Your employment history, educational background, skills, and qualifications need to be presented in a way that will help you get selected for a job interview. Rather than a simple list of the jobs you have held, it’s important to include information specific to the positions for which you’re applying. Once you’ve created your first resume or refreshed your old one, you can simply tweak it to match it up with a job when you’re applying for an open position. Read on for how to build a resume, the components required in an interview-winning resume, examples of what to include in each section, how to format your resume, options for saving your document, and tips for writing a resume that will catch the attention of hiring managers.
Before You Begin Creating Your Resume
Choose a Word Processor
Before you start to work on your resume, you’ll need a word processor. If you don’t have word processing software installed on your computer, here are free online word processors, like Google Docs, you can use. One of the benefits of working online is that you can update, send, and share your resume from any computer or device you’re using. That makes the application process much simpler because you’ll be able to easily apply for jobs from anywhere that may be convenient for you.
Plan the Framework of Your Resume
Next, consider the basic framework of your resume. More isn’t necessarily better, so aim for conciseness over length. Employers are looking for a synopsis of your credentials; not everything you have done in your career. In many cases, a one-page resume is sufficient. If you have extensive experience, longer may be necessary. Your goal is to wow the hiring manager and present a document that promotes you as an ideal candidate for the position. Review these tips for building a resume that will help you get job interviews. Before you get started, make a list of the contact information you want to use, all your jobs, your education, training, certifications, skills, and other credentials. Once you have everything down on paper, you will be able to adjust the font size and type, spacing, and add formatting options to your resume. ProfileAdding a profile or an objective to your resume gives the employer a brief overview of your qualifications. This is an optional component of a resume. If you include it, focus on what prospective employers are seeking rather than what you want in your next job. Hiring managers want to know what you have to offer. Summary of QualificationsA summary of qualifications is another optional section of a resume. It’s a statement that includes your skills, abilities, experience, and what qualifies you for the position. ExperienceYour work history is the most important component of your resume. Employers will want to know where you have worked, when you worked there, and what responsibilities you held in each role that you had. They will be looking to see how your experience lines up with what they are looking for in prospective employees.
List the jobs and internships you have held in reverse chronological order, with the most recent positions first. For each position, include: job title, company, location, dates of employment, and a bulleted list of the strongest accomplishments for each job. Verb tense should be present tense for your current job if you are employed, and past tense for prior employment.
If you’re not sure of employment dates, here’s how to recreate your employment history. It’s important to be accurate because employers do conduct background checks. Volunteer WorkIf you have volunteer experience that’s related to the jobs you’re applying for, or if you have volunteered to avoid an employment gap, list volunteering as you would the jobs you have held. Review these tips for including volunteer work on your resume. EducationThe education section generally comes next. You need only to list degrees earned, with the highest first, if you have been out of school for a few years. If you’re a student or recent graduate, the education section of your resume can be listed above your employment history. If you have work experience, list it below that section. Education should be listed in reverse chronological order, with the most recent and advanced education first. Include the name of the school, the degree earned, and the date you graduated. Whether you include your GPA on your resume depends on how long ago you graduated and how high your GPA is. Here’s information on when to list your GPA on your resume. CertificationsThe next section of your resume includes any certifications you have. Awards and AccomplishmentsDon’t be shy about mentioning awards and achievements you have earned. They show the employer that you are a well-credentialed candidate who has been recognized for your accomplishments. SkillsThis section of a resume includes the skills you have that are directly related to the job for which you’re applying. Employers typically list required or preferred skills in the job listings when itemizing the qualifications for the position. List your most closely related abilities here, using a bulleted list format. Personal InterestsIf you have personal interests that are strongly related to the position you’re applying for, list them here. This can be helpful if you’re applying for jobs where you don’t have a lot of related work experience, but you do have expertise achieved in other ways.
Chronological: This is the most frequently used and presents your work history starting with the most recent job first. Functional: If you have a spotty work history, you may want to use a functional resume that focuses on your skills and experience. Combination: This resume layout includes both your skills and your chronological work history.
If you choose a functional or combination resume, tailor the information you include accordingly. With a functional resume, you’ll highlight your job qualifications. With a combination resume, your skills will be listed first, followed by your employment history. Choose a Font: A basic font like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Verdana is a good choice because your resume needs to be easy for a hiring manager to read. Consistency is also important. Use the same font throughout your resume and in your cover letter. Font Size and Type: The font style and size can vary. For example, you can use a larger font for your name and section headings. Use bold and italics to highlight the details of your education and employment history. Lists vs. Paragraphs: A job description that includes a bulleted list of achievements is easier to read than a paragraph. Each sentence should provide a brief synopsis of your strongest accomplishments in the position. Tip: How to Write Job Descriptions for Your Resume
Review an Example of Resume Formatting
In the following example, the applicant’s name and the heading of each component of the resume are a larger font and bold. The job responsibilities are listed, and italics are used to highlight details of employment and education, and differentiate the candidate’s computer skills. Tip: Review Resume Example and Get Templates
Experience
Ambleside International, Database ManagerJanuary 20XX - Present Oversee the design, development, maintenance, and management of Ambleside proprietary databases.
Design and manage corporate financial, networking, and operations databases.Test databases and software programs, correct errors, and make modifications and updates.Perform regular database and software life-cycle maintenance to ensure the highest level of system performance and compliance with business requirements.Implement major database and software upgrades with 0 percent downtime.Ensure integrity, security, and availability compliance and scalability.Organize, format, and manage data for efficient query and storage processes.
Education
XYZ Institute of Technology, City, StateBachelor of Science, Information Technology
Certifications
Microsoft Certified Database AdministratorOracle Certified Professional
Technical Skills
Languages: SQL, Java, .Net, C++ Operating Systems: Windows, Unix, Linux, iOS Database Systems: MS SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Oracle, Ingres Be prepared to save it in a variety of formats, like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or PDF, for example, so that you can respond to employer requests for a specific type of document. Tip: How to Select a File Format for Your Resume Once it’s set, print extra copies to bring to interviews with you. If you don’t have a printer you can use, check with your local library or an office supply store to see if you can access a printer there. Incorporate the qualifications from the job listing into your resume job descriptions, skills, summary, and objective or profile. It only takes a few minutes, but using the same words and terms the employer uses will help ensure you’re a strong match for the job.
