How to Create an Effective Resume

Unemployment is sky high and the job market is extremely competitive. In order to get noticed, a person needs a strong resume. A resume serves as the first impression to employers and for job seekers, the task of writing of good resume can be a bit intimidating. However, job hunters can create effective and interest grabbing resumes by following a few simple rules.

Function versus Chronology

There are two basic types of resumes- functional and chronological. A functional resume generally outlines a person's particular skills and experience. A chronological resume serves a sequential summary of employment history. For folks with a great deal of experience and expertise, the chronological resume works great. For those new to the job market or with minimal work or volunteer experience, a functional resume may be the best type of resume to create.

Things to Include

Your resume should be used to get an employer interested. While resumes are often seen as mini-histories of work experience, a list of hobbies or community service exploits may be great conversation pieces, but they may doom a resume if they are unrelated to the job sought.

Use your resume to demonstrate that you are right for the job. Basically, your resume should effectively show that you have the strengths and potential to be a successful addition to a company or group. Consider your unique experiences, special background, or exceptional skills. As a general rule, your resume should include:

Computer and technical skills; Coursework relevant to your desired position or profession; Awards, memberships or other accomplishments; Grade point average (optional if over a B average or 3.0); Internships, externship or volunteer experiences or summer jobs ; Paid or volunteer work experience that demonstrated key job skills needed; Accurate contact information; and indication that references are "available upon request."

Don't add useless information to your resume. While your award for being photogenic may be interesting, it will serve little purpose in getting you a computer programming position. While an award for oratory skills may be very useful in a position involving customer service or marketing. Your resume should show a prospective employer that you will be a good fit for his or her company, that you can add-value, and that you have the right skills for the job.

Resume Format, Font, Design and Paper

The look of your resume can be just as important as the information contained in it. Creating an eye catching resume, some researchers suggest, is crucial. Pick your layout, font and format carefully. Playful or cutesy fonts can detract from a serious resume. Do not make fonts overly large or too small. Make sure that the resume does not look like a novelette and have too much information.

A resume with heavy paragraphs with no clear breaks are not easy to read and are less likely to be read. Organize the resume into sections. Use bullet points were possible to make your resume streamlined and easy to read.

Most word processing software, WordPerfect and Microsoft Word, have resume templates. These guides help you create well organized resumes. There are other types of resume specific software that can be used to help you create effective and eye catching resumes.

Consider your paper carefully. You don't give birthday gifts in grocery bags. So, why should you send your resume to an employer on inferior quality or less than crisp paper. Quality shows/ Choose paper the is heavier bond weight and in acceptable colors. Shy away from loud colors and pick light blues, light greys, white, off white or light creams.

Grammar and Spell Check

A resume is a calling card and communicates more than work experience. It also demonstrates your ability to write effectively. Experience and skills should be clearly written and formatted. Typos, poor grammar and poor organization can put a quick end to your application process. When in doubt, have someone review your resume before it's submitted for any job opening.

Part of A Complete Package

While we are asked to not judge a book by its cover, resumes are not subject to the same rule. A resume may not be enough. A strong cover letter and sometimes, attached references or certificates, can be a plus.

In your cover letter, never resuscitate your resume. Add information on a key experience or skill you have. Your opening, middle and closing paragraphs should be clear and concise. In addition, if you were directed to this particular employer by someone you and the employer know, include their name in your cover letter. For some positions, if you have relevant certifications, such as CPR or counseling, a copy of your certificates should be listed on your resume and included in your application package. If you have school transcripts, include those as well.

Also, match the paper for your cover letter to that of your resume. You want the set to look like a planned, organized package.

When In Doubt, Read

There are a number of books that offer guidance in resume writing, including Louise Kursmark's Best Resumes for College Students and New Grads (2005) and Simon and Curtis' The Resume.com to Writing Unbeatable Resumes (2004). The Internet also offers resources as well.

A strong resume is a key component in your job hunting arsenal. Including the right information is not enough for your resume to stand out. A resume should be easy to read, well organized, and not filled with fluff. Let your first impression be the best impression to a new employer. Submit a resume that makes you shine above all other applicants and with these helpful hints you are on your way to getting that new job and better opportuntities.