Resume Basics

If you are looking for a job, then it is very important that you understand how to offer yourself in the best way to an employer. This is done by writing a resume or an item called a 'CV' (curriculum vitae - Latin for 'life story') in some countries. Different countries may have different requirements and styles for resumes. So, you must follow the correct practice for your culture and country.

What is a resume?

A resume is a self-promotional document that presents you in the best possible light. It’s main purpose is getting invited to a job interview. It's not an official personnel document. It's not a job application. It's not a career obituary! And it's not a confessional.

What are the contents within a resume?

It's not just about past jobs! It's about you, and how you performed and what you accomplished in those past jobs--especially those accomplishments that are most relevant to the work you want to do next. A good resume predicts how you might perform in that desired future job.

What is the fastest way to improve a resume?

Remove everything that starts with “responsibilities included” and replace it with on-the-job accomplishments.

What's the first step in writing a resume?

Decide (in general) the job desired. Always have that in your mind through every step of the resume writing process. Always ask yourself if each element or tidbit of information in your resume is targeted toward the desired position.

Use a chronological resume or a functional resume format?

The chronological format is widely preferred by employers, and works well if you're staying in the same field (especially if you've been upwardly-mobile). Only use a functional format if you're changing fields, and you're sure a skills-oriented format would show off your transferable skills to better advantage; and be sure to include a clear chronological work history!

What if you don't have any experience in the kind of work you want to do?

Get some! Find a place that will let you do some volunteer work right away. You only need a brief, concentrated period of volunteer training (for example, 1 day a week for a month) to have at least some experience to put on your resume. Also, look at some of the volunteer work you've done in the past and see if any of that helps document some skills you'll need for your new job.

Keeping these things in mind when writing a resume are a good start to the process. These are basic ideas all job seekers should understand about creating this very important “self-marketing” tool.