Writing a Resume the Easy Way

One of the best ways to get your application looked at before others, is to attach a résumé. A lot of people don't attach résumés because they are unsure of how to compose a résumé. Some people don't even know what a résumé is. In this article I will describe what a résumé is as well as how to write one.

Résumés are not written only by those who have completed or are currently completing a college course. Résumés are for any one. Even those who might not have any work experience at all.

Don't let all that fancy lettering and all those words you often see on résumés fool you. Writing a résumé is really simple and fairly easy to do.

First, get a piece of paper and something for you to write with. Writing a few things down will help you later when it comes to typing your résumé up on the computer. When in front of the computer is where most people go wrong. Your mind tends to go blank. You can think of nothing good about yourself at all. That is where the paper and pen come in handy.

Let's take notes shall we.

Now with your pen and paper, jot down some good qualities about yourself.

Ask yourself questions like, am I good worker. If the answer is yes, then write that down.

It should look something like this;

I am a good worker.

The following are a few more questions that you can use if you would like, or even make up your own. Assess yourself. Read the questions, and answer them truthfully. Any of them that are answered with a good response, write it down.

Do I get the job done? Do I get the job done in a timely manner?

Do I work well with others?

Am I a people person?

For this question you could answer with something like;

'I enjoy working with people. I am truly a people kind of person.'

Or you could try something like;

'I love to work with people. I make it a personal goal to help them solve their problems.'

Are you a multi tasked person? Can you handle working in a fast paced environment?

Be sure that the questions you ask yourself, and the answers that you write down, are appropriate for the position, or job that you are attempting to get hired into.

After asking yourself, and answering, five to ten questions, move on to the next item of interest.

Next, tackle any qualification, skills, or training that you might have.

What machines can you run? Do you know how to use a dishwasher?

Remember that a dishwasher in a restaurant is different then a dishwasher from home.

Can you use the computer?

If you can surf the web, check and send e-mails, you know how to use a computer. Let's just say that you may not know it all that well, and don't posses extensive computer knowledge. So on your pad of paper you would write down something similar to this;

'Some knowledge of computers.'

Then, list any additional programs on the computer that you know how to use. Such as Internet explorer, Microsoft works, or even note pad. Do not list any games that you play. This would be unprofessional.

It would now look something like;

'Can run Microsoft Word Processor.'

Can you use a calculator? How about a typewriter?

List any other machines or office equipment that you know how to and have used.

Once you have a few items, move on to the next section.

In this section is where you would also write down any awards, certificates, and or any military training that you have acquired.

Now write down your job history.

You can either write down only the jobs that you have similar experience from that would qualify you for the position that you are seeking. Make sure that if you chose this option, that the jobs you put down match the requirements that would be required of you from the job that you are seeking.

Or you can choose to write down your job history in order. Be sure to start with your most recent and present job first.

Which ever way that you choose to write your job history, make sure that you write down hourly wages, supervisor (s), duties, job title, date started and dated ended. If you want to you can add an explanation of your reasoning for quitting or getting fired. Be sure to keep it short and sweet. No matter what the situation is. They are looking for a quick and efficient answer. Not your life story. If you acquired any training while you were there. You can also add in what machines you ran, or worked with, if any.

For your references;

Now write down a list of three to five references. Be sure to add their contact information, such as, their address and a number where they can be reached. You can also add the years you've know them, or even their relation to you.

Now you are ready to write your résumé.

First and foremost, add your name to the top of the paper. Any contact numbers that they might be able to reach you at. Include your e-mail address if you have one. Add your current address. A date you can start. And the wages that you are looking to receive.

Make sure you put down the job that you are applying for. For instance, if you want to apply for cashier, you would simply put;

'Cashier.'

Add all these areas that we have just gone over on to your résumé. Be sure to add a heading or a title to each section to help the reader know what it is that they are reading. The order in which you place all the areas that we covered with the note pad do not matter. As long as they are there.

Now that you know how to write a résumé, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, give it a try.