RESUME

Your resume helps employers determine if you have the skills for the job and if you will get an interview. The interview is to see if you are a match for the job. There are many forms of resumes, and you may have tried several of them. However, there are headings on a resume that can give employers a more complete picture of your skills and what you will bring to the job. I have some suggestions below:

NAME

Address

Home or Cell Phone (whichever one you can be reached at during the day)

E-mail address

CAREER OBJECTIVE or PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY – Describe the type of employment/job you are seeking.

SKILLS/SPECIAL SKILLS – Describe your job skills and ones you have that are unique which you can bring to the company that others may not have. Your skills can set you apart from others. List soft skills as well, such as sharing leadership roles, team building, and people skills. Separate your soft skills from your technical skills or the skills that you want to use.

PROFESSIONAL WORK HISTORY – List from the most recent back 10-15 years. List important projects you have worked on and/or been a leader or manager in. Employers want to know what you have done and can do.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS – They can tell a lot about you and your success on the job or in the field. Remember that you are trying to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Do not be modest about these awards and accomplishments.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS/ACTIVITIES – These show that you are a professional and stay updated on current matters.

EDUCATION – List the most current education back to high school. Include any technical training or related skills you have acquired.

EDUCATION/TRAINING IN PROGRESS – This shows that you are staying updated and trying to learn more skills and/or to eliminate weaknesses.

REFERENCES – People differ on this part. Most applicants state: "References Available Upon Request". It is possible to list your references (2 to 4) on your resume. With smaller companies, we have had some success doing this, as they can check you out and call you if interested. It could put you at top of the stack. If you have nothing to hide, why not put them out there. You are trying to set yourself apart.

REFERENCES CAN BE DIVIDED INTO – Professional and Character References. I have encouraged group members to consider this. Employers are trying to build a picture of you, and they want information about you. Remember: Choose references carefully and be sure that you have asked the people you list for permission to use them.

HOBBIES AND SPARE TIME ACTIVITIES – These can be added and may make a difference. Perhaps they have a bowling or softball team and are looking for new members. Again, employers are trying to build a picture of you, and you need to assist them in this. After all, you too want a match with the job and the company. It's up to your discretion whether or not to add these.

OTHER CATEGORIES WHICH MAY BE RELEVANT TO YOUR BACKGROUND - Do not be afraid to create one if it sets you apart from others. Another one might be "How You Will Make A Difference".

OTHER TIPS:

● Use bullets where appropriate

● Wide margins – one inch on each side

● Short paragraphs

● No slang words or phrases

● Try not to use abbreviations

● Be consistent with hyphens, indentures, etc.

● Look at how the employer asks you to send in your resume because they could also be judging you on how well you follow instructions. These days, most resumes are sent in via e-mail. However, if you can hand deliver your resume, bring it in an 8x10 envelope. This can set you apart from others.

● Remember to use upper and lower case fonts. Some people (I am one) tend to use caps too much.

● Check over the resume carefully and if possible, have someone else proof it.

There are many ways to do resumes and even combinations of them. Try to keep in mind that you need to make an impact with yours if you want an interview – which is the real reason of a resume.

Bob Raikes, National Certified Career Counselor