This is section 2 (step 4) of the Resume-Resource.com Resume Writing Guide. If you've stumbled onto this page, you may want to start at the beginning, which is located here - How to Write a Resume
Step 4 - Begin Preparing Your Resume
Do it Yourself - To complete your resume on your own, you will need to have a word processing application such as Microsoft Word, Wordpad or a comparable program. If one of these is not available to you, you may purchase a memory stick from anywhere that sells electronic devices. Use the computers at your local library that are equipped with a word processing application and an Internet connection. Save all of your work to the memory stick so that you can take your work with you and return to it later.
Select a Service - There are numerous services provided online that will allow you to craft a resume using their tools and applications. Most services will lead you through the process by asking you to complete a series of questions. These services have become quite evolved and most will provide a satisfactory result. Consult the Resume-Resource.com Resume Services page to see the most up-to-date listings and reviews of Resume-Resource.com approved service providers. Others may exist that are not listed and you may search for them on your own. You’re welcome to recommend any service provider that you believe deserves a review.
In this step is where we branch off from the Do it Yourself route or the Service route. Step 5 to Step 8 will apply to those working on the Do it Yourself method. Continue to Step 9 if you are using a service to author your resume.
Step 6 – Choose a Layout and Opening Style
1. This important step will determine the appearance and style of your resume.
2. You will need to prepare an attractive header for the resume that includes your Name, Address, Phone number(s), email address and any other contact methods. This Name and Address header should be separated from the rest of the document with adequate spacing or preferably with a horizontal line from margin to margin.
Next you will need to select either a Chronological or a Functional resume layout.
Chronological Resume Layout: This is the most layout common used. The chronological resume provides a well-prepared career synopsis that outlines all of the qualities, capabilities, experience and achievements of the individual. The term “chronological” refers to the manner in which the career experience is displayed. The chronological resume format showcases a career progression in reverse chronological order. This, being the most recent experience listed first and then the previous position and continuing to the next previous position ongoing. An example of a chronological resume format and a more detailed explanation can be found at Reverse Chronological Resume Guide.
Functional Resume Layout: The functional resume is a layout is organized in a way that emphasizes specific skills, education and talent sets over working experience. Those best utilizing a functional resume are individuals with significant gaps in employment between various positions, a mixed employment background, or a very short work history. In some cases a career change can be a good reason to use a functional resume layout. The combination of any two of the above circumstances will usually be cause enough to consider creating a functional resume. An example of a functional resume format and a detailed explanation of this can be seen at Functional Resume Guide.
- Once you select the layout your next step is choosing an opening style. The three most widely used opening styles are identified below:
- The Headline: A headline begins the resume by making a statement of purpose in your career, or by making a statement defining your area of expertise (usually a general career title) and a phrase that showcases your capability for success. An example headline may be “ Skilled Customer Service Manager with five years of experience in fast-paced, demanding environments”. Headlines can technically be up to two sentences but one strong statement is usually best.
- The Opening Summary: The opening summary is a short paragraph made up of a few statements building on the concept of the headline. An opening summary begins with a statement written in the exact same fashion as the headline, with two-to-four additional statements building on what the opening statement proclaims. Often a Title Line precedes the summary paragraph. An example opening summary could be: (Title) Customer Service Manager (centered) Highly skilled manager offering five years of experience in fast-paced, demanding customer service environments. Utilizes first-rate communications skills to provide leadership to staff and deliver assistance to customers with elevated levels of need. Excellent problem solver, capable to adapt to changing needs and circumstances quickly and efficiently.
- The Objective: To be used only in situations where you have NO applicable work experience and a desire to learn a job from the earliest, most basic starting point. Objective statements are outdated and completely over-used. Objective statements only serve to tell the reader what you want to do, or want to learn how to do. When used, objective statements should be followed with a short version of an opening summary explaining what personal capabilities qualify you or position you to perform in a new job productively. An example objective line may be: Objective: To learn and grow as a legal assistant to develop a career in law. (Summary follows) Former chapter president of Pi Sigma Alpha with experience in organizing and documenting numerous concurrent activities. Capably proficient with computers and numerous types of software. Highly personable and outgoing. Types 75 WPM.
Resume-Resource.com provides hundreds of professionally prepared resume examples applicable to most work fields. Browse the sample resumes from your profession to help determine the right approach for you to create the most effective layout and opening style. Visit Resume Examples to view a listing of categories and choose the category that best matches your own.
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