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
Phone
Cell
Phone
E-mail
address
CAREER/
JOB OBJECTIVE – describe the type of employment/job you are seeking.
PROFESSIONAL
WORK HISTORY – from most recent back 10-15 years.
IMPORTANT
PROJECTS YOU HAVE WORKED ON AND/OR BEEN A LEADER OR MANAGER IN – employers want
to know what you have done/can do
SPECIAL
SKILLS – describe what you have that is unique and that you bring to the
company that many applicants may not have.
Your skill set can set you apart from others.
AWARDS
AND ACHIEVEMENTS – can tell a lot about you, your success on the job or in the
field and they can speak volumes. Again, continue to remember that you are
trying to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Do not be modest about these accomplishments
and awards.
PROFESSIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS/ACTIVITIES – show that you are a professional and stay updated.
EDUCATION
– most current back to high school education.
Include any technical training or related skills you have picked up.
EDUCATION/TRAINING
IN PROGRESS – shows that you are staying updated
and
trying to learn more skills and/or to eliminate weaknesses.
REFERENCES
– people differ on this. Most
applicants state: References furnished 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 persons you list
for permission to use them.
HOBBIES
AND SPARE TIME ACTIVITIES – 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.
OTHER
CATEGORIES 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
*
Leave plenty of white space
* 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.
* Hand deliver your resume in an 8x10 envelope if
possible. While it is true that most
employers ask for an electronic resume, you can do both. Set yourself apart.
* Use upper and lower cases. 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, NCCC
Coordinator
of Christian Career Circle