How To Prepare An Effective Resume

1. Resume Essentials

Before you write, take time to do a self-assessment on paper. Outline your skills and abilities as well as your work experience and extracurricular activities. This will make it easier to prepare a thorough resume.

2. The Content of Your Resume

All your contact information should go at the top of your resume, including name, address, telephone, e-mail address, web site address.

• Avoid nicknames.
• Use a permanent address. Use your parents' address, a friend's address, or the address you plan to use after graduation.
• Use a permanent telephone number and include the area code. If you have an answering machine, record neutral greeting.
• Add your e-mail address. Many employers will find it useful. (Note: Choose an email address that sounds professional.)
• Include your website address only if the web page reflects your professional ambitions.

Objective or Summary

An objective tell potential employers the sort of work you're hoping to do.

• Be specific about the job you want. For example: To obtain an entry-level position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Tailor your objective to each employer you target/every job you seek.

Education

New graduates without a lot of work experience should list their educational information first. Alumni can list it after the work experience section.

• Your most recent educational information is listed first.
• Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., etc) major, institution attended, minor/concentration.
• Add your grade point average (GPA) if it is higher than 3.0.
• Mention academic honors.

Work Experience

Briefly give the employer an overview of work that has taught you skills. Use action words to describe your job duties. Include your work experience in reverse chronological order - That is, put your last job first and work backward to your first, relevant job. Include:

• Title of position,
• Name of organization
• Location of work (town, state)
• Date of employment
• Describe your work responsibility with emphasis on specific skills and achievements.

Other Information

A staff member at your career services office can advise you on other information to add to your resume. You may want to add:

• Key or special skill or competencies,
• Leadership experience in volunteer organisations,
• Participation in sports.

Reference

Ask people if they are willing to serve as reference on you resume. You may note at the bottom of your resume: "Reference furnished on request."

"Opportunity is missed by most because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." - Thomas Edison

Source from atResume.com