Resume Writing – Just the Basics:

A resume is a tool with one specific purpose: to win an interview. It is an advertisement, nothing more, nothing less. A great resume doesn't just tell what you have done but makes the same assertion that all good ads do: If you buy this product, you will get these specific, direct benefits. It presents you in best light. It convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position or career. It inspires the prospective employer to pick up the phone and ask you to come in for an interview.

Before you write, take time to do an assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and extracurricular activities. This will make it easier to prepare a thorough resume.

All your contact information should go at the top of your resume. Avoid nicknames, use a permanent address and telephone number - including the area code. (If you have an answering machine, record a neutral greeting.) Add your e-mail address and choose one that sounds professional. Include your website address only if the web page reflects your professional ambitions. (This would also be a good time to clean up your Face Book or My Space pages to make them appropriate for viewing by a prospective employer.)

Be specific about the job you want and tailor your objective to each employer you target and every Job you seek.

New graduates without a lot of work experience should list their educational information. Alumni can list it after the work experience section. Include your degree, major, institution attended, and minor. Add your grade point average if it higher than 3.0. Also mention academic honors.

Briefly give an overview of work that has taught you skills; action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order--that is, put your last job and work backward giving title, organization, city, state, dates of employment, and responsibilities. You may also want to add key or special skills or competences, leadership experience in volunteer organizations, participation in sports, and extra-curricular activities. Include your reference information on your resume at the bottom. Be sure to choose references wisely and get permission to use their names.

Use white or off-white, 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper, typed only on one side in a non-decorative font with a size of 10 to 14 points. Choose one typeface and stick with it. Avoid italics, script and underlined words. Stay away from horizontal or vertical graphics or shading. Run a spell check on your resume, check your grammar, and proof it well. Finally, have your completed resume critiqued by a career counselor or trusted advisor.

Although applying for jobs on-line has become common practice, the basics remain. At some point as a company believes you to be a prospective recruit, you will be called upon to furnish a resume.