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WRITING A RESUME

CHOOSE A RESUME TYPE

Choosing the right type of resume is very important in getting the job that you're looking for. There are many different types of resumes, and depending on your personal circumstance, the right one can be difficult to choose. The different types of resumes are; chronological, functional, combination, and targeted. Although chronological is the simplest, there are many circumstances where you need to focus on your past accomplishments rather than just your job history. Taking the time to study and choose the best resume type for you can make the difference in whether you get approved for an interview or not.

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Chronological Resume: A chronological resume type is the most common resume. It gives you a chance to show off your experience and where you've been employed in the past. A bonus for this type of resume is that your employer will more than likely be more familiar with this type of resume, and will more than likely prefer it. A good time to use this type of resume is if you have an extensive job history in the same line of work. It gives you a chance to show that you have related experience in the field that you are applying for.

 

Functional Resume: A functional resume type is one that focuses more on your specific skills rather than past jobs you've had. It is usually used by people who are changing careers and have gaps in their job history. It gives you a chance to show off your personal skills rather than your experience in that specific field.

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Combination Resume: A combination resume type is one that combines the previous two types, chronological and functional. It is perfect for those who want to show off their job history and their personal skills. A combination type of resume lists your job history in chronological order, and then you can highlight your skills after you've listed this.

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Targeted Resume: A targeted resume type is one that focuses on a specific job opening. It is written to focus on specific skills that will apply in a specific job position. Adapting your resume to show why you'd be good for a specific job is a good way of applying for a job that has a certain set of skill requirements.

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There are other types of resumes as well, but for now we will focus on these four types, as they are the most widely applicable.

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Choose a font & font size

Choosing the proper font and font size is important. You must make the font legible, but also leave enough white space on the page. Basic bookprint fonts like Arial, Verdana, Calibri, and Times New Roman work well.

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Use a resume template

Resume templates can be used to start you off in writing out your own resume. These templates are used as guidelines in writing a resume. They give you fields to fill in information and they also tell you what to write. Click here if you would like to view an example of a resume template.

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USE RESUME KEYWORDS

In your resume, it is smart to use the correct keywords for the position you are applying for. Many larger companies use something called application tracking systems (ATS). These ATSs are used to scan these keywords when large companies have a large pile of resumes. If you use more of these keywords appropriately, your resume is more likely to be noticed out of many resumes.

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Tips for Finding Keywords: In most circumstances, keywords are easily found in past job postings. Try to look for words that show up multiple times in these posts. In sections of job listings such as "qualifications" and/or "responsibilities" these keywords can be found. After you identify these keywords, try to incorporate them into your resume.

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GET RESUME ADVICE
Resumes can be difficult to write, so it may be wise to get help with the process. Sites such as this one that give tips and advice on writing resumes are helpful. You can also meet with people who are professionals in career related things such as writing resumes. College career counselors are great for advice on writing resumes. If you want to make sure that your resume is correctly written, you can also check with a professional resume service or the Department of Labor website. It is also very important to proof your resume for any grammatical errors. You wouldn't want your employer to read your resume and find misspelled words or grammar errors.

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resume

WRITING A COVER LETTER

TO WHOM ARE YOU WRITING?

It is very important to find the audience that you are writing to. Not only is it important to know the tone of how the company is, but it is also important to research the company and make the best guess as to who the individual who will be reading the letter is. You don't want to write an overly formal letter to a more laid back company, and it is also not smart to write a laid back letter to a formal company. You need to match your tone to the job description.

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WRITING YOUR OPENING SENTENCE

After you have come to the conclusion of who you are writing your letter to and the type of tone that you will assume. Starting out with something that expresses your feelings about writing the letter and how you heard about the company and opening is advised. Something along the lines of, "I am writing this letter with excitement regarding the (position you wish to pursue) at (the company you are applying to). I discovered news about this opening (source of where you found out about position)." 

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WHAT YOU KNOW

It is very important to show that you are knowledgeable about the company in which you are writing your letter to. In your opening sentence you just explained that you were excited about writing the letter. Now it is time to show that you know what the company is about and why you are excited to be applying for the job. These details can be found on the company's website on things such as the "About Us" page. 

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WHY ARE YOU QUALIFIED

Next, you need to explain why you are qualified for the job. Most of this part will be explaining your experience and skills. It is smart to break these skills down by picking three or four skills that you believe you posses that would help you get the job and be successful in it. For example, you should pick the skill you believe you posses and then explain why you think you have it.

 

SUMMARIZE

Now, it's time to reevaluate your skills in a way that explains clearly that you would be a great asset to the team if you were given the job. A good way to do this is basically just restate why you would be good for the job and tie your skills together.

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COMPLETING APPLICATION FORMS

Information the Application Will Ask For

Personal Information:

  • Name

  • Address

Education:

  • Schools/Colleges Attended

  • Major

  • Degree/Diploma

  • Graduation Dates(s)

Position Applied For Information:

  • Title of the job you are applying for

  • Hours/days available to work

  • When you can start work

Employment Information:

  • Names, addresses, phone numbers of previous employers

  • Supervisor's name

  • Dates of employment

  • Salary

  • Reason for Leaving

References

  • List of three references - names, job title or relationship, addresses, phone numbers

Resume (if you have one)

cover letter
application
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