How to Start:
1. Write down all of your previous job experiences.
2. Write down the dates you worked at each position. Make sure you are accurate. If you are not sure, contact your previous employer. If new employers call your previous employers you want to make sure the dates they report are the same as the dates you have on the resume.
3. List what you have done for each employer and your skills. Even the most basic jobs require attendance, a good attitude, an ability to work hard and an ability to follow instructions. Other skills employers may seek include problem solving, management, working with others, Also many employers seek specific skills for the job at hand, such as ability with specific software or
4. Also list any large problems you have solved for a given employer. It is worth making note of other issues you have resolved at work as these are very common interview questions.
5. If you have a lengthy employment history, some resumes benefit from focusing on the experience most applicable to the job for which you are applying. If you follow this path, it is recommended to reflect recent employment regardless.
6. Be prepared to explain any long period during which you did not work. Employers often enquire, and if you have satisfactory answers, it is typically not marked against you.
7. Include your contact information such as mailing address, phone number and email.
8. If you do not have a professional sounding email we recommend you create a free account online. A professional and easily remembered email address is helpful in a job search.
9. Also write a list of volunteer work or extracurricular activities, such as sports or clubs you do. Important: Do not make anything up. Many people in are under the impression that you need to exaggerate on a resume. Do not leave out any of your real accomplishments or duties, but this is something to avoid as it is a cause for termination and will likely get you in trouble. If you set false expectation for your employer they will put you into situations for which you will not be prepared.
Writing the Resume:
1. Elect an easy to read, standard font. Arial or Times new Roman are best for a first resume. You want your resume to appear to be professional. Different paper or formatting may be used to help make your resume stand out, but do not take it too far. An eye catching resume that is not professional is just as likely to be dismissed as read.
2. Use the same format for presenting each job. Make sure you include the company, your title and the dates you were at each position. You can also include a brief description of what the position was if you would like.
3. Skills, training and certifications you have may also be included with the relevant jobs or broken out into their own sections.
4. You may choose to list a few personal items such as a volunteer work, sports, clubs, awards, interests or hobbies. This can be of interest to your employer and will also often add to the conversation of the interview. These should typically be about one line long.
5. At the end consider putting a note which says: “Personal and Professional References Available Upon Request.” Have three people who know you professionally and three people, other than immediate family, who have known you for a number of years ready to speak for you. If references are requested you will need to give out their name, phone number and how you know them. The company may also request their email addresses. Always ask permission to use someone as a reference. Think about how the people will be perceived by your potential employer and make sure your experiences with the person are good. You don’t want to submit a bad reference.
Cover Letter
1. Remember to also write a separate cover letter for each application. This is a letter you submit with the resume. These letters might appear similar for each job. This is acceptable, just make sure the key information is adjusted to be relevant to each unique job.
2. If at all possible, call ahead and address the letter to the person in charge of hiring or who will actually be making the decision to fill the job.
3. Be formal and thank them for your time. Be specific about the opening you are enquiring about, but it is wise to add a note that you would also be interested in other positions they may feel you match.
4. State what you feel you can bring to the table or why you feel you might be a good match for the position.
5. Write the letter in formal English. Try to avoid contractions and conversational tone in the email.
6. Do not make it longer than a half of a page. A single paragraph for four or five sentences can be acceptable. Remember, people hire when they are busy, not when they have time for a long read. 7. Include your contact information such as phone number and email. 8. A date at the top right or left corner is also appropriate.
Check for the Following and other Tips:
1. After you submit your resume, it is a good idea to call the company a few days later to follow up. Try to reach the person in charge of hiring or who is taking the lead in filling the position. Often the people reading them are busy and this can be on opportunity to introduce yourself and schedule an interview.
2. If you fax the resume, check for the fax confirmation to ensure the fax went through.
3. Bring a hardcopy of your resume and cover letter to the interview.
4. If you find the response rate is low, consider the jobs you are applying for and your experience. Also review your resume and cover letter to see if a change there might help further.
• Be early or on time for your interview and dress appropriately. Get a full night’s rest the night before and make sure you shower, wear fresh clothes and do a breath check. Your clothing should typically be business causal or business and conservative. Do not wear street clothes or dress casually.
• Research the company before you go to an interview. Knowing a bit about the job and the company will help to show your interest.
• Don’t hesitate to ask a few key questions as well. You also want to know about the position and show interest.
• Remember, don’t belittle your previous jobs. Every job requires something from you or a skill. Also each job has its positive side.
• Cover tattoos, remove piercings other then earrings, do not bring food or chew cum and turn your phone’s ringtone off.
• Avoid off-color stories or humor. Speak clearly and make eye contact.
• Remember to be polite, try to remember names and thank them for their time when the interview ends.
• Stay positive. People want to work with fun, positive people.