Preparing Your Resume
These days, most employers prefer that you send your resume via e-mail. That way, employers can use a software program that scans for format and key words. The resume is no longer a list of your work history and education. You now have to be concerned more than ever about formatting, both for ordinary mail and e-mail. You have to be clued in on the current buzzwords, key words, and catch phrases that fit the bill for the jobs you want.
Always customize your resume for each job application. In other words, if you're applying for a position that requires substantial knowledge of certain kinds of computer software, emphasize the software experienced you've had at previous jobs. These days, it's easy to customize your resume. Just make the changes in your document and save it under another name. Save all your various resumes so you can use them as needed in the future.
With your resume, you are selling yourself to an employer. It is the vehicle to get your foot in the door. The door in this case leads to an interview. Your resume is supposed to show that you are a good fit with the company or organization. It should show how you, and you alone, are the perfect candidate for that position.
The average employer — and this is true for government employers as well — will probably only take thirty seconds to scan your resume before making a decision. If your resume does not stand out, it will likely go into the recycling bin. Hence, you need to catch the prospective employer's attention by using key words and phrases. A good resume should have the following qualities:
An eye-catching and easy-to-read format
No typos or other errors
Perfect grammar
Emphasis on relevant information
Your resume should fit on one page. If it's longer than two pages, that alone might send it to the recycling bin.
ssential
Think of your resume as an organic entity. Unlike the old days, when you could just keep a standard resume on file, this document now needs to be tailored for each particular job you're seeking. It should also convey the maximum impact with a minimum number of words. With few exceptions, resumes should not exceed a single page.
Chronological Resume
This type of resume is exactly what it sounds like, a chronological description of your work history. It is organized as a timeline, with your most recent job first and the rest following in descending order. Companies and job titles are emphasized. A chronological resume is best used when you have stayed in the same line of work during your career and when it demonstrates that you have advanced along the way. It is the preferred format to send out when seeking government jobs.
Functional Resume
In this form, your skills and accomplishments take precedence over job titles, names, and dates. This form is often used by people who have time gaps in their work history, have changed jobs often, and/or have had a variety of different careers. People who fear age discrimination also use the functional resume. It is best to use this format if you fall into the following categories:
You want to stress abilities not used in your most recent job.
You want to emphasize personal characteristics.
You are changing careers or re-entering the work force.
You want to de-emphasize time gaps in your working life.
You have eclectic and diverse work experience.
You have been a freelancer or consultant, or you worked at many temp jobs.
Combination Resume
There is also a style called the combination resume. It combines elements of the chronological and functional resumes. It presents accomplishments and skills in a section called “Areas of Effectiveness” or “Qualifications Summary,” but it also includes a work history and education summary.
Key Words
Many companies these days do not want to receive a hard copy of your resume initially. You are more likely to be e-mailing than snail mailing your resume these days. You should be aware that a computer software program will be used to scan your resume for keywords and phrases before it is forwarded to a human being.
In writing both your resume and your cover letter, it is important to use active language and as many verbs as possible. Use the job description as your guide. If it lists data analysis as a core job skill, for instance, you should use the verb “analyzed” whenever applicable.
If you need help, here is a list of words and phrases that will catch the attention of either the machine or the human that is perusing your resume:
• Interaction with |
• Consulted |
• Acted as liaison |
• Delivered |
• Edited |
• Drafted |
• Established |
• Evaluated |
• Formulated |
• Gathered |
• Handled |
• Improved |
• Initiated |
• Installed |
• Implemented |
• Instructed |
• Maintained |
• Investigated |
• Managed |
• Negotiated |
• Promoted to |
• Organized |
• Instrumental in |
• Performed |
• Recipient of |
• Planned |
• Administered |
• Presented |
• Assisted with |
• Recommended |
• Adept at |
• Successful at |
• Analyzed |
• Expertise and |
• Assessed |
demonstrated skills |
• Arranged |
• Experienced |
• Coordinated |
in all facets |
• Conducted |
• Knowledge of |
• Counseled |
• Extensive involvement |
• Delegated |
• Proficient at |
• Directed |
• Specialize in |
• Demonstrated |
• In charge of |
• Developed |
• Familiar with |
• Advised |
• Assigned to |
• Budgeted |
• Worked closely with |
In the Proper Order
The order in which you place the sections of your resume should vary based on your age and experience. A recent grad should put her education section first, since she has limited experience. A seasoned veteran of the working world will put her education information at the bottom of the page.
The first thing on your resume should be contact information. This is true regardless of what type of resume you submit. After all, you can't be hired if you can't be found. Make sure your contact information is up to date. Your contact information should contain the following: name, address, city, state, zip code, telephone numbers, and — if applicable — fax number.
Alert
At one time, it was commonplace and even expected that you would include an objective statement in your resume, such as “My objective is to attain a position that will allow me to use my excellent interpersonal skills.” This is no longer standard practice, and it might even send your resume to the bottom of the pile.
If you are a recent graduate, you should put the education section next. Did you graduate with honors? Make sure you note that. Does your degree focus on a particular skill area? Make sure that's clear too. If you have been out of school for a while, then your experience and work history should be very high on your resume. Provide a brief outline of your qualifications that gives the most amount of information in the fewest words. Focus on any special skills you have, awards you have won, or specialized training you have received.
List your current and past positions in reverse chronological order as follows: employer, job title, dates you worked there, and a description of your responsibilities. You should be more thorough in describing the most recent position; less detail is required as you go back in time. This is also the place where you may customize the descriptions to fit the job for which you are applying.
If you have a great deal of experience, you can save the educational information for a space after your work history. First, list your most recent degree, if you have one, or note where you are studying, if you're still in school. This section should be more extensive the less experience you have. If you're a recent grad, list your GPA and any honors, awards, or extracurricular activities that may be relevant to your job search.
Fact
Unfortunately for many job seekers, most companies no longer give out references out of fear of being sued for giving a bad one. However, most companies still ask for references, even though they are unwilling to give them. This is an unfortunate paradox for the applicant. One solution is to ask supervisors or coworkers to give you written references, which you can then supply to prospective employers directly.
The final section of your resume should contain your references. If you have good ones, go ahead and list them. If you don't, just put, “References available upon request.” Most likely, Uncle Sam will only want to check your references if you a strong candidate for a particular job. At that point, a good reference can be the final push that gets you in the door.
