Writing Resumes

Are you in the process of applying for a professional job? If you are, then you probably will need to start writing resumes. Why should you consider writing resumes instead of writing just one resume? It’s because you will want to tailor your resume on the basis of the position you are applying for.

Custom Resume Writing

You don’t want to send a generic resume to all of your potential employers, because it may not appeal to them as much as a custom resume. However, if you’re like many people the thought of writing resumes period might seem a little intimidating. Don’t worry. This article will help get you started in the process of writing resumes by explaining the basics of what you need to do.

Resume Writing Examples

The best way to start writing resumes is to do the obvious: look at samples of other resumes people have written. In fact, it’s best if you can look at resume samples that directly relate to the job you are looking for. This will better assist you when you begin writing resumes of your own. For example, if you’re interested in a transcription job, looking up “transcription resume” would better help you in writing those types of resumes than looking up “sample resumes” in general.

Resume Builder

Once you’ve gotten some idea on the proper format for writing resumes, you can begin creating the resume. The software you can use for writing resumes can range from a simple word processing program such as Microsoft Word to something more complex, such as a resume builder. Both will work for writing resumes, it’s just that they do their jobs in a different way. If you’re writing resumes in a word processing program, you’ll either have to do most of the formatting yourself or use a template. Yet, if you’re writing resumes in a resume builder, while you still use a template, the process is much more automated. This is because the software actually assists you during the time you are writing resumes, if you even want to use that term for yourself, since in actuality the resume builder is doing the writing. All you really have to do is answer the questions the resume builder puts forth. Once they are answered, the builder creates your resume instantaneously.

Writing A Cover Letter

When you are finished writing resumes, you need to draft cover letters. What are cover letters? These are letters that ‘pre-sell’ both yourself and your resume to your employer. The first paragraph explains that you are applying for a job, while the second and third paragraphs provide a summary of the attached resume. The fourth paragraph thanks the potential employer for their consideration and directs them to where the resume is. If you need to see exactly what a proper cover letter should look like, there are samples available on the Internet, just like there are for resumes.

Resume Writing Summary

All in all writing resumes doesn’t have to be tedious and frustrating. In fact, with the right software writing resumes can be quite rewarding both for your pocket book, (since you don’t have to pay to have your resume written) and your own self-esteem. This is because nothing beats the feeling you get when you get dozens of calls and interviews based on your own resume-writing genius.

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 Writing Tips

Essential Resume Writing Tips

Does the thought of writing a resume overwhelm you? If so, you are in the same boat as thousands of other people.

Even the best writers may cringe at the thought of creating a resume, since its format is different than the type of writing you would do for a story or even a school essay. If it sounds too simplistic, you won’t impress your employer. Yet, resumes with complex terminology might seem like you are ‘over-doing’ it, and may be a turn off with your potential employer. So how can you go about creating a resume that sounds natural yet sophisticated? Read on as this article will provide you with three essential resume writing tips. These resume writing tips will discuss: how to best describe your skills and work experience, the power of using numbers throughout your resume and how to keep your resume concise.

Resume Writing Tip #1

The first set of resume writing tips will center around how you should describe your skills and work experience. To do this you should use action verbs. What are action verbs? They are keywords that more elegantly specify what you accomplished. Examples of action verbs could be ‘analyzed,’ ‘rehabilitated,’ or ‘demonstrated.’ To determine which action verb you should use for your particular skills or work history, it is best you have a resource that lists them. Quintcareers.com is one site that lists hundreds of action verbs alphabetically. You could find more sites like it by using the search term ‘action verb for resumes’ in your favorite search engine.

Resume Writing Tip #2

The second set of resume writing tips will explain the power of numbers in your resume. How can numbers help you? Well, numbers clearly show what you have accomplished. For example instead of saying, “Managed software team,” say “Managed a software team of 20 people.” By adding the number, you give the employer a better picture of exactly what you can handle when it comes to management. Another way you can use numbers is by specifying how big a budget you dealt with, or how much extra money your efforts brought to your company. In fact, even giving numbers on how many work-related assignments you’ve done is impressive, assuming the number is high. If the number is not high, you will want to omit it and try to think of another ‘number’ that represents you occupationally.

Resume Writing Tip #3

The third set of resume writing tips will offer advice on how to keep your resume concise. The best way to go about this is to only list work experience that directly relates to the job you are applying for. This means only include jobs you’ve taken in the last three to five years; anything more could make your resume too long. Also, try to limit your bulleted points within each section to around five. You’ll always need more than one to keep consistency, but too many will not impress your employer. Overall, resumes that get read will be one to two pages long.

Resume Writing Summary

So now you have three sets of resume writing tips that can help you with your resume writing endeavors. If you need more resume writing tips, you can use your search engine, visit job boards or even use article directories such as Associated Content or Articles Base. The more resume writing tips you can find, the less overwhelmed you will be when it comes time to create your resume.