Resume Preparation
Heading: The heading is listed at the very top of the resume, name (in bold letters), address, city, state, zip, home phone or other phone, and e-mail address if applicable.
Employment Objective: A brief statement of your employment goals. What is it you are seeking? It is best not to list a specific position unless you are entering a very specialized field. Your employment objective is a one-sentence description of your job search goals. Make it broad enough to spotlight your qualifications. If you are searching in several fields, your resume can be tailored for each by modifying the objective.
Summary of Qualifications: A series of one-sentence bullets that highlight your specific qualifications and or positive work habits. Look at the specific qualifications for the position you are applying for and try to match your qualifications to the position you are applying for. Examples of specific qualification may be "Over ten years experience in sales and sale management." or "Certified by the International Association of Health Care Safety and Security in health facility security.". An example of positive work habits may be "Excellent customer relation skills." or "Goal oriented, and mission focused.". You can also tailor this section by selecting those bullets that match the employment objective.
Experience: An effective resume should contain more than the names and dates of past employment, position held, and major responsibilities. It should also show you have a record of solid achievement as a results-oriented, strong on-the-job-performer. Break down each job you’ve held into its component responsibilities. What equipment or machinery did you operate? What supervisory or managerial skills did you utilize? Think about your success or achievements. For instance if you supervised the sales department, did your sales grow? Be specific use percentage or dollar figures, for example, "Increased sales by 50% in 1997." or "Increased sales by $500,000.00 in 1997.". If your position included supervising or managing personnel you should say, "Managed a sales force of twenty five sales representatives." or "Supervised ten data entry personnel". Did you receive recognition or commendation for your efforts? Did you develop any new procedure or product? Whatever your job history break each position into its components and tell a prospective employer how well you did it. Break it down to one-sentence bullets or a paragraph. Begin each sentence with an action verb, such as "Managed", "Supervised", or "Developed". Again your resume can be tailored by selection of skills and accomplishments that match the job qualifications.
Education: Describe how your education has prepared you for the position you are seeking. Give important fact about your education, institution attended, when and where you attended. You’re major course of study or your degree. You should also list honors received and grades higher than average. If the position you are applying for requires special training indicate that on your resume if you have completed such training. This could include vocational courses or on the job training. Give an employer a complete picture of your educational background.
Personal Data: If you wish you might include a section for personal data. This section could include such information as, community awards or honors, hobbies (if they are relevant), and membership in civic organizations. You should not include information such as birth date and marital status unless requested by an employer. As a personal matter of preference I would leave this section out unless it is relevant to the position applying for, or you think some of this information may help you get an interview.
References: It is not necessary to list references in the resume. List your references on a separate sheet of paper. If you must make a reference to your references on your resume then list as "References available upon request". Hold your reference for the interview unless the employer wishes to see them with the resume.
Resume Formats | Preparation | Resume Tips | Cover Letters | Interview Tips | Examples