you are, the better chance you have of getting that job.
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Resume Layout
While we all know that the format and the type of resume you pick to use is very important in creating a resume, but did you also know that they layout you use for your resume is just as important also.
Resume Layout Types
There are a number of types of layouts but, you should keep in mind that a resume layout also includes your use of white space and graphical elements.
All layouts should have equal margins that are between 1 in to 1.25 inches on all 4 sides.
You should make sure that if you are going to use any small graphical elements such as arrows you keep them in moderation.
Resume Layout: Columns
The first layout we are going to talk about is the traditional, one-column resume layout. This is the most common layout and chances are you resume looks like this one. Your objective or skills summary, job history and education are listed one after another down the page and all the lines have a left indentation.
A more creative resume layout is the two column resume layout. This layout consists of your headings such as experience, Education and skills over on the far left column and then the corresponding points over on the right column. If you are looking for a clean look to a very short resume you should try using a left-aligned resume layout.
This layout has all of your headings and bullets aligned to the left and under each other. Finally the centered resume layout can be hard to read. Everything is centered from your heading to your bullet points. However if you use the right format and layout features you can have an appealing resume.
Other things to keep in mind about your layout are to make sure you use the appropriate spacing between your sections. Two or three line spaces are usually the norm; anything else could make your resume look bare. Also make sure use the same type of headings in all the sections of your resume. For example if you use bold letter and all caps to write out “SKILLS” make sure the rest of your headings match that.
Resume Layout: Fonts
Another good idea to keep in mind about your resume layout is the fonts. Do not try to change your fonts through out your resume. Do not use one font for your heading and another font for your bullet points. Keep the type of font you use simple and eye pleasing.
With all the selections of fonts that are out there today, you might want to use one that looks a little fancier than say the generic Times New Roman. Unless you are in the creative and artistic field, do not try to fancy your resume layout up with a funky font. As far as resumes go, the more conservative, the better.
Your resume needs to be perfect from top to bottom and having the right layout can really make a difference. If the layout is hard for you to read, than chances are it is going too hard for the employer to read to.
Resume Layout Goal
Your whole goal when creating a resume is to make your layout out as eye pleasing as possible.
Free Blank Resume Form
Have you thought about creating a resume but don’t know what to do to get started? Well, don’t give up and use a resume writer just yet, since these professional resume writer services can cost hundreds of dollars.
Free Resume Templates
Instead, you may want to look for a free blank resume form to help you create your resume. What is a free blank resume form? A free blank resume form is a special type of resume template that involves you ‘filling in the blanks’ at various places. When you finish filling in these blanks, the free blank resume form turns into your free resume.
Search Blank Resume Form
Where can you find a free blank resume form? The best way is to type in “free blank resume form” into your search engine. Make sure to type it with the quotations, since this will help eliminate irrelevant resume results. When the listings come up search through them and find the best free blank resume form for you. Some of the free blank resume forms available. at least through Google, are PDF, and will download automatically onto your computer. Indeed, building a resume doesn’t get any more convenient than that.
Are there any disadvantages to using a free blank resume form? The main disadvantage is that they, like any other resume template obtained from the Web, tend to be overused. Some of them are also very plain when it comes to design. Of course, you can look for a free blank resume form that is more elaborate. However these are just as likely to be overused as well, if not more so since they look so much better.
Simple Resume Format
If the disadvantages don’t bother you, the actual process of using a free blank resume form is quite simple. Once the document has downloaded onto your computer, open up Microsoft Word or any other type of word processing program. Follow the instructions given on the free blank resume form. It should be very straightforward, as it will tell you exactly what you need to put in each field. And don’t worry about being tempted to ‘borrow’ words or phrases from a free blank resume form, because these are not written in the way typical resume templates are. Since they are not formatted from a ‘real’ resume, there’s no text used that could tempt you into plagiarism. Indeed, when you use a free blank resume form, you are forced to come up with your own original ideas while creating your resume.
Blank Resume Form Summary
In conclusion, a free blank resume form is a good alternative if you want a basic simple resume template for creating your own resume fast. They are easy to use and contain no text that could cause you to write things that didn’t come from your own mind. While the free blank resume form may not be as popular or even as widely available as a typical resume template, they are still a highly effective tool for resume creation. All in all how much simpler can things be if all you really have to do is fill-in-the-blanks at the appropriate spots within the document? The answer is it can’t be simpler, which is why the free blank resume form needs to be sought out before any other resume building alternative, particularly those involving money.
Resume Builders
Resumes are very important when looking for a new job or even a first job. Having a good resume could mean the difference between getting that phone call for an interview and not getting that phone call.
While some people can write their resume without a second thought, there are some of us who can only get as far as our names and contact information. If you are one of these people you might be wondering what resources are out there for you to utilize when it comes to building your resume.
Resume Writing Service
There are a number of resources available to you that can help you build your resume. Your first option is to use a professional resume writing service. Here you provide your information and someone who usually has experience in writing resumes will build your resume for you. The problem with this is that it can be a costly option for some and although it is worth it in the long run if you do your research and go with a resume writing service that has a good reputation, it still might be more money than you can afford.
Resume Builder Advantages
Another option that is less costly is resume building software or even resume building websites. You can find the software at any computer store and you can find a ton of resume building websites. You may still have to pay to use these services but they will not be as much as a full resume writing service.
So how do these resume builders work? Well the resume builders will walk you step by step on creating your resume. It is almost like a fill in the blanks game. Some resume builders will provide you with action phrases that you can use for your experience and objective phrases for you to use. Some resume builders are like having a professional resume writer available to you whenever you need it at half the cost.
Resume Builder Templates
Most resume builders will also provide you with many different templates and styles of resumes so you can make your resume look elegant or as professional as you want without having to worry about if you are aligning it right. They will also provide you with example resumes so you can get a rough idea of what yours could look like.
The last pro to most resume builders is that you can post your resume directly through them and reach countless job sites, or you can print and save your resume directly from the resume builder. Some people find it helpful to save the resume on their hard drive too. If you are using computer software, your resume should be saved with the program and on your hard drive also.
Resume Builder Summary
Whether you buy resume builder software for you computer to install or you use one of the many resume builders on the internet, this tool will only help you become more successful at creating that perfect resume.
Resume Software
Resume software can be a quick easy way for you to create a resume. If you’re in the market for resume software, there are some things you need to consider before you make a purchase.
There are some resume software packages that are basic, and there are some that include the extra bells and whistles or bundled packages of unnecessary items. Some of the extra stuff you may not need or want. The best way to decide which resume software is best for you is to look for the ones that offer free trial downloads. This way you can evaluate which resume software will fit your needs.
System Requirements
System requirements for the resume software are usually listed, so you can determine if you have enough space on your computer to download it. The resume software should also list the operating systems it is compatible with. If you have an operating system that is not listed, the software will not operate properly if you attempt to download it. You can usually find the information system requirements on the software package and/or on the company website.
Resume Software Online Help
You definitely want to check the technical support for the resume software. You can experience a glitch or you may not have downloaded the software properly. Either way, you will need assistance to fix the problem. Check to see what their procedures are with technical support. Some companies offer free support; others may charge a fee. Most software companies have implemented a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section on their website. This can cut down on the number of inquiries they receive, especially if it’s something that’s easy to solve. Most companies offer a toll-free number, a website-based customer support system, or both.
Even though resume software packages don’t break the bank, you should still have a certain price range in mind. Depending on what you select, you could be spending anywhere from $15 to $40 for a resume software package. You can check online or go to office supply store to compare prices. Then you’ll have a better idea of what price range fits your budget.
In addition to evaluating the resume portion of the software, you may want to check out if the resume software includes templates for cover letters, follow-up letters and thank-you letters. This would come in handy if you’re not good at composing a letter.
Resume Software Features
Some resume software packages offer a “broadcasting” feature, where you can send your resume to many employers at once with the click of a mouse. If this feature is included, find out if your resume can be customized for different job positions and select who you can send it to. Also, it would be helpful if the resume software contained a database where you could receive updated listings from the company’s site.
In addition to the above, some resume software packages may contain a job bank search feature. This may be a long shot, because a lot of the job banks don’t allow their services to be integrated with resume software. You’ll probably be better off continuing to utilize the job banks and newspapers online.
Resume Software Research Before You Buy!
In order to get the best value for your money, be sure to do your homework. Otherwise, you may be stuck with something you don’t want.
Online Resume
In the old days it was common to have only one resume that you kept on nice paper and kept it pretty much under lock and key to protect it.
Now in this new cyber age, it is not uncommon to have your resume stored online. Another new thing in this day and age is the fact that an employer will sometimes communicate with you via email and ask for a copy of your resume that way. Even more so, we can now submit our resumes directly to a job online without ever having to send a paper one in. Instead of worrying that our resume has been lost through the US mail system, we now have to worry about our resumes being lost through the email!
Online Resume Benefits
There are some great benefits to having online resumes now. Thanks to job websites like Monster and Hotjobs, employers can browse potential employee’s resumes and find a match for them. This saves employers a lot of time. Instead of having to weed through hundreds of resumes, these sites will pull up potential employees that fit the employer’s needs. These are the only resumes they will see. Another benefit to employers it that it makes a neater office. No longer will they have to worry about resumes piling up one after another on their desk. They can organize online resumes much for efficiently than they can paper resumes.
Post Resume Online
Also, more and more employers are posting job openings on a job search board like Hotjobs or Career Builder only. They are no longer using the classified ads to get the word out. For those companies who still post in the paper, more and more of them are requesting potential employees to either apply directly through their website or to email a copy of their resume. Very few companies will request you to mail or even fax your resume anymore.
Applying for a Job Online
If you use certain resume software, it will give you the option once you are done to upload your internet to some of the top job search sites. Having your resume as part of their system can only work to your advantage. Some job search sites such as Monster also offer job search agents. A job search agent is another tool that could help you land the perfect job. You simply key in what kind of job you are looking for and your job agent will search through jobs usually about once a week and email you any potential jobs that match your criteria.
We are now in an age where almost everything is done through the computer. Storing your resume online will give you more exposure to employers and a better chance at landing a job that fits your desires too.
Sample Resumes
You found it, the job you always wanted, or at least the advertisement for it. Now, how do you get it?
Your resume is your first point of contact with your potential new employer. How do you create the best resume possible? How do you get your employer to notice you? Finding sample resumes on the internet are a great way to begin the process. There are tons of free sample resumes that you can look through to give you ideas.
Search Sample Resumes
Find the sample resumes that are geared for your specific industry and job type. But don’t just copy them. Relying totally on sample resumes will not assist you to stand out in the crowd.
Sample resumes are written to be general. And you want your advertisement for you to be specific. You want it to address the needs of the company and to be about what that specific employer wants and needs and how you can be of value to the company. So before you begin, analyze the job announcement. Ask yourself if you were doing the hiring what would you want, what would make you pause as you scanned several hundred resumes? Sample resumes alone are not going to give you that answer.
Sample resumes are intended as the skeleton upon which you build. You need to provide the muscle which is what makes it move.
Sample Resume Objective
The two most important muscles in your resume are the objective and the summary. The content of both of these come from your analysis of what the company is seeking. The objective should show the company that you are looking for the job that they have to offer. Use words that are reflective of their job requirements. Sample resumes can show you the proper form for the objective.
Sample Resume Summary
The summary is where you get to showcase yourself. It’s your time to shine. The way you shine is to show off the achievements you have that emphasize your potential value to the company in the position they want to fill. Again, sample resumes are a great guide for you. Sample resumes can give you the form of the summary, but you need to fill it in with the meat of what you offer to this company.
Don’t Overuse Sample Resumes
Sample resumes are a great resource for formatting your resume and picking the correct fonts and type size. Sample Resumes show you how to present your content in the best light. In the end though, it’s your customization to meet the needs of the company that will sell you.
Resume Wizard
Writing a resume from scratch can be a very hard and sometimes stressful task. You might not even know where to start and using a professional writing service is out of the question because of the cost. So what do you do?
You might be surprised to know that your computer can hold the answer to all your questions about writing a resume. Did you know that Microsoft office comes equipped with a resume wizard? No matter what version of Microsoft office you have, you can find the resume wizard.
Resume Style
The first thing you will be asked to do when using the resume wizard to pick the style of resume you want. You will have the following choices: Chronological, Functional and Professional. Once you make your choice the resume wizard will bring up more options as to what type of resume you want. Do you want an entry-level resume, or something else? Then you will have to enter in your contact information.
Resume Headings
The next option the resume wizard will bring you too is options for headings. It will already have pre-selected the headings that are most common for what every style you have picked and you have the option to add more if you want. Then the resume wizard will bring you to a screen that will show headers that might sometimes be included in the style of resume you chose and give you the option to add them. Finally you will come to the last screen where you can review your choices and add any other headers that you want, that you might not have seen as a choice. Once you click on finish it will generate the resume and tell you where you should fill in your experience, objective, etc etc.
If you do not have Microsoft word, please do not worry. Simply log on to the internet and do a search for a resume wizard. You will be surprised at the results. Each of these resume wizards work in almost the same manner as the Microsoft one though some of them will offer you the option of publishing them online it you want.
Resume Basic Layout
A resume wizard is a great tool to use and will give you the basic layout of your resume. What Windows resume wizard or any online free resume wizard will not do is write your resume for your, or offer suggestions. In order to find a resume wizard that will do that, you more than likely will have to buy resume wizard software. Some software programs will offer suggestions on how to phrase your objectives and phrase your experience in a professional manner.
Using a resume wizard is a great place to start when writing your resume. It will help you design a resume that is easy to read and easy on the eye.
Resume Tip
5 Resume Tips To Get Noticed
If you are having trouble writing your resume don’t feel bad, it can be tough.
Everyone could use some resume tips to help them write a resume that is interesting and will land them the job they want. If you are stuck at any stage of resume writing, consider our resume tips.
Resume Tip #1
A great resume tip is to keep your resume easy to read with bulleted sentences. Most employers just skim through resumes anyway so writing lengthy paragraphs is not the best idea. Use short sentences organized in list form to give your resume the most impact. If you use this resume tip, your resume will be easier to read and make more of an impact.
Resume Tip #2
A little known resume tip is that it is ok to use symbols. Symbols like the dollar sign, percent sign, and number sign make the text in the body of your resume stand out and usually lend to greater specifics which is always good on a resume. Be specific on your resume and use these symbols to illustrate the points that you make while being concise. Using this resume tip will keep your resume short and to the point.
Resume Tip #3
Most people list their job skills on their resume but a great resume tip is to make your important skills really stand out. Because employers usually just skim thought resumes, you should be sure that the skills you include are targeted to the job you are applying for and stand out on your resume. This is an important resume tip because you only have a few seconds to impress a potential employer so make them count.
Resume Tip #4
No matter which resume format you choose, a good resume tip to follow is to leave plenty of space. A crowded document is hard to read and this included resumes. Leaving plenty of space is good design and makes your resume more attractive. Employers are more likely to spend time reading a resume that is pleasing and easy on the eye as opposed to one that is cluttered. Glance at your resume after you print it and make sure it looks balanced and clean. If you follow this resume tip your resume is more likely to get thoroughly read.
Resume Tip #5
Another resume tip for after you print is to have a person proof read it for you. Obviously you need to make sure you resume is free of spelling and grammatical errors, and a real person can give you advice on anything you may have overlooked. It is sometimes hard to properly proofread something you are close to so having another person proof read for you is important. Ask questions to determine how much of an impact your resume makes and what things can be improved. If you follow these resume tips you will be on your way to a great job in no time.
Resume Templates
Resume Template Forms
If you are new to writing a resume, or you want to spruce up and improve your existing resume, then resume templates may be the way to go. Resume templates are forms that contain outlines of resumes.
By filling in these forms with your own information, you can quickly create a resume without having to worry about the structure or layout, since that portion is already taken care of for you.
Resume Forms
Resume templates can be found in many places, both for free and at a cost. One of the most common places to find templates is in Microsoft Word.
If you use Word, then you already have several resume templates built into the program. You can use these templates to generate your own personalized resumes that have a professional layout.
Because many people use these templates, it’s wise to change them a bit so that they will stand out from the crowd.
You can do this in simple ways, such as by changing the fonts used in the resume or by altering colors to make it more easily noticeable.
If you don’t have Word or don’t want to use it, you can also find a myriad of resume templates on the internet. Both free templates and templates that cost money are available, and are just a search and a click away.
Free templates will usually come in a Word format, though a PDF format is also possible. Like their free counterparts, resumes that cost money will also usually come in a Word format. Resume templates that cost money will generally be of a higher quality than free templates, since paid resume templates are usually designed by a professional who has experience with writing resumes.
These templates can be helpful if you are trying to gain an edge over other people who are vying for a job, since the professionalism will stand out to the potential employer.
Resume Templates Summary
When you use resume templates, always be sure to check them before you print them out and mail them in. Correct any errors that you find, and be mindful that you have included all relevant information when you filled the resume out. Some resume templates may not have spaces for all of the information you should include in a resume (personal and contact information, education, work experience and hobbies), but you need to fill in all of those sections on your own anyway. If you utilize resume templates properly, they can be a tremendous asset to your job hunting, and can help you get the job that you want.
Resume Template
When trying to write your first resume, the task may seem very daunting. Thankfully, there are resources available to you that can help you get started.
One of the best resources is a resume template. A resume template is simply a template that you can fill in with your own personal details that will be a resume you can send to companies you want to work for. A resume template is easy to find either on your own computer or on the internet, and it makes writing a resume extremely easy.
Resume templates can either be blank, or they can come with filler information already entered into them. Sometimes the forms with filler information can be more helpful than blank ones, since they show you where to put each piece of your information on the resume. If you have a blank resume template, however, you can quickly fill it in by first listing your personal and contact information, your educational background, your work background and finally your outside activities or hobbies.
Customize Resume Template
If you have Microsoft Word on your computer, you can use the built-in resume templates that it comes with to create a resume of your own. These standard templates are used very often by individuals, so if you decided to utilize one of them, you might want to change it a bit so that it stands out from the crowd. Doing things as simple as tweaking the colors or the font can do wonders for making your resume stand out. You can also add graphics to your resume, though be careful not to make it too flashy or wild. Potential employers will want to see a professional resume, not a MySpace page. Also, it is not customary to include a picture of yourself on your resume, so avoid doing so unless you feel that it’s absolutely necessary to a particular situation.
Search Resume Templates
If you don’t have Microsoft Word, or you want to try some other templates, there are plenty of templates available on the web. Many templates can be found for free, and many are available for purchase. Some quality templates can be found for free, but the best ones will require you to pay a small fee in order to gain access to them. These templates are generally designed by professional resume writers, who know how to design an eye-catching resume that will help you gain the attention of a potential employer.
Regardless of whether you use a free resume template or a paid one, having a resume template can be of enormous assistance when you are creating a resume. Whether you’re writing your first resume or looking to create a fresh one, a resume template makes the job a snap.
Resumes and Curriculum Vitae
Chances are you might have never heard of a CV. CV stands for Curriculum Vitae and believes or not, it is not the same thing as a resume.
Most people think they are the same and while they do serve the same purpose there is one major difference with them.
The biggest difference between a resume and Curriculum Vitae is the length.
A resume ideally should be only one to two pages and basically summarizes your skills, experience and education. You want to be brief and to the point since the employer will probably spend only a moment or two reviewing your qualifications.
With and Curriculum Vitae, you will find it to be much longer than a resume. It can be two or more pages.
In a Curriculum Vitae you want to make sure you include your basic information and your education and employment experience. But you should also include any community service, or research projects you may have done.
When To Use Curriculum Vitae Versus Resume
So when should you use a Curriculum Vitae instead of a resume? Well in the United States, you will find that a Curriculum Vitae is used mainly when you are applying for any academic, education, or research positions and when you are applying for fellowships or grants. Also if you are applying for a job overseas, say in Europe, you will have to submit a Curriculum Vitae instead of a resume. These overseas employers expect to read personal information like date and place of birth and your nationality. These are never asked for on a resume.
What To Include In Curriculum Vitae
What else should you include in you Curriculum Vitae? Well just as with a resume make sure you have your education and your work history. You should also include any research experience, publications, fellowships, courses taught, licenses and awards you have. It is also a good idea to include your interests on your curriculum vitae as well as any professional memberships you may have. There is no need to include your salary history or even references. References should only be given on request. Even though a Curriculum Vitae tends to be a few pages longer than a resume, it is still important to try and keep it short and concise. Try not to include a lot of details about your employment and education. Instead just try to summarize them.
Be Honest When Writing Your Curriculum Vitae
Just as it is with a resume, the temptation to overdo your curriculum vitae is hard to ignore. We always seem to think it is a good idea to have your education or work experience sound just a little better than it really is. However just as with a resume, it is not a good idea to do this with your Curriculum Vitae because most employers are going to conduct a background check on you.
The most important thing to remember is just as with a resume, a Curriculum Vitae’s main purpose is to land you the job or the fellowship you want.
Resume Sample
There are literally millions of resume samples on the internet. Anyone who needs help writing their resume can easily find it on the net, but falling into the “resume sample trap” is easy to do with so many resume samples available.
What many people do, and is exactly what you shouldn’t do, is copy a resume sample right off the internet. Even though the format of successful resumes are similar, using a resume sample you found online and only changing a few words is not a good idea.
Using a copied resume is obvious to most employers and even if the resume sample you found is a good one, your resume will still suffer from the lack of originality. Using a resume sample is okay, you just have to know how to use a resume sample effectively and make it your own.
Resume Sample Format
Decide which format of resume is right for you and then look at a lot of different resumes in that form. Decide which features you like best from each resume sample and incorporate them into your resume. Pick the resumes that really stand out to you. Look for resume samples that are interesting, easy to read, and compel you to read more. Even if you find one resume sample that is great, look for more. The more resume samples you look at the more great ideas you have.
After you pick a few resume samples that seem good to you, pick the best features from each resume sample. Take those features and use them in your resume. If you like a particular resume sample because of the language it uses, don’t copy it directly. Employers see hundreds of resumes and great wording from resume samples online appears more than you would think. Instead, identify what makes the resume sample interesting and find your own way to word it.
Customize Resume Sample
Resume samples can be a big help or a big letdown. Remember never to copy a resume sample exactly, rather find the best qualities of many resumes and mix them together. You should look at a variety of formats and styles to find one that suits your needs. Above all, never use wording exactly as it appears on a sample resume, rather find your own way to get the same message across. Resume samples are a great way to get a idea of what your resume should be like, just remember to always make your resume unique.
Resumes
Would you like to write great resumes! And yes, the word is plural because if you are applying for multiple jobs you are talking about creating resumes – one for each of the jobs for which you are applying. Your resumes are your marketing brochures, your advertisements of yourself and should be approached in that way.
Customize Your Resume
Never, never, never just bounce a resume response out the door. The resumes that you send out should be crafted to respond to the specific job for which you are applying. Good add copy is geared to the demographics and lifestyles of the audience, your resumes should be geared to the needs of the job and the company to which you are applying.
Dissect Job Posting
Before you begin to write, read and dissect the job announcement. What are they looking for? What are the needs of the company? What sort of resumes will appeal to the person who is doing the sorting of the resumes? What skills and abilities will be of the most value to this company? You might ask yourself, “If I was doing the hiring, what would I be looking for in my review of the resumes I received. What would make me stop and take another look? What would it take for me to separate one from the whole pile of resumes? Take some time with this exercise, writing the responses to these questions, each one on a separate page. Go back through and see where your skills and experiences fit.
Create Job Resume
Now you are ready to construct your resume so that it meets the needs of your prospective employer. Make your objective about what the employer will value — increasing sales, providing solutions that increase profits, developing new business. Write it so that someone whose eye rests on it for 10 seconds will say, “Yes, that’s what we need.” Among all the resumes they are reviewing, yours is one that makes the final cut.
The other most important part of all of the resumes you will construct are the summaries. The summary talks about you and your abilities, and how those meet the needs of the company. Again, ask yourself, “if I was doing the hiring, what specific skills would I be looking for?” Craft the summary part of all of your resumes so that it’s job specific and clearly shows how what you have to offer meets the job requirements.
Remember, you are selling you. And well-crafted resumes are the way to accomplish that goal.
Resume Objective
Most resumes contain an objective right below the header. The resume objective can be the most difficult part of your resume to create as it is the first thing employers look at and needs to make a great impression.
There are lots of common mistakes made when writing a resume objective, the most common are being to lengthy, too vague, and not adding anything of value. If you need to know how to write and effective resume objective, we have compiled some tips for you.
Writing Resume Objective Tip #1
Your resume objective should contain up to four lines of text and should summarize you qualifications and the position you are applying for. Some resume objectives are written in a paragraph format, and other use a list form. Whichever format you use, be sure to keep it brief, interesting, and specific.
Writing Resume Objective Tip #2
Your resume objective should emphasize your main skills that are applicable to the job you are applying for, contain the position that you are applying for, your career goals, and establish you as a professional in your field. It may seem like a lot to do in a few sentences but effective resume objectives can do just that.
Writing Resume Objective Tip #3
An effective resume objective, like an effective resume, is customized to the position you are applying for. Including the position title, company name, and keywords form the job listing are all great ways to make your resume objective customized to the job. Be sure to only include qualifications in your resume objective that are desired by the company. If you don’t know exactly what the employer wants from their candidates, do a little research so you can write exactly what they want to see in your resume objective.
Writing Resume Objective Tip #4
There are a few questions you should ask before you write your resume objective. Decide what your main qualifications are and which ones will be of the most use to the company. Decide what position you want so you can include it in your resume objective. You then need to determine your goals with the company so you can include them as well.
Writing Resume Objective Tip #5
Many people make their resume objective very general and vague, and don’t include information that is specific to the company. This common mistake is detrimental to your resume and will probably land it in the trash. Read your resume objective after you write it and make sure each statement is specific and answers a specific question. A great way to make your resume objective stand out is to include keywords from the job listing in your resume objective. Use interesting words like “applied” or “developed” for more common words like “use“. Make your resume objective targeted, short, and to the point. If you write a great resume objective, your employer will me much more likely to read you entire resume instead of tossing it.
Resume Helper
If you are like many people today, the thought of putting together your resume is not a happy one.
Building a resume can be challenging which is why there is a plethora of websites devoted to the topic. What is the best resume helper and how can you guarantee that your resume will get you an interview and not thrown into the trash? There are as many opinions on what is the best resume helper as there are websites voicing those opinions so let’s discuss the most popular resume helpers.
Customize Your Resume
Keep it simple stupid is a well known saying and it too applies to resumes. One of the best resume helpers is staying concise and only including information that is important to your prospective employer and meets the job description. A good way to make sure you utilize this resume helper is to customize your resume to meet the specific needs of each company you apply to. Take not of what they are looking for and include only the things that matter to them in your resume.
One good gem of advice during an interview is to be positive. This advice also works before you get an interview and is a big resume helper. Even if you do have skeletons that will have to come out, putting them on your resume is not a good idea. The purpose of your resume is to get a prospective employer to call you in for an interview and nothing will get your resume in the trash faster than negativity. So always use one of the biggest resume helpers there is, being positive, to sell yourself and your skills.
Proofread Your Resume
It may seem obvious but many people overlook a resume helper that frequently makes a bad impression of people. Spelling, grammatical, and format errors are common but should never be overlooked. Being free of errors is a great resume helper so be sure to double, even triple check your work to be sure that there are no misspellings or grammatical errors. No matter what format you choose, be sure it is consistent throughout your resume.
No one wants to read something that is boring and resumes are no exception. Verbs are great resume helpers so be sure to use a lot of them. Use these action words to describe your skills and experience. Another resume helper is the proper use of white space. While most people don’t consider the layout of their resume, leaving enough space on the page so that your resume is easy to read is important. No thing makes a document less attractive than a bunch of jumbled up text so properly formatting your resume so that there is a good balance of empty space is a big resume helper.
Resume Formats
What are the Different Resume Formats and Which Type is Best for You?
There are several types of resume formats that can be used when applying for a job. The resume format that you choose depends on your skills, job experience, and education. Depending on your situation, the resume format you choose may be different from the traditional one. You can use one resume format or you can use a combination or resume formats to fit your needs.
Chronological Resume Format
The most common resume format is the chronological resume. This type of resume format accentuates your work history and is the best option for someone who has a lot of work experience in the field they are applying in. This resume format lists work experience from the most recent to the oldest and is readily accepted by employers because it is easy to see what type of jobs you have held. Although the chronological resume is the most common resume format, it may not be the best for you.
Functional Resume Format
Another resume format is the functional resume. This resume format differs from the chronological format because it puts more emphasis on skills and abilities than work history. The functional resume format is good for recent graduates and people without a lot of work history in the field they are applying in. If you are changing careers, have big gaps in work history, or none at all, the functional resume format is best for you. It is becoming more common and is a widely accepted resume format.
Combination Resume Format
If you want the best of both worlds, you should consider the combination resume format. This resume combines both types of resume, chronological and functional and puts the emphasis on whichever area is the strongest. Employers like this type of resume format because they can get a good idea of your work history as well as the skills and abilities you possess that make you a good candidate for the job. If you have a solid work history as well as many skills that are relevant to the job you are applying for, this is the type of resume for you.
Targeted Resume Format
If you want the best results, be sure to use a targeted resume format. Instead of writing one generic resume, the targeted resume format does just what it says; targets your resume to the specific job you are applying for. No matter which resume format you choose, be sure it is customized for the job and company you are applying for. There is no better resume format than the targeted format so be sure to incorporate it into your resume.
Resume Format
The resume format or resume style is the first decision you’ll probably have to make in writing your resume.
The decision about which resume format to use depends upon your situation. There are 3 main resume formats to consider – chronological, functional and the combination or hybrid.
Chronological Resume Format
The most often used resume format is the chronological work history, starting with the most recent job and going backwards in time. It’s traditional, conservative, and the one you should use if you have a consistent job history with reasonable amounts of time spent with each employer. Job hopping shows up quickly in this resume format.
Functional Resume Format
Inconsistent employment histories, job applicants wishing to change industries, people who’ve been out of the work force for a while such as mothers, or students who are just entering the work force may want to use the functional resume format. It details your skills, abilities and achievement without reference to work history. This resume format is not a favorite of human resource professionals, because they can’t see your work history. As a resume format, it is probably the least desirable choice to make.
Combination or Hybrid Resume Format
The combination or hybrid resume format gives you the best of both worlds. You can put a summary of your achievements, skills and talents right up front. Then you can do a chronological work history in the next section. This is the easiest resume format for the HR professional who must scan hundred of resumes. Because of that you get the most bang for your buck, so to speak. Pack it with action words, and achievements. If you are not sure how to do this go online and do a search. There are lists of action and power words on many different sites.
If you are in a highly technical field, then you’ll want to do more research on the specific resume format to use. Making it easy for the resume reader to see who you are and what you can do is the name of the game.
Resume Writing General Rules
Regardless of the resume format you decide upon, there are some general rules to follow in the completion of your resume. Make sure to leave lots of white space in the resume format. This will make it seem easier to read and thus more inviting to the reader. Check and recheck spelling, grammar and parallel construction (using the same tense in all descriptions, using the same form of the verb in action words, using periods and commas consistently and being consistent with the use of capitals.
Resume Cover Letter Writing
If you are sending out a resume, you should include a resume cover letter. Probably the only thing more intimidating than writing a resume is writing the resume cover letter to go with it.
Too may people today assume that just a resume will do, but a resume cover letter is the first chance you have to introduce yourself to a potential employer which makes it very important if you want to land your dream job.
Customize Cover Letters
One of the most common mistakes people make when writing a resume cover letter is to create one and use it for every single job they apply for. While writing customized resume cover letters does make job searching harder, writing a resume cover letter customized to the job you are applying for is the first step to making your resume cover letter great.
Proofread Cover Letters
Another common mistake found on many resume cover letters, although it should be an obvious one, is letting spelling and grammar errors slip through. Nothing makes a worse impression than having errors, so be sure your resume cover letter is free of them.
Because you want your resume cover letter to be customized for each company, be sure to address it to the person who is in charge of hiring. Because resumes that are sent to a generic office or the personnel department are less likely to get noticed, do a little research and find out who you should send your resume to. Then address your resume cover letter to that person and be sure to use the correct title and spell their name right.
While there are plenty of places to find ideas for your resume cover letter, make sure you write your resume cover letter in your own words. Sending a generic resume cover letter or one that was copied off the net is usually obvious and will not make a good impression.
No matter what type of job you are applying for, your resume cover letter should demonstrate that you have some knowledge about the company or field of work that you are applying for. You don’t need to write a ton about everything you knew but make it clear that you do have a reason for picking them and that you can be an asset to the company.
To go a step further when customizing your resume cover letter, take a close look at the job listing. Identify exactly what skills and abilities they are looking for and be sure to include your capabilities that match their needs in your resume cover letter. If your resume cover letter is free of errors, customized, and addressed to the right person, your chances of getting an interview will be high.
Resume Cover Letters
A resume cover letter is an important part of any resume, particularly resumes that you mail or email to potential employers.
Job Application
A cover letter helps to introduce you to the employer, and makes you more attractive to them as a potential employee. Cover letters don’t have to be included when you hand resumes out to people, such as at a job fair, but it’s good to have them with you anyway, just in case someone requests one.
Cover Letter Content
A resume cover letter should always be addressed personally to the recipient. If you don’t know their name, find out, or address it to “Sir” or “Madam” or to “Sir or Madam” if you don’t know their gender. Start off by saying who you are and what job you’re applying for. After this, you can go into more details about yourself and your relevant experience. The goal of a resume cover letter is to introduce and summarize yourself and your experiences, so don’t be too detailed. Tell them who you are, where you are currently working or going to school, and why you want the job you are applying for. Inform them about any special classes you are enrolled in, or any special duties that you have that make you ideal for the job.
Cover Letter Must Accompany Resume
A resume cover letter should also emphasize any strong traits that you have listed in the actual resume, such as advanced degrees, long number of years of experience, or other skills that fit in with the job you’re applying for. If a recruiter sees this information, they are more likely to open your resume to find out if you are a suitable candidate. Without this kind of introduction, it’s easy for a potential employer to simply discard your resume because they don’t want to take the time to read it all. Thus, a resume cover letter shouldn’t be long; two paragraphs at most, and should be interesting and engaging to the reader.
Resume cover letters are important parts of job applications. You should always include one when you write resumes to send to people via mail or via email. When you are handing out resumes to people, you should have a copy of the resume letter on hand, just in case they would like to see it. If you use a resume cover letter properly, it can increase the appeal of your resume and help you get the job that you want.
Resume Writing Advice
A resume is an important document in the business world.
It is one of the first things that a potential employer will look at, and is the document that should most clearly communicate details about yourself that you want a potential employer to see. By having a resume that shows off your skills in a professional manner, you are more likely to obtain a job than other people.
Resume Writing
Resumes should have a few key parts. First, they should contain personal information about yourself, like your name, address, telephone number and email address. They should not contain details like your height, weight, or birthday (unless relevant to the job you are applying for). This personal information will be used by the employer to keep track of who you are in their system, as well as to make contact with you about the status of your job application.
A resume should also contain details about your educational background. This background should include any colleges or universities you attended, and does not usually need to include what high school you attended, unless the employer requests this information. Your educational background information also needs to include the names of the schools you attended, what degrees you earned and what (if any) degree programs you are currently enrolled in. Employers can often be more favorable towards potential employees who have advanced degrees than towards those that don’t.
Relevant work experience should be included after your educational background, and needs to include the dates you worked in each job, along with where the jobs were located and what companies they were with. If you are just coming out of school, then you should list any internships or work study programs you were enrolled in. Each entry in this list should include information on the responsibilities you held while in the job, as well as your title and the name of the person you reported to. Jobs that are not relevant to the one you are applying for may or may not be omitted from this list; it’s really up to you.
Finally, you should list your hobbies and activities that you find enjoyable outside of your work life. You should be careful in listing all of your hobbies, however; things that you find acceptable may not be seen as such in the company you are applying to. Discretion, in this case, is the best course of action.
Resume Advice Summary
That’s really all there is to a resume. It’s really just a document that introduces you to a potential employer and tells them why you’re perfect for the job. For some companies, you may want to write specialized resumes that focus on the skills or experience that they find most attractive. Regardless of however you do it, though, as long as you include these main categories, you should be off to a good start in writing your resume.
Outline of a Resume
There are no shortages of resumes in circulation. Yet, despite the millions of possible resume combination, all of them will still contain the basic outline of a resume.
It is through this outline that they become somewhat similar. So what is involved in the basic outline of a resume? To find the answer to this question read on, as this article will explain everything you need to know about what is required in the basic outline of a resume.
The first element in the basic outline of a resume is the contact information. There are a few people that actually believe that, in the outline of a resume, this section should actually be listed last. Be aware though that most people will have it in the beginning portion in the outline of a resume. Either way, your contact information should contain your full name, your address, your telephone number and your email address. Don’t include any personal information such as your banking account or Social Security Number. If your potential employer expects these things before you are hired, end your communication with them, since they are scams. Companies will only ask for this type of information in person on confidential documents that require real signatures.
The second element in the basic outline of a resume is your work history. List the information here in reverse chronological order. This means you list your most recent job to your least recent job. In your lists make sure to include: the name of your employer, the dates you worked for them, the title of your position, the duties of your position and finally anything you obtained from the position, such as newly acquired skills or awards. Separate more specific points in this section with bullets.
The third element in the basic outline of a resume is your academic history. The elements listed within this section should also be in reverse chronological order. List the following: the name of the school you attended, the dates you attended, the degrees you received, your grade point average and any academic awards or achievements you may have earned. And just like the work history section, make sure you separate each element with bullets.
The fourth element in the basic outline of a resume includes your general skills or qualifications. As usual separate each section with bullets. When writing your skills or qualifications, don’t be afraid to put yourself on a pedestal. Elaborate all of your abilities using action verbs. These are terms that describe things in a more dressy way. To find these words, search the term ‘action verbs’ on a search engine.
The fifth and final element in the basic outline of a resume is one that is optional. It includes any professional memberships, volunteer work or hobbies you have participated in that may relate in some way to the job you are applying for. Keep in mind that the basic outline of a resume can have these sections omitted if you have no experience in dealing with these things.
Functional Resume
A functional resume is one of the most used styles of resume writing. The other most common style is chronological which lists all you experience from most recent to least.
However a functional resume will list your experience in spurts because a functional resume is meant to be used by those with a lot of different experiences that do not add up to a straight career path.
Functional Resume, College Grads
Other people who will benefit from using a functional resume would be a college graduate. Usually if you are a college grad, you have some work experience that is going to have nothing to do with whatever career path you have chosen to follow. Let’s say you decided you want to work in human resources after you graduate. How many opportunities are you going to have to experience all the aspects of human resources? Chances are very little. You may get you feet wet by doing an internship but for the most part your experience will be limited. Another reason why a functional resume works well for you college students is because it allows you to show the skills you got by experience other than paid employment.
Functional Resume, Stay At Home Parent
If you were a stay a home parent who had a career and then left it to raise your family and have now decided to return to the work place, then this is the resume for you. If you use a chronological resume, it will probably draw attention to the fact that there is a big gap in your work experience. Some employers might not even bother to call you for an interview because of this gap.
If you have been at some of your jobs for short periods of time because you were still trying to figure out what you want to do career wise, a chronological resume would not benefit you. A chronological resume could you give an appearance of a job hopper and again this might give employers a bad impression of you.
Functional Resume Format
Keep in mind though that if you are using a headhunter or recruiter they may not want to see a functional resume and neither do some of the online job boards like Monster or Hot Jobs.
Another idea to keep in mind when creating your functional resume is to make your resume in a functional format but include a brief work history in reverse chronological format. This is a style of resume that is also known as a combination resume.
If you are unsure what your functional resume should look like, you can always do a search online to look at function resume examples to get a rough idea on how to format it.
How To Write a Resume
Many people have trouble writing their first resume. If you’re wondering how to write a resume, then you shouldn’t worry, because it’s a lot simpler than you might think. All it takes is a bit of time!
Gather Basic Information
When you sit down to write your first resume, you should start by gathering some information about yourself. Make sure you have your phone number, email address and street address written down. Write down information about your college and university degrees, including your majors, GPAs and what you did while in the program. You need to also write down your job experience (if any), along with what you did in the job, what dates you worked at the job and who your supervisor was. If you don’t have any job experience, write down any volunteer or internship work you did that relates to the job you want to apply for. Finally, write down a list of your hobbies or other miscellaneous skills that you might have, such as playing an instrument or participating in a sport.
Write You Resume
When you have all of this information in hand, you can then proceed to writing your resume. If you wish, you can utilize a resume template, such as those that are included with Microsoft Word, or which can be found on the internet. When you start writing your resume, list all of your personal and contact information at the top, so that the employer can quickly get in touch with you if they need to. Next, list all of your educational experience, along with your degrees, schools you attended and any courses you took that have direct implications to the job you are applying for. After your educational experience, you should list the jobs that you have held. If you haven’t had any jobs, then list any volunteer work you’ve done or any internships or work study programs you participated in while in school. Employers love to see volunteer work just as much as regular jobs, so be sure you include this if you’ve done any of it. Finally, give a brief overview of your hobbies and any interesting things you might do. Including this information shows the employer that you are a real person who enjoys things other than just work, which is very important in most companies. Be sure to avoid ‘telling all’, however, and don’t include things that the company might find offensive, even if you don’t find it so.
If you follow these steps on how to write a resume, you should be well on your way to creating a resume that catches the eyes of potential employers and gets you the job that you want!
Write a Free Resume
Even if you’re short on cash, you can learn to write your own resume.
The easiest way to do this is to look for free resume templates online.
Do a search for “free resume templates”, “free downloadable resume templates” or “free resume samples”. You will be able to find a resume template to suit your needs.
Even though you may consider free resume templates a good deal, there is a downside if you download them. The threat of adware and spyware is ever present when downloading free items. Make sure you have a virus scanner on your computer in the event you encounter this.
Study the resume templates to see which one fits your employment needs.
Choose Best Resume Format
Use the resume template that best fits your employment situation. For instance, if you have a steady and solid employment history with no gaps, you can use a chronological resume template. If you’re looking to change careers or have gaps in your employment history, a functional resume template would be your best bet. If you’re looking to specifically emphasize select skills that match the job position you’re applying for, a targeted resume template would work.
Content for Free Resume
Whatever resume template you choose, look at the headings to see what information you’ll have to provide. If you don’t have all the information available, do what you need to get it. It’s helpful to have a listing of your previous employment listed somewhere where you can readily access it. You may not be able to remember your employment history from years back. If you don’t remember your education information, like college or university data, you can contact the facility and they can provide it for you. You may have to present your request in writing, along with a nominal fee. Be sure to include any accomplishments that relate to the job position you’re applying for. This is important, because the employer can see that you have some experience in that particular field.
Proofread Your Resume
Your resume should be formatted properly, with the margins no less than one inch on both sides. If the margins are less than one inch, your resume will look awkward. You must employ spell check with your resume. Also, have someone proofread it several times. Even though spell check is good, it shouldn’t be solely relied upon for misspelled words and grammatical errors.
Using free resume templates may not be the cream of the crop for some, but it can help your resume get results if used properly.
Free Resume Templates
There are different styles of free downloadable resume templates to choose from. Before deciding on one for you, do some research. You should examine different styles before deciding on one that would best suit you. You want the finished product to be professional to your potential employer.
A free downloadable resume template can be used as a guide to creating your own resume. There are several advantages to using a free downloadable resume template. In addition to using it as a guide, a free downloadable resume template can also save you time because they’re already formatted and tailor made. They’re easy to find online; just do a search for “free resume template” or “free downloadable resume template”.
Resume Template Formats
Free downloadable resume templates can be in the form free software trials or demos; drop down fields or downloadable templates from Microsoft® Word. Free downloadable resume templates are easy to use because they are already structured and formatted. You can change the settings to your specifications.
In addition to Microsoft®, you should find several sites that offer these. When you get to their website, look for the templates section. Make sure the templates you’re downloading are actually free, with no strings attached. Follow the instructions on the website for downloading. As with most if not all free downloads, you may incur adware or spyware, so it’s best to scan your computer for these and other viruses that may appear as a result of this.
Resume Template Content
Don’t think that you won’t have to do much work after you download, because you will. You will still have to fill in the blanks with your information in order to have an effective resume. You’ll want to study the free downloadable resume template you’re looking to use first. Then you’ll know what information need to include. Don’t use a free downloadable resume template because of the design.
Free downloadable resume templates can be a great source for creating professional looking resumes. The templates include pre-set margins, fonts and other layout information. Free downloadable resume templates can also be used for websites and other documents.
Resume Template Summary
There are some people who think free downloadable resume templates are not worth the investment. However, there are those who use them and get great results. You can create a professional looking resume without wrecking your brain. The potential employer couldn’t care less whether or not you used a free downloadable resume template. As long as it’s formatted correctly, that’s what matters.
Resume Example
When I met with my college counselor to talk about potential job positions he mentioned to me the benefit of having a good resume.
He went on for a good hour about how the right resume will land me the job of my dreams. I left there excited and when I got back to my dorm room I sat down to write my amazing resume and I got as far as my name. I had no idea where to begin. I needed help and I needed help fast.
I found a book on resumes at the library and while it gave me good information I still had no idea on how my resume should look. I needed a good resume example to guide me as I wrote my resume. I made an appointment at career services and it was there I was able to find resume examples. I was able to use these examples as a blue print for my own resume.
Search Resume Examples
Nowadays it is a lot simpler to find a resume sample than it was when I needed one. Technology has advanced so much since then that all one needs to do is turn on their computer and they will be able to do a search for a resume example and be shown examples of every type and style of resumes.
It is a good idea to use a resume example if you are unsure of where to begin. Examples can show you what employers are looking for and what you should stay away from. In fact some of the examples you might find online are written by professional resume writers and if used correctly can land you the job you have always wanted.
Resume examples can show you the different styles of resumes and the different types of headers so you can decide which one works best for you. These examples also show you the format a resume so you know what to follow. In fact you can find some resume examples for almost any career field to show you what details you should include and what details you should leave out.
There are some people who might balk at the idea of using a resume example to help them develop their resume. They feel using a resume example is almost as bad as falsifying information. You are not passing the example off as your own; you are simply using it as a model for your own. It was from following a good resume example that I was able to draft my own resume.
Free Word Resume Template
If it is not economically feasible for you to pay for a resume service, you can use a free Word resume template.
A free Word resume template can help you create a resume quickly. The layouts are already prepared, so you don’t waste time trying to set the layouts yourself. Word resume templates are used a lot, and you are able to edit them to your liking.
Using Resume Templates
Free Word resume templates are like other free templates. Having a resume template can shave off time in that they’re already formatted. They also have resume templates that can be presented in a professional manner. The resume templates are also tailored to put in the information that is needed.
Resume Templates Various Formats
The free Word resume templates have different formats. If you’re using the software, the resume package is pre-installed. The package includes Professional, Contemporary and Elegant templates that you can use. The Word resume templates also have different formats: Entry Level, Chronological, Functional and Professional. Also included in the resume package of the software is a resume builder. The resume builder guides you through the steps of creating your resume. You just click and enter the information as requested.
Microsoft® Free Resume Templates
You can find free Word resume templates online by typing in “free Word resume template”. To access free templates from the Microsoft® website itself, go to the website and search for templates. Follow the instructions for downloading.
You can create a presentable resume from the Word resume templates, if you choose to use them. However, there are some people who are against using these resume templates because they consider them “cookie-cutter” templates. In other words, your resume doesn’t stand out because you used the same templates that many others used. Within the different formats and styles, you should be able to select one that best fits you. You can also modify it to your specifications.
The free Word resume templates differ from the preinstalled ones in the software. The purpose is to find a resume template that is different and stands out. The free Word templates can do what other resume templates can do. They provide formatting with headings and sections in the right place. The resume templates also include different fonts and designs, and it’s easy to enter the information you need.
If you’re looking for economical way for a professional and polished resume, check out the free Word resume templates. It may be just what you’re looking for.
How To Make A Resume
The job market is very competitive and your resume will many times have less than a minute in which to impress your potential employer.
Many people are unsure of exactly how to make a resume, but following some simple guidelines will make your resume stand out. If you need to know how to make a resume, follow this advice.
Figuring out how to make a resume is not hard. Your resume should be formatted in a bulleted list, look uncluttered, clean, and have plenty of “white space” (empty space) so that it is easy to read. Generally, when learning how to make a resume, it is said that a resume should not be more than a page long. You should keep your resume as concise as possible, but if you cannot fit all your important information onto one page, two is ok. If you cannot summarize all your skills and qualifications within two pages your resume is too wordy and you should revise it and make sure all the information contained in it is pertinent to the job you are applying for.
How To Make A Resume Interesting
Learning how to make a resume interesting is as important as potential employers that are not immediately drawn to your resume will quickly discard it. If you need to know how to make a resume interesting, make sure your resume is achievement orientated, positive, uses action words, and includes the most important information first where it will draw the attention of the reader and prompt them to continue reading. Only list skills and achievements that are pertinent to the job you are applying for and use action words such as achieved, supervised, developed, and maintained to describe your skills and experience. Never include negative information in your resume and put your most useful skills at the top of the page.
Choose The Right Resume Format
Learning how to make a resume in the correct format is important as well. While there is not one format that is ideal for every job, if you need to know how to make a resume in the proper format, the following format is appropriate for the majority of professions. You should summarize your skills, experience, and talents at the top. You should include a bulleted list next that summarizes your previous job responsibilities and achievements. Them you should include your employment history in reverse chronological order followed by your education, training, licenses, and other special certifications.
How To Make A Resume Professional
An often overlooked aspect when learning how to make a resume is how your resume should be presented. Your resume should be completely free of spelling and grammatical errors. Use high quality paper, but nothing too obnoxious like yellow or red. Always tweak your resume to fit the needs of the job you are applying for and print a new copy for each application. Sending a photocopy is obvious and sends the wrong message.
Learning how to make a resume is not hard, as long as you keep it interesting, concise, and professional your chances of landing the job you want are high.
Free Resume Help
You’ve gotten started on the first step towards procurement of a professional career by writing your resume.
Your fingers flow at the keyboard as you type in your skills and abilities through a template or resume builder.
But when the resume is finished, you don’t feel satisfied. There just has to be something wrong with it, yet how can you tell if you’re the only evaluator?
This is why you need to get free resume help once your resume is complete and/or if you are having writer’s block while creating it.
To get free resume help you can utilize: the career centers of a college campus, a free critique from a job site or career-related message boards.
Resume Help – College Career Centers
If you have attended or are attending a college, don’t be afraid to get free resume help from their career center. Every major college whether accredited or not should have them. In fact, not only can the counselors at the career center offer you free resume help, but they can also get you in touch with potential employers looking to hire people off of the campus. Also, don’t think because it’s been awhile since you’ve graduated that you can’t take advantage of the free resume help and career placement assistance from your school’s career center. If you are part of your school’s alumni program, you should still have access to your all or most of your college’s facilities, including the career center.
Resume Help – Job Sites
The next option for free resume help involves getting a free resume critique from a job site. When you get free resume help through this method, basically you fill out a form and upload your resume. In a day or so, you’ll get an email detailing what you need to do to improve your resume. Why would job sites offer free resume help in this way? It’s a marketing tactic. By offering free resume help in the form of a resume critique, they are hoping you are impressed enough to eventually join their site and/or take advantages of their paid services. Careerbuilder’s resume critiquing service is an example.
Resume Help – Career Message Boards
Lastly, you can get free resume help from career-related message boards. There are hundreds available on the Internet. Some are in the form of ‘groups’ while others are in a more normal message board format. Of course, when using a career-related message board, make sure you are not spamming. Contribute to other threads and post your request for free resume help in an appropriate way. This means only list the request once, and list it in threads that would relate in some way to free resume help.
In conclusion, when it comes to getting free resume help you have the following options: using the career center of a college, getting a free resume critique from a job site or using a career-related message board. With all of these alternatives available, you should be well on your way in creating a resume that will win you the career of your dreams. Indeed, without these resources you will never know for sure if your resume is as effective as it could be.
Free Resume Templates
A polished resume will be written well and possess an attractive appearance. If you passed a high school English course, chances are you’ll be able to tackle the writing portion of your resume.
However, trying to make it attractive requires more creative skills in desktop publishing. You’ll need to know how to best make use of tables, lines and graphics in your resume. This is an art like anything else, so if you don’t know how to do it your resume will look terrible. Fortunately, if you do not know how to graphically format your resume you can instead download free resume templates. What is a resume template? It is simply a previously formatted document you use to help you create your resume.
Access Free Resume Templates
So, how do you download free resume templates? The first step you need to take to download free resume templates involves using a search engine. These are programs which scour the Internet for information. To use them to download free resume templates, you would simply type in “free resume template.” Don’t forget to add the quotations, since they help specify to the search engine exactly what you are looking for. The results that come up will provide sites that will offer resume templates for download. Click on one of these sites to get the downloading process started.
Download Free Resume Templates
Some sites that allow you to download free resume templates may first require you to sign up for their email list. This is how they plan on getting their eventual revenue, in a tit-for-tat form of marketing. You get a chance to download free resume templates from their site, while they get a chance to advertise to you through your email inbox. But don’t be alarmed. Most of these ‘advertisements’ will actually be in the form of e-courses that can give you tips related to resume-writing or your job hunt in general. And at no time are you under any obligation to buy, even if you were allowed the opportunity to download free resume templates from the site.
Other sites that allow you to download free resume templates, may not require you to join their email list. In fact, you may not have to do anything except download. Why would a webmaster do things in this way? They hope that while you are perusing resume templates to download, you’ll click on one of their advertisements, which generates revenue for them.
Save Your Resume Template
After you download free resume templates, you are ready to import them into a word processor. Most free resume templates are in Microsoft Word format and should be able to be opened just like any other Word document. Once they are opened, you simply replace the text there with your information. All of the graphical elements will remain the same, though you can edit these too if you wish. When you are finished editing the template, you save it as usual, though make sure to save it under a new file name. If you don’t your resume becomes the template, something you do not want. This is because you might accidentally delete your original resume the next time you want to create another one. But if you already made the mistake of not using a new name for your resume, simply download the free resume template again and rename your initial file.
Create Resumes
If you are interested in a professional job you will need to create a resume. This is a document that specifies why you are qualified for a job.
Your resume includes information such as your work history, academic record and general occupational skills. If you create resumes that are vague, poorly written or don’t impress your prospective employer in some way, you won’t receive further consideration for the job. On the other hand, if you create resumes appropriately, you should at least get a call for an interview. This article will explain the steps you need to take to create resumes that will increase the chances you’ll get the job you are looking for.
Create Resume Content
The first thing you need to do to create resumes is to brainstorm what defines you occupationally. Think about all of your academic and work-related skills and accomplishments from high school onward. Also ponder through your previous work experience, if you have any. Think about what you had to do to successfully complete the tasks on your job. Write or type out what comes to mind. You will need this list later, as you continue through the process of creating resumes.
Create Resume Format
The next step you’ll need to take to create resumes is deciding what type of resume you’ll need. This will involve choosing between resumes that are chronological, functional or a combination of the two. If you decide to create resumes in a chronological format, you’ll be placing more emphasis on your work history, which would be listed in reverse chronological order. It would be the first section your potential employer would see. Yet, if you do not have significant work experience, you’ll want to create resumes in functional format. Functional resumes place emphasis on academics and job skills. Conversely, if you are in a situation where you have work experience but it doesn’t necessarily relate to the job you’re applying for, consider creating resumes that would be a combination of chronological and functional formats. This would involve listing your skills first, then your job and academic information in chronological order.
Create Resume Template
At this point you are ready to actually create resumes. There are two ways you can create resumes. You could create resumes through word processing templates. These can be obtained through a simple query on your favorite search engine. To use them all you have to do is replace the ‘filler’ information listed in the template with your information. Or, you could create resumes through a resume builder, which is a separate piece of software. To create resumes through a resume builder, you would have to answer a series of questions. When the question process is finished, the software would automatically create a resume for you based on your input. You are free to modify the resume as you wish through the editing tools that are provided with the builder.
Create Impressive Resume
With your resume complete, review it in the manner that an employer would. This means check for any glaring grammatical errors, along with taking special note of the first couple of sections. These are the sections that will impress the employer the most… the rest is almost superfluous, (which is why longer resumes are not necessarily better). For this reason the skills and accomplishments listed in these sections need to match the general ‘idea’ of the qualifications given in the employment listing. You will not want to use the exact same wording, but you’ll want to make the ideas similar enough that the employer clearly sees you are what their company is looking for. Indeed, it is this obvious yet neglected step that can be the deciding factor between whether or not you get a phone call. Without doing it you all the time you spent creating resumes becomes wasted.
Resume Cover Letter
Potential employers are looking for resumes that impress. They’re looking for resumes that stand out and say “WOW!”
They want to able to pick the right candidate for the job. By looking at resumes, they can get a feel of who would serve them best at their company.
Writing A Resume
How do you go about getting to that point? The first thing you need to do is write a resume and cover letter. Not just any resume and cover letter. They must stand out and complement each other. How do you set yourself apart from the others who are looking to get a shot?
First, you must sell your potential employer with your resume. Your resume is your calling card. The information in your resume must convey to a potential employer that you are the person for the job. Your resume should contain the following information:
* – Your contact information (name, address, phone numbers, e-mail address)
* – A tailored job objective
* – Employment history
* – Education
* – Honors and accomplishments (that are related to the job position you’re seeking)
You don’t necessarily need to list a references section on your resume nowadays unless you’re asked.
Your resume must be informative and impressive enough for a potential employer to take interest. You only have a few seconds for them to say yes or no. With so many candidates, they only have time to scan your resume and get a feel for you. Don’t overload your resume with information; it should be just enough where they’re compelled to find out more about you.
When presenting your objective in your resume, be sure that it’s tailored to meet the potential employer’s needs and not your own. The potential employer wants to know what you can do for their company. They want to know what you can do for their bottom line to help them profit.
Depending on what type of resume form you use, your employment history may go before or after your education. Regardless of which one you use, make sure it is included in your resume. When writing your honors and accomplishments, be sure to include anything that is related to the job position you’re seeking. Be detailed, but not too detailed as to where a potential employer will know everything about you. Use common words so that the prospective employer will understand what you’re trying to convey.
Writing A Cover Letter
A cover letter is important because it complements your resume. You should always have a cover letter to accompany your resume it serves as an introduction to your prospective employer. The cover letter also serves to ask for the interview.
A cover letter only requires two to three paragraphs. They should be brief and to the point. The opening paragraph should reference the job position you’re applying for. The second paragraph should reference reasons you should be called for an interview. You can use the following to make your case:
* – Education/employment experience
* – Ability to work with other people
* – Interest in the job position/company
* – Responsibilities in previous employment, especially if it related to the job position you’re seeking.
The closing paragraph should suggest a good time for an interview. Just like the resume, please include your contact information at the top left of your cover letter. Use “Sincerely” to close out the cover letter.
Using these suggestions can get you in the door with a prospective employer and ultimately lead to employment.
Resume Form
There is usually only one way to get an interview to the job you want and that is by having a perfect resume.
However writing a perfect resume does not come easily to some people and you might need some help writing it. One of the most effective ways of helping you write that perfect resume is a resume form.
Online Resume Forms
You can find a resume form online by doing a simple search for “resume forms”. There are a number of websites where you will find information about resume forms and information on how to use them. These websites will have a variety of templates and fill in the blank resume forms for you to fill out, so that creating your resume will be that much easier.
Resume Templates
The first thing on the resume form that you will almost always be present with is your general information. This is your name, address etc etc. Other parts of the form will ask you to describe what skills you have. You also want to make sure you list a little bit about your past history, your current history, and your expertise. This is where you will briefly sum up your career and show the highlights of it.
Resume Skills
You also want to make sure that on the resume form you enter in exact skills. Try not to ramble on. You want to be brief and to the point. Highlight you on the job skills such as implementing any procedures that might have helped increase productivity or training seminars that you might have held that resulted in increase production.
Customize Resume Form
Certain career fields will require certain skills. If you are applying for a teaching job, you want to showcase your accomplishments and awards you have earned such as Teacher of the Year. If you are applying for any job in the health care field such as nursing, you might want to mention the excellent rapport you have had with your patients. You can customize your resume form to fit your needs and to showcase your best skills.
Some basic guidelines to follow when using a resume form is to make sure all your information is accurate. It goes without saying that misleading the employer into thinking you have skills you really do not, will not get you hired. Another thing to keep in mind is to make sure you spelling and grammar is correct. Nothing will turn off an employer more than a sloppy resume that is full of spelling errors.
If you keep all of this in mind while using your resume form, you are increasing your chance of landing your dream job.
Free Resume Templates
Free resume templates abound on the internet. What exactly is a resume template? Are the ones you pay for any better?
The free resume templates that you find on the internet are just that – templates in which you fill in your own information. Free resume templates don’t assist you with wording, or with making any of the relevant decisions, but they do show you were your information is to be placed. They also determine the font style and type size for you. Free resume templates show you which headings should be larger and which ones small in type size.
It’s up to you to make all the relevant decisions about what gets included where. In fact, you must first choose what style you want your resume to be. Then, the next step is to determine how you are going to present yourself within that style. After that you have enough information to go looking for free resume templates that match your needs.
Free resume templates usually include a section for the objective, another for summary of skills and then numerous sections for your employment history. After that comes education. You can always move around the different sections in a free resume template, dropping the objective or putting the summary of skills up front to make it a more technically oriented resume.
Along with free resume templates you may want to spend some time reading the resume samples that are provided on many of the resume sites. Another good idea is to print out the various formats and put them side by side. Which one are you most inclined to pick up? You want the person reviewing resumes to pick yours up and look at it. The format of the free resume template should be inviting to you.
You will find free resume templates with different fonts. Some will use Times Roman; other will use Arial or another san serif type style. You may also find free resume templates with type styles that veer from the norm. If you are applying in a creative industry, these may be appropriate to use.
It’s probably not necessary to pay for a template. So many of the job search sites and resume sites include free resume templates for your use. As long as you know what you want, then the free resume templates are ideal. If you want help making decisions all along the way you may want to pay for a resume consultation or hire a resume writer.
Free Resume Template
Free Resume Template
Using a Free Resume Template to Get your Resume Done Fast
I need to do a resume fast. And I’m not sure about how to do the headings or what font to use. What do I do?
Use a free resume template. First you find a free resume template that is set up in the style that is most appropriate to your circumstances and to the industry in which you are applying.
If you need to move fast, just find a free resume template that is set up for a combination or hybrid style.
The summary of skills will give the reviewer a quick look at you, rather than having to spend a lot of time.
Given that you have relevant skills, this in itself will probably get you put into “take another look at these” pile.
What Is A Resume Template
A resume template is a word processing file that is already set up so that you don’t have to worry about which font to use, or the heading sizes. All you have to do is fill in your information.
Your resume is your marketing brochure. So spend some time on the summary of skills and abilities. If you have accomplishments and achievements, quantify them. For example, increased sales by 25%, or decreased customer complaints by 20%. Make sure you are using action verbs like arbitrated, achieved, collaborated, mediated. Once you have your summary written, you can insert it into your free resume template.
The free resume template can show you how to format your resume, but it can’t show you how to write it. For that you need to pay attention to resume samples. Analyze the wording and how it’s written.
In the chronology, be brief. Remember it’s not about you. Well it is, but it’s more about what you have done that will bring value to the company. As you fill in the free resume template, focus on what accomplishments you had rather than what your duties were.
Look at every word you put into your free resume template as if you were the person who was doing the hiring. What kind of person would you want for this job? What have you done that contributes to this position? Often just asking yourself these kinds of questions will give you the answers you are seeking.
The free resume template gets you started, but you will need to do the work. It’s your job history, your skills, and your accomplishments that the prospective employer is interested in. The job of the free resume template is to make you visually look good, and to show you where to put your content.
Proof Read Your Resume
What’s the last step in finishing your resume using a free resume template? Making sure it is error free. Spell check it. Proof it. Read it out loud. Have a friend or two look at it. This will give you the best shot at sending out an error-free great looking resume that all started with a free resume template that you downloaded from online.
Free Resume Format
Picking the Best Free Resume Format
If you are looking for the best format for your resume, you will find tons of free resume formats on the internet. Picking which free resume format is the best for you can be as hard as writing the resume it’s self. There are a few things you should consider when choosing a free resume format including your skills, work history, and the type of job you are applying for.
The basic free resume formats are chronological and functional. Depending on your circumstances, the free resume format you choose may be either chronological, functional, a blend of the two, or a completely different format altogether.
Free Resume Format, Chronological
The most common free resume format is the chronological format. This format lists work history in descending order (most recent to oldest) and put the emphasis on skills attained form work experience and the length of time in a particular field. The chronological format is a good free resume format if you have a lot of work experience. Employers will be able to see that you have been dedicated to the field and have gained a lot of knowledge and experience.
Free Resume Format, Functional
Another common free resume format is the functional format. This format puts the emphasis on your skills and qualifications that do not necessarily come from job experience. Any job experience will be listed along with other qualifications that make the candidate ideal for the position applied for. This free resume format is good for people with little work experience in general or little work experience in the particular field they are applying in. The functional format is more about what you have learned that qualifies you for the job rather than what jobs you have had similar to the job you are applying for.
Free Resume Format, Combination
Many people benefit from a free resume format that is a combination of both of these common formats. Listing your relevant employment, skills, qualifications, and abilities would be considered a combination of the two formats. You can find many free resume formats that are a combination of the two and they will show you how to utilize the benefits of both types. Including all the information you can that is specific to the job you are applying for is important, and will give your resume a greater impact.
The free resume format you choose will depend on your work history and abilities. If you have a strong work background in your field, a chronological resume is the best bet. If you have little or no work experience, a functional resume is best. For those with a combination of work experience and skills, a combination of both free resume formats is ideal.
Free Printable Resume Template
What to Look For in a Free Printable Resume Template
Many people find writing a resume difficult, especially those who are re-entering the workforce who are new at job hunting.
If you are having trouble creating a great resume you are not alone, and a free printable resume template can help you. Using a free printable resume template will take the stress out of writing your resume and will help you create an interesting resume quickly and efficiently.
There are as many different kinds of free printable resume templates as there are websites that carry them, and with so many choices, picking the perfect free printable resume template for you can be challenging. You should go with a free printable resume template that meets the needs of your resume and offers the greatest amount of features and flexibility.
Free Printable Resume Formats
A chronological resume is the most common type of resume and free printable resume template in this form is easy to find. A chronological resume put emphasis on your work experience, career growth, and continuity. It lists your works and education history on chronological order starting with the most recent. While a free printable resume template for this type of resume is common, it may not be the best type for people who do not have a long work history or who are new to their field.
A free printable resume template in the form of a functional resume is also common. A functional resume puts the emphasis on your abilities and skills instead of your work history. Job seekers without a lengthy work history can highlight why they would be a good candidate for the job without suffering from their lack of work experience.
A technical resume is the least common of the group, but a free printable resume template of this type of resume can also be found on the internet with relative ease. A technical resume showcases your technical skills, knowledge in a particular field, intelligence, and growth. If you are perusing a job where specific technical knowledge is helpful, a free printable resume template for the technical resume form may be the choice for you.
After you pick the free printable resume template that fits your needs, be sure to fill it with positive and meaningful information. Be sure you only include things that pertain to the job you are applying for and always check for spelling and grammatical errors. Writing a resume can be hard, but a free printable resume template can make the task that much easier.
Resume Templates
Which Resume Template is Right For You?
If you need assistance writing your resume, a resume template may be the thing for you.
Before you start using one, look at the template so you can get a general concept of what your resume should look like once it’s finished. You can find lots of different free resume template samples by doing an online search. Just type in “free resume template”, “resume template” or “resume template samples” and you should be able to find something that suits you.
Once you find a resume template to use, you can edit it to your own preference and make changes as necessary. The resume template samples can be used for any job-related category. Your resume template should be a pattern for you to follow, like you would if you were sewing a garment. The resume template is considered a guide to fill in pertinent information in your resume. The pattern that you follow should reflect the job position and skills of the potential employer.
There are several different types of resume templates:
Chronological – This type of resume template is used by the majority of job seekers. A chronological resume focuses on your employment history. Your current and previous employment are listed with the most current employment first, working back to previous years of employment history. This resume template is good to use if you have a solid and consistent work history.
Functional – This type of resume template is used for people who have employment gaps. However, you must provide an explanation for the gaps in employment. A functional resume template is set up to focus on your skills and experience, as opposed to your job titles. This resume template is also effective for those who are considering a career change.
Combination – A combination resume template focuses on your skills and experience first. After that, your employment is listed in the chronological format. When you list your skills and experience, you can emphasize the ones that are related to the position you’re applying for.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) – A curriculum vitae template, or CV, as it is commonly referred to, is a synopsis that is usually two pages or more. A curriculum vitae is used when applying for a position relating to academics, educational or research positions. In this resume, you should include all pertinent education information, including teaching licenses, fellowships, grant information, etc.
Between these four types of resume templates, you can go wrong with finding one that suits your needs.
Creating a Resume
Does this sound familiar to you? You have been in the same job for the past few years and you feel like you are going no where career wise.
Perhaps you have contributed all you can to the job or perhaps you are finding out that you want to work in a new environment that will challenge you. Whatever the reason, you decide you want to work on creating a new resume and you want to do it fast.
Creating A Resume Format
So where do you begin when it comes to creating a resume. First thing to do is choose what your resume style will be. You can create your resume using either a chronological style which is basically your work history starting with your most recent position and ending with your oldest. Or, you could create your resume using a functional style which concentrates on your qualifications and abilities. Which ever one you decide to use, you want to make sure it stands out.
Once you decide what style you want to use, you might want to brainstorm a little bit to gather your thoughts. Before you begin to create your resume, write down all your previous employers with the dates you worked and their addresses. Also, include your experience at each employer and any other skills you may have that are important to the field you are looking to get into.
Creating Content For Your Resume
Now to actually start creating your resume, remember there are some common elements you will need. The first step in creating your resume it to create a heading. This is going to include your name, full address and phone number. If you check your email regularly or prefer email to phone calls, then included your email address but make sure it is a professional sounding email address.
The second heading to include while creating your resume is your objective. Are creating your resume to obtain a full time position or a part time position? What are your goals? Are you looking for a position with room for advancement or to be more specific are you looking for a position that will lead you to a supervisor level?
Now here is when you are going to look at this list you created when you first started to create your resume? The list that included all your past employers, well here is where you are going to include it. Make sure your experience concentrates on skills that relate to the kind of work you seek to do. Try to avoid commonly used words such as “duties involved or duties included” and “responsible for”
While creating your resume remember to also include your education. If you are not a new college grad there is really no need to include your GPA and even if you are, do not include it unless it is a 3.0 or higher.
Other information you can include while creating your resume is references, although a statement saying that references are available upon request will be just fine. Make sure you also include any special skills, accomplishments or licenses that you may hold that pertain to the job you are applying to. For example if you are applying to a job in the financial field, you should list whatever NASD licenses you hold.
Proofread Your Resume
Creating a resume does not have to be a difficult task as long as you keep yourself organized. Once you are done creating your resume, it is a good idea to have someone else look over your work to make sure there are no grammatical or spelling errors. The last thing you want is for your chance of your dream job to be ruined by misspelling a few words.
Military Resume
Military Resume Sample Template Example
Military resumes are no different than any other job resume. You have skills, education and experience just like anyone else.
The sometimes tricky part in creating a good military resume is how you go about explaining your work experience and translating that for the non military reader.
Our resume writing service has written job winning military resumes for over 300 of our heroes.
When transitioning from the military to the civilian job market it is best to use a skills or functional resume format rather then a chronological resume format because the bulk of your employment is with one employer.
Technology Consultant
Technology Consultant Sample Resume Template Example
A technology resume requires a fine balance between functional and technical skills and experience.
More often than not the first person who reads technology resumes is not very technical. Make it easy for a non technical reader to understand your value.
Technology resumes are best suited to omit the standard resume objective and replace it with a skills summary. Articulate to the reader the value and experience you can bring to the job.
Speech Pathologist Resume
Speech Pathologist Sample Resume Template
A good speech pathologist resume starts with the correct format.
Look at the example resumes on this website to get an idea on how best to highlight your work experience and skills.
Free sample resumes as well as a free online resume builder will help you create a professional speech pathologist resume.
Senior Project Manager
Senior Project Manager Sample Resume Template Example
As a Senior Project Manager you are tasked with writing a resume that highlights both your management experience but also the projects you have successfully managed.
Use the example resumes we provide to create a resume that is better than good. Your employment project requires that you display your skills and achievements using the right resume format. We provide a resume writing service that will position you as the job candidate of choice.
Look at different resume formats to determine which format will work best for you. It could be a functional, chronological or skills based resume format.
Senior Sales Representative
Senior Sales Representative Sample Resume
Using free sample resumes is a great way to start your senior sales representative resume.
Our website provides a wealth of free information and examples to help you make a great resume.
Writing a resume does not have to be tough if you get the correct advice and help.
By reviewing our free sample resumes you can determine which resume format is your best choice. Be it functional, skills based or chronological.
Sales Resume Sample
Writing a sales resume is not as easy as it might look. When you need a to create a sales resume for a job you need to make sure you write the resume using the correct format.
Sales Resume Format
You could use a functional resume format, skills based resume format or even a chronological resume format if you have been in sales for a number of years. We provide a series of free sample resumes that should help you write a professional resume that will get you the job.
Create a resume that will separate you from all the other resumes the employer will receive and read. This sales resume sample should help you make a great resume.
Editor
Editor Sample Resume
Sample Resume Layout
Resume Layout Example
Although it might seem that there are many different resume layouts there are only a few that are worthwhile.
The most popular resume layout is the Functional Resume. At the top of the resume there is often a Summary of a persons skills and experience followed by abbreviated job information that corresponds with a particular job or career function. This resume layout is often also called a Skills resume. People often use the term resume layout in the same manner they would use the term resume format.
Want the perfect Resume Layout? Hire a Professional Writer.
Resume Sample Layout
Good Resume
Good Sample Resume
A good sample resume would be a resume that has been written by a professional certified resume writer. You can search high and low to find many sample resumes but you are wasting your time and putting your job search in serious jeopardy if the good sample resume you decide to use has not been written by a professional resume writer.
If you had a broken leg would you go to your local gas station for advice and treatment?
It is important that your resume be professional and well written. You can actually make a good resume all by yourself by either using a resume builder or by using our sample resume writing package.
Of course the very best resume would be a resume custom written by a certified professional resume writer.
You can be sure that if you choose to make a resume all by yourself that you will not be alone. Many short sighted job seekers are perfectly happy presenting an amateur resume when applying for a job. You should also know that there will be a few of your competitors who will have invested in themselves and gotten help in creating their professional resume.
The resume below is a good sample resume. If you happen to be exactly like the person the resume was written for then you are good to go. If though your experience and background is not the same the only benefit you will receive from this good sample resume would be to see how the resume is formatted.
An Example of a Good Resume
The least you can do to ensure that you have a good resume would be to invest $20 in yourself and career and download our sample resume writing package that contains resume templates and 175 different sample resumes that you can edit. Each of the templates and sample resumes has been created by a professional certified resume writer.
Sample Resume Formats
Resume Formats
Sample resume formats are the same thing as sample resume styles and sample resume layouts.
They all mean the same thing when it comes to resume writing.
The resume format dictates the order and fashion in which you communicate your message to the resume reader.
The resume format DOES NOT change the purpose of the resume but it does change the order of the information and how much and what kind or information you provide and highlight.
A functional resume format will highlight your skills and job specific experience rather than your position title or industry.
A skills resume format will prominently highlight the specific skills you poses that make you an outstanding candidate for a specific job.
A chronological resume format will provide an entirely different message to the reader. With a chronological resume format you will be highlighting your progression and experience within a specific industry or career role.
Each resume format has a specific purpose and each sample resume format will create a different message for the reader.
Take the time to look at a series of sample resume formats to get a feel for which resume format will work best for you.
Sample Resume Formats
You can Instantly Download more than 150 Sample resume Formats Here.
Sample Chronological Resume
Sample Resume Chronological Format
The chronological resume format is by far, the most common resume format in use.
In using this resume format, the main body of the resume becomes the Professional Experience section, starting from your most recent job experience going chronologically backwards through a succession of previous job or career experiences. This resume works to build credibility through experience gained, while illustrating career growth over time within a specific industry or career / job function.
A sample chronological resume would not be the best choice for young people, new graduates, job hoppers, career changers or people reentering the work place.
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Sample Chronological Resume
Skills Resume Format
You have two things to consider when writing a resume and deciding which resume format or resume style to choose.
What resume format best supports by experience and skills?
What resume format best supports by employment goals?
Skills Resume
A skills resume is one of my favorites as it immediately tells the reader what you are good at. Lets face it, every job requires some sort of skill or skill sets. Why not make it easy for the resume reader to see what it is you do well and why you are qualified for a particular job. If you are actually short on marketable and desirable skills then a skills resume would not be a good choice.
Sample Resume Skills
Sample resume skills should be front and center at the top of your resume. List your skills as bullet points or create a summary paragraph that explains and highlights them.
Professional Resume Writer
If you have unique and marketable skills then look for sample resume skills that have been written by professional resume writers. A professional resume writer actually knows what employers want to read. They know how to craft excellent skills resumes so be sure the sample resume skills you are reviewing has been written by a professional writer. Homemade sample resume skills examples will only lead you down a dark and lonely road that will result in no interviews.
mba
MBA Sample Resume
Although you have spent a good deal of time and a great deal of money investing in your MBA program and you would like to scream about it from the roof tops the truth is an MBA sample resume is no different than any other professional / executive resume.
The only caveat would be if you are a student who has just completed an MBA program and have little or no paid professional work experience.
You will find an MBA sample resume below but it will do you little good actually.
Let me ask you my MBA sample resume searching friend. Would the CEO of a Fortune 500 company be found creating sales collateral or sales brochures? Probably not, because that is not one of the many professional and desirable skill sets they possess and employ on a regular basis.
Likewise you are not a professional resume writer with the ability to be write objectively about yourself. If you think you are you are kidding yourself.
If the position you seek is also being sought by standard college graduates then you are in luck as a vast majority of them will operate with a homemade resume and your homespun MBA resume will not stick out like a sore MBA thumb.
Use A Professional Resume Writer
On the other hand if the position you are seeking will only attract other MBA graduates and other high end executives you are in a bucket full of trouble if you even think about utilizing homemade career documents.
Now is not the time to have short arms. Now is the time to step on the gas full throttle. I can guarantee you that a majority of your job seeking competitors will employ the expert skills and advice only a certified (not quite like and MBA) professional resume writer can provide.
Have your MBA resume custom written by a professional resume writing service that guarantees you get interviewed.
MBA Sample Resume
Sample Resume Administrative
Sample Resume Administrative
An administrative resume should scream organized and professional. If your administrative resume is not an organized and professional looking document the reader will never even consider you as a viable candidate for an administrative position.
Individuals and companies hire administrative professionals for a good reason. One of the reasons is to help organize and maintain a professional structure or function within a company, division or office.
By crafting an organized and attractive administrative resume you will quickly convey to the reader that you have the skills and background required to become an asset to the company.
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Sample Administrative Resume