Resume Writing Tips for Dummies



Unless you inherited your job or were offered a position through the courtesy of a friend or family member, chances are pretty high that at some point or another you had to write a resume. If so, then you have probably had to seek out resume writing help from some source. Perhaps it was from an instructor in school, or you took your advice and tips from online resume resources. Resume writing tips are out there and most are easily understood. Once you know the differences between the types of documents, you will be on your way to resume distribution and the all-important interview.

There are a few different types of resumes from which to choose. The type you will use depends largely on your work experience and your education. First, there is the Chronological resume. It is just as it sounds. It is a resume that goes by dates and is best used when you are looking to showcase your dedication to your career. If you have had multiple jobs in the past, then this type is not for you. To write an effective resume, you must choose the best style for your circumstances.

Number two in the resume writing category is the Functional variety. Here are some resume writing tips for this form. You want to focus more on your skills. This is a resume to use if you have had multiple jobs. It is designed to focus more on the knowledge you have acquired over the years, along with applicable job skills. However, you will still need to write down the dates and duration of each job, along with your previous employers.

The final type of resume is the Combination. It is exactly as it sounds. It is a combination of the Functional and Chronological resume. Use this style if you have been in one career and intend to keep pursuing jobs in this career path. It will list your past work experience and the skills you have acquired, along with detailed information about the typical day-to-day job duties you have performed.

Writing a resume is not that hard if you choose the right type. There are plenty of places and resources you can utilize for resume writing tips. If you do not think some of the online information is trustworthy, then you can always go to your local library or bookstore to pick up a book on resume writing. Start out with a list of your experiences and job history and go from there. Before you know it, you will have a polished, professional resume which will help you to land that dream job.

Posted by: admin on July 1st, 2010

The Professional Resume



Most people introduce themselves when meeting a stranger. A brief handshake and giving your name are just two of the ways to let someone know who you are. A professional resume is an introduction from you to a potential employer. You may not be able to shake his or her hand until the interview portion, but you can still let employers know who you are. Writing a resume is not hard, yet many people do not know how to write a resume. There are resources to help you though.

As you probably have already seen from different resume templates, there are three different types of resumes to choose from when creating your document. Chronological, Functional and Combination are the three most prevalent forms of resumes that are requested by employers. However, a professional resume does not stop there, as there should also be a cover letter attached to all resume distribution.

A cover letter is the most often overlooked piece of paper when a person is applying for a job. This is particularly true of online job banks. People upload their resume but fail to create a cover letter. It may explain why they do not often hear back from the company. An employer can learn more from a good cover letter than an excellent resume. Cover letters show intent and why you would be a good fit for the company. Take the time to write a cover letter. In today’s job market it is expected, as it demonstrates good business ethics and shows respect.

Even though there have been countless articles and interviews done on this subject, it bears repeating as some people have not learned the lesson. Do not lie on your resume. It is good practice to make your resume stand out, but do not do this by lying or fudging the facts. Most companies will check to ensure that you are telling the truth about your salary history, education and your past employment. It is not worth the repercussions.

A professional resume does not have to be elaborate. It is a document that tells your work history. It should be clear, concise and to the point. The same goes for the cover letter. If you are having trouble churning out a professional document, then you can always hire someone to do the task for you. Many online resume resources offer sample resumes and cover letters. Just make sure to give them all of your information as well as details about your past job experiences.

Posted by: admin on June 30th, 2010

Get Your Resume Noticed



It would be hard to image someone ignoring a vital piece of information that could make the difference between getting an interview, or having their resume tossed into the nearest trash can. Yet many people elect not to include this document along with their resume. They choose not to include a cover letter. Cover letters are your introduction to the employer. They show intent, as well as showing that you have actually read the job posting. They catch the employer’s eye which could mean getting that life-changing phone call.

Cover letter writing is a lot like learning how to write a resume. You either learn how in a class or you do a little bit of online research and learn through that method. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about writing cover letters. If you do not know the difference, then it can cost you a shot at the job you have always wanted. Resume cover letter writing is a blend of creative and technical writing. It is designed to grab the attention of the employer and make them want to see what is on your resume.

A cover letter is not an opportunity to discuss your pet lint collection. It should not be informal and chock full of useless information that does not apply to that position being offered. It is a chance to introduce yourself. If the employer wants to know about lint collections, then you can always let them know at the interview or even better, later when you have the job. Address the letter to the hiring person, usually someone in Human Resources, and tell them why you are a great candidate for the job.

Tip One: Do not undersell yourself. Your goal is to sound confident and sure of your abilities. Tip 2: Do not oversell yourself. An over inflated ego is a great way to turn an employer off and could cause them to think that perhaps you embellished your resume. With cover letter writing, there is a fine line between the two extremes. A third tip is to know who will be reading your resume. This may not always be possible if the ad did not state a name. However, if it did, make sure and address the individual directly.

A cover letter can be your opportunity to a great job. Let your job dedication shine by including one with all resume distribution. If you find that you have writer’s block and need help, then hire a professional resume writing service to create your resume and a template for your cover letter. You will have to personalize it yourself, but that is a small price to pay for winning your dream job.

Posted by: admin on June 10th, 2010

Resume and Cover Letter Blunders



There are many ways to botch up a potential job offer. Getting through the interview portion is hard enough, but if you do not know the pitfalls that can occur when creating your resume and cover letter, then you may never get the interview at all. It is incredibly easy to have your documents overlooked for to a variety of reasons. You want to impress the employer by having a sharp resume and a well written cover letter. Resume examples that did not make the cut are joked about often, but if you are the one making the mistakes, then it can seem like anything but a joke.

Most businesses require a resume and cover letter, and perhaps will ask you to fill out an application form before they will consider you for the position. A resume details all of your past work related experiences and education. It also should detail all of your job duties. If you do not know how to be a good resume writer, then you may want to consider looking at sample resumes and cover letters on the internet.

One of the biggest mistakes that occur when writing a resume are spelling errors. Even if you are terrible at spelling, there is usually a spell-check feature on the word processing software program you are using. The truth is, with the availability of the software spell check-function, spelling mistakes are unforgivable. Do not let simple mistakes in spelling keep you from the job of your dreams. The same thing applies to your cover letter. It should be free of spelling errors and be as grammatically correct as possible. This is not the time to try out new words. Keep it simple and tell the employer why you want the position and why you feel that you would be an asset to their company.

Another classic resume blunder is forgetting to update your information. You want the employer to be able to contact you. An old address says that you did not check your resume before undertaking your resume distribution. Keep your resume updated with personal information and employment information at all times. Also, consider keeping your resume to one or two pages. Employers are busy, time-is-money sort of thing, so do not send a book that details your entire life.

You can do this. Writing a great resume and cover letter can be done with a little bit of help. Make a list of all your employment experiences, your salary history and your education level. Next step is to find information on the proper indentation and salutation. Personalize your cover letter and then create your resume. If you need further help, consider using a resume template or hiring a professional resume writing service.

Posted by: admin on June 10th, 2010

The Fear of Writing Resumes



A lot of people work themselves into frenzy when it comes time to write their resume. Writing resumes is not as difficult as you may think. It is a vital component to landing employment, especially office or computer related jobs. Sure there are some jobs that merely require an application or have an online application to fill out, but you should always have a resume saved on your computer.

With the right resume resources, writing a great resume is not that difficult. Many people tend to experience anxiety when it comes time to write anything. If you are one of these people, then calm down and take a deep breath. There are plenty of professional resume writers who can give you great tips and advice for writing effective documents. However, there are a few steps you can take to make the job easier.

The first thing you need to do is write down all of the jobs you have had for the last five years. You then need to write down your job duties, in detail, at each place of employment. Most executive and professional careers want to know about your salary history. Some will base their offer or even not offer the job at all depending on your salary expectations. You may be overqualified for the job and as a result the employer may not hire you, believing that you will continue to research careers and leave if a better opportunity comes along down the line.

Writing resumes has only one cardinal rule. Do not, absolutely do not, lie or embellish the facts. Most employers are now wise to this practice. If they think the information on your resume sounds too good to be true, then they will usually do an extensive background search and dig to find out whether or not the facts are correct. If you are hired and they later find out the truth, then you will no doubt be terminated. Liars never prosper and it is not worth risking your professional reputation to fudge a few facts.

Writing resumes does not take a college degree in technical writing. Sure, it never hurts to take a class or two to learn the basics, but you can find plenty of advice and tips on the internet. An online search can provide you with resume examples, resume templates and a lot of resume resources. If all else fails, then you can always pay someone to write one for you. All you have to do is furnish them with a list of past employment, job duties, education and references.

Posted by: admin on June 10th, 2010

Creating the Perfect Resume



Being out of a job or just leaving the safety net of college can be a very daunting experience. The first hurdle of adulthood comes in the form of writing a resume. A resume is the means by which a person applies for and hopefully gets a job. This is making the assumption that you are not applying for a fast food restaurant or blue collar labor work. However, even some forms of blue collar labor jobs now require a resume. You may not know how to write a perfect resume, but there are some places you can check out for some great advice and tips.

There are a few things that a great resume has within its set margins. The first is personal information such as your name, address and contact numbers. It is also a good idea to put in your email address, in case they prefer communicating electronically. The second is information about past job history and education. You will also want to mention salary history so that the employer knows what type of pay you will be asking for and whether or not you may be too expensive for their budget. Not every employer bases their opinions of hiring on salary requirements, but some do.

When learning how to write a resume, you may realize that you know almost nothing about the technical aspects, such as margins and borders. You want a perfect resume, but one with basic formatting errors, such as using more than one font or an inappropriate font, spelling mistakes, incorrect spacing or alignment, your perfect piece of paper will go into the garbage. But thanks to many professional resume writers, many people can avoid the trashcan by getting help.

Writing resumes can be very confusing. A professional writer can help you with the proper format and coach you along. If you do not know any professional writers, then you can always go to the local University and talk to the teachers in the help desk area. They may be able to give you a sample of the particular resume you want and can tell you how to set your information in place. As well, a quick internet search will provide you with many helpful tools, such as resume templates, resume resources and resume examples.

No one has an absolutely perfect resume. There are always flaws or mistakes. The goal is to eliminate as many mistakes as possible. You do not want to send in a resume filled with incorrect spelling and grammar. Make sure the paper you are using is good quality and is free from any stains or scents. Spraying your document with your favorite cologne or perfume will not help you land the job.

Posted by: admin on June 3rd, 2010

Federal Resume Writing



If you’re looking to get a federal job, but aren’t quite sure where to start, you’ll want to learn more about federal resume writing so that you can put your best foot forward when it comes to securing an interview and landing the job you want. Here are some of the elements that go into composing a resume for a federal job, as well as some resources you can turn to for further assistance.

It’s important to make sure that your resume is as thorough as possible. Be sure to list your accomplishments in a positive and prestigious light, without being boastful. Detail your job duties as vividly as you can, so that your potential employer will know just how qualified you are for the job you are applying for. A skills summary at the beginning of your resume is ideal for federal resume writing, since you can include a paragraph describing your written communication skills, oral communication skills, management skills, and computer or technical skills. You will most likely have to exhibit all of these attributes at one point or another at your federal job, and your employer needs to know that you can be trusted with multiple tasks.

Next, you’ll want to give details about each position you’ve had that will qualify you for the federal job you’re applying for. List the times that you worked at each location, as well as your hours and your pay. Federal resume writing is slightly different from other styles of resume writing in that your salary should be clearly defined in your resume, so that you will know what to expect monetarily from your new employer. For corporate jobs, negotiations about salary are more of the norm.

If you don’t want to be too wordy in your resume, a cover letter will help to make you seem more personable to employees. Introduce yourself professionally, and talk about your interests and future professional goals. You may also want to include any special awards you’ve received for your hard work, or educational accomplishments.

If you’re not quite sure which job you’ll need federal resume writing for, you may want to check the federal job website at www.usajobs.opm.gov. There, you’ll find jobs in your area that are funded by the government, as well as the job descriptions, so that you can determine whether or not you’re a good fit.

If you want your federal resume to be written by a professional, you can also check out www.federalresumewriter.com to find a resume writer that can help to meet your needs. Good luck, and happy job searching!

Posted by: admin on February 9th, 2010

Free Resume Writing



Want to know how to make your resume great, but don’t have the funds to pay someone to do it? No problem–you can take advantage of free resume writing services that you can find all over the internet, and you can even pick up a few tips so that you can write your own wonderful resume yourself. Here are some skills–and sites—that will help you to present a shining resume to potential employers.

www.officeteam.com offers great advice when it comes to how to formulate a resume or a cover letter, and gives you free writing tips that you can use each time you have to revise your resume. For instance, you should make sure that you are keeping your sentences short and to the point, and that you are checking to make sure that your words are spelled correctly. You should edit your resume often, especially when you’re revising it, to make sure there are no grammatical errors. You should also make sure that you read over the job description for the position you’re applying for, so that you can incorporate the skills the company is looking for into your objectives.

When you’re composing a cover letter, which is a great addition to your resume, you should also make sure that you’re looking for all the free resume writing services you can. Hot Jobs from Yahoo has a great cover letter writing instruction template, so you can use this as a guide when you’re composing your letter. The cover letter shouldn’t be too long (about 3/4 a page is sufficient), and you should make sure that you tailor your letter to be specifically for the company you’re applying for. Mention where you saw the job ad, and be sure to add all the reasons why you think you would be a good fit.

www.eresumewriting.com also has free resume writing tips that will help you to feel more comfortable about your resume. Editing tips are included on the site, as well as tips on how to make your accomplishments stand out. Be as specific as you can about your previous jobs and duties, and be sure to be concise–your resume shouldn’t be more than two pages, and you should keep it at one page if you can. You’ll also get advice on how to take employment or aptitude tests for the company, so that you can continue to make a great impression in the workplace.

If you have Microsoft Word, you can also use the Resume Wizard tool to create your resume and cover letter. You can get free resume writing tips from www.microsoft.com as well. Happy job hunting!

Posted by: admin on February 9th, 2010

Professional Resume Writing



You’ve found a job that you think you’ll be really good at, and you’re getting prepared to apply, which means editing your portfolio, composing a cover letter, and preparing your resume. But how can you be sure that your resume is the best it can possibly be? What will it take to get employers to take second look at what you have to offer? Professional resume writing can help to ease your worries and get you your dream job–and you can do it yourself! Here are some suggestions to help your resume stand out.

One of the first things you’ll want to do is compose a clear summary of your skills and positive attributes. This should be a short paragraph, and should only take up about a fourth of your resume. Anything shorter may not highlight your skills adequately, and anything more than this may cause you to lose the interest of employers. You may want to start off with something like ‘my career objectives include’ or ‘i am seeking employment with [company] in order to enhance my skills in…’ This way, you are letting potential employers know that you plan on being successful once hired with the company, and that you are ambitious and have individual goals.

Next, you’ll want to formulate your job experience correctly. Be sure to list your jobs in chronological order, starting with your most recent position. Name the company, city and state, dates worked, and the title you held at the company. You may also want to add a sentence or two describing your duties, or bullet points, depending on the length of your resume and your personal style. If you held leadership positions at any of your jobs, be sure to highlight this in your resume.

Your skill set is also very important when you’re applying for a job, and professional resume writing should help you to put your abilities to the forefront. Leadership skills, communication skills, and computer skills should all be featured, so be sure to include in your resume whether or not you are trained to operate certain advanced computer programs, or whether or not you have been a manager before. This will definitely make your resume more attractive, and will help to keep you in mind when employers are looking for new people to be in charge of major projects in the company.

Professional resume writing should also include a bit of originality. Don’t forget to mention your hobbies and interests in your resume and/or cover letter as well. This shows that you are well-rounded, and would be diversity to the company you’re applying to work with.

If you think you may need a little extra help with putting your resume together, visit www.resume-resource.com. Good luck!

Posted by: admin on February 9th, 2010

Resume Resources



You may have decided that you want to create your own resume, but how do you get started? What elements make a resume great? A few resume resources will probably help when it comes to formatting, and will help you to present a resume to employers that you can be proud of. Here are some of the resources to use.

If you have searched for jobs on popular sites like Monster or Hot Jobs, you know that there are hundreds of jobs on the site each day in your area for you to choose from. In order to be eligible for these positions, a good resume is important. You can use these sites as resume resources by reading the career articles that are sometimes posted there, as well as the information provided for job seekers concerning writing a cover letter, having a great interview, and composing a winning resume. The tips and advice that you will find on this site is extremely helpful, and may even help you to land a job with one of the site’s feature employers.

You may also want to check out the websites for local newspapers, especially if you live in a major metropolitan area. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Boston Globe, and the Washington Post all have great websites and job banks, so you can get detailed descriptions of the jobs that you want, along with salary offerings. There is also information on local companies that you may be interested in, so that you can learn the history of a company before applying or sending over your resume. Resume resources are also available based on the specific career field you’re in when you visit these sites. For example, if you’re interested in radio or broadcasting, you can find information from a local news reporter about how to get into the business in that city–advice may include things like getting an internship at a radio or television station, or freelancing at the station for a while.

If you just need help with formatting your resume, or want to make sure that you include the right information in your resume, there are resume resources to help with this as well. You can get resume writing help, as well as take a look at some free resume and cover letter samples at www.resume-resource.com, and if you have Microsoft Word, you can search through the Resume Wizard feature to find templates that will reflect your style, and you can type in questions you may have about writing your resume and get answers online.

Don’t forget to use these resume resources to your advantage when you’re revamping your resume as well–adding new information to your resume takes skill as well, so refer to the job sites for pointers. Good luck!

Posted by: admin on October 23rd, 2009