Easy Tips for Writing a Resume

Are you ready for a new job? Maybe you are close to finishing school and want to get a head start on the competition? Either way, a resume is essential to scoring the interview that could lead to your dream job. Writing a resume is more than stating fact after fact on some expensive paper. A resume should be constructed with care, precision and a little bit of planning.

First we'll start with your contact information. Of course your name and address must be mentioned. Phone number should be next. Be careful when putting down a phone number. Decide if you want to put a cellular phone number or a home phone number. You must also consider the possible people who may answer the phone in question. Also, consider what voice mail message is in place. Is the message professional sounding? You may like your answering machine message, but would your potential boss? Next in the contact information would be an e-mail address. This should also sound professional. Refrain from using nick names or strange sounding terms. A simple e-mail address of your first and last name is a great way of not only looking professional, but the person e-mailing you is more likely to remember your name if they have to type if multiple times.

Now we'll move on to skills and abilities. While a lot of people do exaggerate some things on their resumes it is important to be careful at what skills you say you have. It's a good idea to do some research on the job position you are applying for. Decide what skills would be necessary to do the job and then develop those skills. Don't be foolish and put down that you are an expert in computer programming and you really are not.

You now have your contact information and skills in order, now we'll tackle previous experience. A lot of people right out of college are lacking in this field. Consider adding the work you have done in classes to this list. Research projects, production pieces, and other major assignments can be included. If you still don't have any experience when considering class activities then try volunteering in your desired field. Perhaps an internship would benefit you even if it means you have to put off your job search.

The reference section of a resume is also important. Make sure the people you list know that you listed them. It is a good idea to ask them before hand and to also send a thank you note if they agree. This way they are likely to give you a good reference if they see you actually appreciate the gesture. Also, if you are using a reference from more than a year ago, be sure that person knows they are still on your list and could be contacted. By following these easy steps, putting together a great resume can be quick and painless.