Creative Business Online

Most people just through together a resume as an afterthought. They list their contact information, the type of job they wish to do, and some basic information about previous jobs. But if they want to have an edge in the marketplace, this is a not a good approach.

A good resume should be used as a sales tool. It’s what basically convinces the potential employer whether or not they want to hire you. If you create something that doesn’t sparkle, you won’t even get a call for an interview.

WHAT IS A RESUME?

If you learn to see the resume for what it is - a sales tool that is designed to convince the potential employer of your worth - it will be a lot easier to write one that does it’s job. Now, that doesn’t mean that you need to use annoying “sales-y” tactics to get the job done. Just remember that it’s acceptable and expected to toot your own horn. You will not look conceited, you’ll look competent.

WHAT GOES IN A RESUME?

There are a few basic elements that go into a resume. Most resumes should be 1-2 pages long. If yours is any more than two pages, you’ll need to condense it. Keep in mind that most people don’t look beyond the first page anyway. Keep the font simple - I typically use Times New Roman 12 point for mine.

The basic format is as follows:

Name and contact information. Make sure to list where people can reach you.

Education. List your high school, undergraduate school, graduate school, as well as the degrees you earned at the schools.

Experience. List your former jobs, their contact information, and what your role was there.

Additional information. This is where you list your skills, any hobbies you feel are relevant to the position, and any awards you may have one.

TYPES OF RESUMES

The information that goes into a resume is basically the same. But, there are different kinds of resumes out there. The difference between them is how this information is arranged. Think about the kind of job you are applying for and the type of experience you’ve had. Choose the resume that best highlights that experience.

Chronological. This type lists your experience in chronological order. That means that the most current job you’ve had will be first.

Functional. A functional resume is designed to highlight your skills. So, if you have managerial experience, you’d list that as a category and then all the positions you’ve had that illustrate that. You can list jobs under more than one category.

3. Combination. The combination resume combines the two types. You list your experience chronologically and at the same time highlight your skills.

DO YOU NEED A RESUME IF YOU’RE SELF EMPLOYED?

The answer is yes. I have one. I use it to apply for blogging and freelance writing jobs I find on Craigslist. I don’t use all the categories. Instead of listing former jobs, I talk about the publications that I have work in. I also list my websites and blogs as well as my skills. The nice thing about a resume for the self employed is that you can use the categories you need and even create categories.

FIND A GOOD TEMPLATE

One last tip. Use a template. My first resume was a disaster. Then, I decided to revise it by looking for templates. I used Word.

If you have Word search in their template database. I searched for “writer resumes” in their database and pulled up something that I use now. They have a bunch of professions listed and you can format it and adjust it for your needs. Made my life so much easier.