Using resume
templates can be very helpful as you start with an
outline, as opposed to starting from nothing. Most resume
templates provide the basic layout and
categories. From there, all you need to do is to tailor
the template to your liking and fill in the missing
information.
Although
using resume templates is convenient, they are not
necessary. If you are good with Microsoft Word or
any other word processing software,
you can design your own resume in a way that will be
distinctive and unique. Don't take this challenge
lightly however. Coming up with a
professional and effective
resume layout is not as easy as it may seem. Please see the
Resume Layouts section
for tips and examples on how to design
your resume. Below is a
step-by-step approach to help you draft your
resume from scratch.
RESUME TEMPLATE - PART 1: Name & Contact Information
At the top
of your resume, make sure to mention the following:
-
Your name.
[In bigger font.]
-
Your address. [If you have two addresses, you
can choose to mention both, but that might take up
valuable space or unnecessarily distract the
reader's attention. Instead, you can mention
only your current address. If a recruiter is
interested in your application, that person will
probably contact you by phone or e-mail.
Accordingly, as long as that information is accurate
and up-to-date, that's the main concern. One
circumstance under which you may want to mention two
addresses is if you are studying abroad or in another state
or province and want to let the employer know that
you are originally from a particular area. You
may also want to mention two addresses if you intend
to move in the near future and want to provide the
employer with a permanent address.]
-
Your telephone number. [Only mention your home
number and your cell number. Avoid mentioning
your work number as you do not want to be contacted
at work. You should also think twice before
giving out your cell number because you do not want
to answer the phone while distracted or in transit: (1) you want to
avoid interferences, which are common when talking
on a cell phone and (2) you want to sound
professional when you answer the phone (e.g. you
don't want to answer the phone while you are walking
or rushing somewhere). On a last note, make
sure to have a voicemail and to record a
professional message.]
-
Your e-mail address. [Choose a professional
address. E.g.
john.doe@gmail.com
instead of bluepirate@hotmail.com.]
RESUME TEMPLATE - PART 2: Objective
State
your objective either (1) by writing the title of
the position that you are applying for and by drawing
focus to that title (i.e. put the title at the top of
the page - center and bold), or by (2) adding a specific
"Objective" section accompanied by a pro-active
statement of what you can contribute to the employer (as
opposed to what you want).
RESUME TEMPLATE - PART 3: Summary of Qualifications
Summarize
your qualifications in a few sentences
highlighting your strengths in a way that is most
relevant to the position you are seeking. You can
start that section with a short paragraph followed by
bulleted points. Remember, you want to make an
"impact" in your Summary of Qualifications.
RESUME TEMPLATE - PART 4: Work Experience
State
your professional experience in a way that will
highlight what you can bring to prospective employers
based on your past accomplishments. Show how your
past employment record will make you a valuable
contributor to the new position.
Make sure to
mention for each work experience that you have:
- the
name of the employer;
- where
the employer is located;
- a
short description of the employer's line of
business (if necessary);
- the
time period during which you were employed;
- your
main responsibilities;
- how
you helped make a difference; and
- your
accomplishments.
RESUME TEMPLATE - PART 5: Education & Professional
Designations
Mention
your educational background, including:
- the
university, college, or school that you attended;
- the
location of the institution that you attended;
- the
degree that you obtained;
- the
time period during which you attended that
institution;
-
extra-curricular activities or projects that you
were involved in; and
- your
GPA if you feel it will advance your application
(i.e. if you have a high GPA).
In terms
of your professional designations, mention the name of
the institution from which that designation comes from
and the year you obtained that designation.
RESUME TEMPLATE - PART 6: Computer Skills, Languages,
Etc.
In a work
environment that is more and more computerized, it is
important to mention your level of proficiency with
computer systems. Enumerate the computer programs
with which you are familiar and characterize your level
of familiarity with those programs. Same thing
with your language skills. If you can speak more
than one language, mention the additional language(s) with
which you are familiar and your level of proficiency.
If
there is anything else that you would like to
add, here is the place. If you believe
that it can help show that you are qualified or
differentiate you from other candidates, go
ahead.
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