Contact Form

Writing a Resume That Generates Results

A resume is a unique marketing and communication tool and should be used as an efficient way to present you, your skills, previous experiences and qualifications to potential employers. Resumes should always be accompanied by a cover letter. Writing resumes is something that millions of people around the world do, yet only a small number can actually master composing a successful resume or Curriculum Vitae. Most applicants forget that a high-impact resume has to be polished and look professional. If not, your paper will not attract the attention of the recruiting or hiring manager. Prior to starting your resume, take the time to think about your experiences and what type of job you're looking for. The type of job you are applying for will also influence the type of resume you need to write. Online, review several samples and styles of resumes, tailored to this specific line of work.

From the different resume styles, the chronological resume is the most widely used today. Employment and educational achievements are listed in chronological order, beginning with the most recent achievements. To be effective, a 1-2 page resume is split up in seven sections.

The Header: This section contains your name, address, city, state, country (if you are applying for a position abroad), phone and alternative phone, and email address.
Objective – Career goals: An ‘objective statement’ includes 1-3 line of text, summarizing the position you are applying for, your main qualifications, and whether the job you are seeking is full-time, part-time, or an internship. Focus on how the employer would benefit from you, and why you would be the perfect candidate for the job. Objectives are about the employer, NOT about you!
Employment experiences: List at least three relevant jobs in chronological order, starting with the most recent. Include company names, employment starting and end dates, and what your responsibilities were. Limit your listings to the last 15 years, unless previous experiences may be greatly beneficial to the employer. Unfair as it may seem, job discrimination is still pretty much alive, and older employees may be rejected because they usually expect to fall into a higher pay grid.
Educational background: List in chronological order the school(s) you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned.
Additional abilities: This section gives you a chance to mention extra courses you may have taken, or supplementary skills you gained, and which may be significant to the position/career field that you are applying for i.e. extra computer, or language skills.
Keyword summary: In this part you can express your most important profile qualifications, useful to the job.
Activities or optional information: this section is not mandatory. However, it can be of advantage to write down a few of your interests. For example, doing regular volunteer work shows the employer that you are compassionate.
References: Keep references on a separate sheet and give them to the employer when asked for. You can note on your resume that ‘references are available upon request.’

A word of caution: Exclude your age, gender, religious or political affiliations, marital status, or other personal data, which could be used to screen you out.